Overview
Director, Central Region/Indianapolis Jobs in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA at Western Governors University
Position: Advancement Director, Central Region/Indianapolis
Job Description
Job Summary
The Director will primarily work from home but is required to maintain an office and presence in our Central Region/Indianapolis offices. Therefore, residence within a commutable distance from our Chicago office is required.
WGU Advancement is dedicated to making workforce-based education affordable and attainable for all by increasing and improving access to higher education and accelerating innovations in learning through transformational philanthropic partnerships. Since 1997, WGU has redefined ways to access and attain a post-secondary credential of value, fundamentally changing American higher education to be more equitable, affordable, and achievable. Our donors reflect that same spirit of innovation and generosity.
The Advancement Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of $100,000 and above from foundations, corporations, and individual constituents. The candidate will manage a portfolio of approximately 100-125 donor prospects, conducting 12-15 personal visits per month via online meetings and travel. This role requires independent work and collaboration with the Advancement team, the Regional Vice President, and other stakeholders.
The Director will develop long-term relationships with donors to ensure a strong pipeline of major gifts.
The purpose of this position is to secure philanthropic funds by managing a group of qualified donors, ensuring retention, upgrades, and ongoing support for WGU.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Manage a portfolio of 100-125 prospects/donors, documenting all interactions and strategies in WGU’s donor management system.
Develop proposals and pitch ideas to prospective donors effectively.
Build relationships with prospective donors, aligning their interests with WGU’s priorities.
Collaborate with internal teams to develop engagement opportunities.
Qualify prospects with the capacity to contribute $100K or more and cultivate these relationships.
Assist in setting annual fundraising goals based on past data and new opportunities.
Ensure proposals and reports are professionally prepared and vetted.
Report donor activity and strategy progress to leadership.
Work collaboratively, adhere to policies, and maintain a positive attitude.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of advancement programs and IRS rules regarding gifts.
Understanding of the Donor Bill of Rights.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to deliver persuasive presentations for major gifts.
Entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving skills.
Job Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Six years of experience in cultivating and soliciting major gifts and in fundraising/relationship management.
Experience in securing six-figure gifts.
Residence within a commutable distance from Indianapolis.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of project management.
Position & Application Details
This is a full-time, regular position eligible for benefits, bonuses, and various health and wellness programs. To apply, submit your application online; internal applicants should apply via the internal job board in Workday.
Additional Information
Disclaimers about the role, accommodations, and equal opportunity employment are included.
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Title: Director, Central Region/Indianapolis
Company: Western Governors University
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Category: Non-Profit & Social Impact (Community Health, Non-Profit / Outreach)
