Job description
If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.
Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
***The Advancement Director, Southeast Region will work from an established remote, home office in one of the following States: Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee***
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Independently identify and manage a portfolio of 100-125 prospects/donors (foundations, corporations, alumni, friends)in the region of responsibility. The Advancement Director is responsible for identification and progression of major gift prospects through the gift cycle: (qualification through stewardship) as well as documenting all prospects interactions, outcomes, strategies and rationales in WGU’s donor management system.
Exceptional communication skills, including proposal development (writing, editing, etc.) and an ability to pitch (written or orally) ideas and concepts to prospective philanthropic investors.
Engages prospective donors and builds strong relationships. Develops proposals based on WGU’s fundraising priorities and donor investment interests.
Works collaboratively with the WGU Advancement team, the Regional Vice President, and other internal constituents to develop both broad reach and targeted engagement opportunities.
Qualifies individual, corporate, and foundation prospects and cultivates those that have ability to contribute $100K or greater.
Assists in the development of annual fundraising goals using past giving history and anticipated new funding opportunities.
Works collaboratively across the university so that all proposals/reports are well prepared and properly vetted so that WGU is represented in a professional and thoughtful way.
Regularly reports relevant donor activity and strategy to the Executive Director of Development and other internal stakeholders.
Collaborates internally in adherence to processes, deadlines, budgets, policies, and procedures of WGU. Maintains a positive and constructive attitude while solving problems.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
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Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:
General knowledge of Advancement programs and processes.
General knowledge of IRS rules regarding philanthropic gifts.
Understanding of, and adherence to, the Donor Bill of Rights.
Ability to demonstrate mastery in written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to deliver persuasive and compelling presentations to secure major gifts and donations.
Entrepreneurial spirit and independent problem solver.
Job Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a related area.
Six (6) years of experience in cultivating and soliciting major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations as well as fundraising and relationship management experience.
Experience in cultivating, closing, and stewarding six-figure gifts.
Residence and strong philanthropic connections in the Southeast Region: Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee
Preferred Qualifications:
May have broad knowledge of project management.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Up to 30% travel and some weekend work expected.
This position requires occasional travel of up to 30%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.
Additional Information
- Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.
- Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.
- Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.