In collaboration with the Vice President for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, the Executive Director / Assistant Vice President (ED/AVP) of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement leads the advancement of WKU through innovative philanthropy and alumni engagement strategies, fostering meaningful partnerships that drive transformational support for the University’s mission. As a key member of the Vice President’s leadership team, this position provides strategic direction to secure the financial support needed to achieve institutional priorities and leads a growing team of philanthropy officers while collaborating with academic deans and campus partners to maximize fundraising outcomes.

The ED/AVP manages a portfolio including individual major and principal-level donors, as well as corporate and foundation partners. The role requires cross-functional collaboration across the Division and campus to achieve and exceed engagement and philanthropy goals.

This position will be filled at the appropriate level (Executive Director or Assistant Vice President) based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

Success is measured through alignment with the Division and University’s strategic plan, using key performance indicators tied to fundraising results, donor engagement best practices, cross-functional collaboration, and commitment to the Division’s core values.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are customary for this position but are not all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted, and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

Philanthropy Officer Management (50%)

• Cultivate a high-performing philanthropy team, promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional growth to maximize donor impact.
• Provide strategic leadership and guidance for six philanthropy officers, establishing programmatic goals, setting individual targets, monitoring performance, and tracking productivity.
• Mentor and coach staff to enhance donor engagement strategies and strengthen frontline fundraising effectiveness.
• Collaborate with prospect management to develop portfolios, design annual strategic prospect tracking, and manage solicitation plans.
• Coordinate Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (PAE) outreach and communication with collegiate deans and unit directors to support their fundraising and alumni engagement efforts.

Major & Principal Gift Portfolio Management (40%)

• Manage a portfolio of high-level prospects to increase private support for WKU.
• Achieve annual fundraising goals through strategic cultivation and solicitation of prospects aligned with university priorities.
• Develop and implement customized engagement strategies for top prospects to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and volunteers to advance major gift opportunities and secure transformative commitments.

Corporate and Foundation Relations (10%)

• Lead PAE’s efforts to expand WKU’s holistic corporate engagement program with UNITE.
• Monitor foundation deadlines and actively engage faculty and staff to increase grantmaking opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Research to determine best practices for growing WKU’s research portfolio.
• Serve as a liaison to campus leadership for engagement with the Innovation Campus and local business community.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the Vice President with additional initiatives and programs as identified.
• Represent the Division in presentations, special events, and at meetings with alumni, donors, and community constituents.

Requirements:

In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree:

Executive Director:

• Minimum 3 years progressive experience in higher education or nonprofit setting. 
• Demonstrated success closing six-figure gifts
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a team across a complex organization
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with donors, volunteers, and campus leaders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Assistant VP: 

• Minimum 8 years progressive experience in higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Experience managing a team of philanthropy officers; strong leadership skills
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with donors, volunteers, and campus leaders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at [email protected] or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University’s response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU’s https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email [email protected].

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system:

• Cover letter addressing your interest and relevant experience

• Résumé/CV

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

Anticipated start date: January 1, or as soon as candidate is available.