Director, Transformational Investment

This position is responsible for securing transformational investment through major, annual, and deferred philanthropic commitments in support of Webster University’s operational, endowment, and capital priorities. The Director serves as a front-line fundraising professional responsible for building relationships with high-capacity individuals and guiding their engagement and investment in Webster through major annual gifts ($25,000 ), campaign commitments, and planned gifts.

The Director manages a portfolio of approximately 100–150 prospective and current donors and advances these relationships through the philanthropic lifecycle—from qualification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship. This role contributes directly to Webster’s philanthropic priorities by strengthening donor relationships, securing philanthropic support, and deepening long-term engagement.

The Director reports to the Senior Director for Community Resource Development and works collaboratively with leadership, departmental colleagues, and prospect development staff to align donor interests with Webster’s strategic priorities.

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

• Manage and advance a portfolio of approximately 100–150 prospective and current donors capable of making transformational investments.
• Conduct regular visits and substantive interactions with donors and prospects to cultivate relationships and secure major gifts, campaign commitments, and planned gifts.
• Develop and execute individualized engagement strategies to move donors through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Utilize and tailor existing case materials and philanthropic opportunities to align with donor interests and Webster’s priorities.
• Partner with leadership and institutional colleagues to prepare for and participate in donor meetings, cultivation efforts, and solicitations.
• Work collaboratively with University leadership, deans, faculty, and resource development colleagues to align donor interests with meaningful philanthropic investment opportunities.

Donor Strategy & Portfolio Development

• Partner with prospect development colleagues to qualify and advance prospective donors into the major gifts pipeline.
• Develop and implement strategic engagement plans that deepen donor relationships and position Webster for increased levels of philanthropic investment.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of donor interactions, strategies, and next steps within the University’s donor database.
• Other duties as needed to support Webster University’s philanthropic priorities.

Days M-F 8:30a-4:30p with some occasional weekend coverage. This position is approved for a 1-day hybrid, work arrangement as offered in Webster University’s Flexible Work Arrangements policy. Use by individual employees is at the discretion of the supervisor and unit leadership based on department and University needs”.

Salary Range: $90,000-$105,000 annually 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in securing major gifts
• Experience managing a donor portfolio and participating in the cultivation, solicitation, and closure of major gifts
• Proven ability to build and sustain long-term donor relationships
• Experience developing and executing donor engagement and solicitation strategies
• Strong working knowledge of fundraising compliance and disciplined documentation of donor activity within a donor database (CRM)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fundraising team
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical fundraising practices

Salary : $90,000 - $105,000