Vice President, Advancement

If youre passionate about building a better future for individuals communities and our countryand youre committed to working hard to play your part in building that futureconsider WGU as the next step in your career.

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Job Description

WGU Advancement the universitys fundraising arm embodies WGUs commitment to growth and impact. The Vice President Advancement (VP) is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy that prioritizes the deepening of relationships with alumni donors foundations and strategic partners that guides all fundraising efforts at WGU. This strategy will be intricately aligned with WGUs mission vision and strategic priorities and will reflect the universitys innovative model and student-centric approach to higher education.
Central to this role is fostering a culture of philanthropy across WGU ensuring efficiency sustainability and impact through data-informed decision-making innovative fundraising practices and technology-enabled systems that strengthen fundraising initiatives that will resonate deeply with every stakeholder. The VP leads and develops a high-performing fundraising team oversees advancement services and manages grants administrationensuring efficiency sustainability and impact.
The VP is responsible to foster close collaboration with academic leadership enrollment marketing and student services to align messaging and maximize the impact of university-wide initiatives As a key member of the Presidents Leadership Team the VP will actively contribute to shaping and communicating the Presidents vision strategic direction and operational decisions affecting both the university and its affiliated initiatives.

ResponsibilitiesPrimary ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a bold and ambitious Advancement strategy to support WGUs growth long term sustainability and transformative philanthropic partnerships and expansion in alignment with the organizations priorities. Recruit develop and retain a diverse high-performing Advancement team by modeling values driven leadership setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of accountability innovation professional growth and cross-functional collaboration. Provide visionary leadership across all fundraising domainsincluding major gifts annual giving corporate and foundation relations planned giving and donor engagementensuring a cohesive and high-impact fundraising ecosystem. Oversee the grants administration team ensuring a streamlined and efficient grant lifecyclefrom identification and application to compliance and reporting. Establish and maintain best practices in donor stewardship recognition and engagement. Optimize the allocation of Advancement resources ensuring investments align proportionally with generated funds. Manage the advancement services team to enhance donor management gift processing and fundraising analytics. Champion the strategic use of technology CRM systems and data analytics to inform fundraising strategy personalize donor engagement monitor performance and drive continuous improvement. Collaborate closely with WGU leaders Trustees and faculty fostering a university-wide commitment to philanthropy and shared fundraising goals. Cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals foundations and corporate partners to build a strong philanthropic pipeline. Oversee the preparation and implementation of operating budgets to optimize resource allocation and impact. Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and senior leadership contributing to enterprise-level planning and championing Advancements role in achieving institutional goals. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. QualificationsKnowledge Skills and AbilitiesExceptional leadership and organizational acumen with a proven ability to lead high-performing cross-functional teams in complex mission-driven environments. Proven success in securing major and principal gifts (5- 6- and 7-figure) driving multi-channel fundraising strategies and exceeding ambitious philanthropic targets. Deep understanding of best practices in higher education fundraising alumni engagement and donor stewardship. Expertise in grant management including full lifecycle development reporting and compliance. Proficient in using advancement technology CRM systems and fundraising analytics to optimize donor engagement and strategic decision-making. Proficient in using advancement technology CRM systems and fundraising analytics to optimize donor engagement and strategic decision-making. Ability to foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization and engage stakeholders at all levels. Inspirational collaborative and entrepreneurial leadership style that fosters innovation accountability and team empowerment. Skilled relationship-builder with a strong network and ability to engage high-net-worth individuals corporate partners and philanthropic institutions. Results-driven and analytical with the ability to translate metrics into actionable fundraising strategies and performance improvements. Strong financial acumen with experience overseeing multi-million dollar Advancement budgets ensuring responsible stewardship and high-return investment in fundraising courage and willingness to tackle challenges and innovate in a rapidly evolving environment. Excellent judgment and adaptability making strategic decisions that drive impactEducation Bachelors degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Experience10 years of progressive senior leadership experience including leading teams of directors and multiple managers. 10 years of progressive leadership in fundraising with a proven ability to develop and implement successful strategies. Demonstrated success in securing 5-7 figure gifts from high-net-worth donors. Experience in an entrepreneurial business political fundraising or education-related environment. Preferred QualificationsMasters degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Existing relationships with high-net-worth individuals capable of $100000 position requires occasional travel of up to 20% 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.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical dental vision telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual 11 paid holidays and other paid leaves including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. Its 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

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.