Regional Director, (WGU Advancement) - Northwest

Company: Western Governors University
Location: Salt Lake City
Posted on: January 25, 2023

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.

Candidates for the Regional Director, Northwest (WGU Advancement) position must live in one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Utah, or Wyoming. Seattle or Denver metro areas are strongly preferred.Who is WGU Advancement:WGU Advancement is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the official fundraising arm of WGU and its affiliates. Since its founding, WGU Advancement has raised over $50M in support of our mission to make high-quality, career-based education affordable and attainable for all. We do this by brokering strategic philanthropic investments that increase and improve access to higher education, and accelerate innovations in learning on behalf of students. WGU Advancement partners with foundations, corporations, associations, employees, students, and alumni to support scholarships, explore new learning models, and implement new technologies that reinvigorate the promise of higher education.Why consider us?

• Our employees advance our mission and are encouraged to challenge the system of higher education so that it is more equitable and attainable for all learners.
• Join an innovative, fun, and enriching team where are you valued and recognized for your contributions.
• Enjoy work in a fully remote environment (though travel is required) with equipment provided.
• Partake in development and growth opportunities to advance your career path.
• We offer competitive starting wages that take education and experience into account.
• We are growing. As a young organization, WGU Advancement is continuing to grow our staff and fundraising capabilities.
• A 75 percent employee tuition discount is available at WGU for yourself, and 50 percent discount for qualifying family members.
• A comprehensive and affordable benefits package, (including mental health benefits, and generous PTO) plus 401K matches and contributions where we put money into your retirement account even if you are not currently contributing.What will you be doing?As a Regional Director, you will help advance philanthropic relationships in the Northwest region (Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana) in support of WGU learners and programs. You will be responsible for building and maintaining a portfolio of giving prospects strongly composed of corporate and foundation funding partners, as well as individuals (alumni, friends, and employees). You will be on the front line of interacting with our friends and donors. You will be required to map out relationship and solicitation strategies, execute those strategies, and log your activities. You will develop custom funding proposals, including grant writing, to solicit support for high priority WGU projects and initiatives.You will also be part of a dynamic team of mission-driven fundraising professionals, education advocates, and lifelong learners. This position reports to the Executive Director of Development within WGU Advancement and is also required to hold strong working relationships with their regional leadership, particularly the Northwest Regional Vice President. You will be contributing to these teams as a champion for Advancement opportunities and fundraising, bringing with you a solutions-oriented and donor-centric mindset.Who will you be helping?At WGU Advancement, we believe that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. Unlike many non-profits, our primary fundraising focus is not to support operational functions, like building maintenance or facilities. Rather, we fundraise to support learners from all zip codes, backgrounds, and stages of life. Your work will have a direct and measurable impact on the success of our student learners. Additionally, your work will ensure the promise of higher education remains available for all.Who are you?You have strong demonstrated experience securing major gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals. You are a good relationship strategist, storyteller, writer, and can easily create personal connections with others. You work through ambiguity and have an entrepreneurial mindset. You work well independently and embrace the accountability of quantifiable, measurable goals.How is success measured?This position is measured on key performance indicators - including gifts and pledges raised, activity, and solicitations - as well as demonstration of WGU leadership principles.QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with minimum of 5 years of experience as a front line fundraiser, particularly with corporations and foundations.
    • Demonstrated record of relationship building and closing gifts of $25,000 or more.
      • Experience with grant writing and proposal preparation.
        • Residence and strong philanthropic connections in the region in which the position is responsible for.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 50-75% travel and some weekend work expected.Disclaimers:WGU Advancement, Inc is an affiliated non-profit entity of 501c(3) Corporation of Western Governors UniversityThis Job Description has been designed to indicate the general nature, essential duties, and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It does not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications that are required of the employee to do this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This Job Description does not constitute a contract of employment and the University may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.LI#MH1
                  As an equal opportunity employer, WGU recognizes that our strength lies in our people. We are committed to diversity.

Keywords: Western Governors University, Salt Lake City , Regional Director, (WGU Advancement) - Northwest, Executive , Salt Lake City, Utah