What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Growth and Development position at Wesco Industries?
Director of Growth & Development -
This is not your typical fundraising job. We are looking for a particular kind of person. If you believe you are that kind of person, you will do well here. If you are looking for a challenge, if you are looking to push yourself and work at a pace that makes other people's head spin, we might have a job for you. If you really love to serve, if you are looking to serve a cause bigger than yourself. Please apply.
Wesco Foundation / Wesco Industries
Denison, Iowa (Western Iowa) | Full-Time
Let’s be clear: If you’re looking for a quiet desk job with predictable days and safe goals — this isn’t it. If you thrive on building something meaningful from the ground up…
If you see opportunity where others see limitations…
If you believe relationships change communities…
If you love turning bold ideas into real dollars that fuel real impact…Keep reading.
What You’ll Be Building -Wesco exists to strengthen lives across Western Iowa. We are a regional leader in disability services and one of Crawford County’s largest employers — we support over 200 community members and families. Your mission?Design and lead the growth engine that powers our future. This is a senior leadership role for someone who thinks like an entrepreneur, connects like a neighbor, and executes like a pro. You’ll own fundraising strategy end-to-end: major gifts, grants, donor development, and legacy giving — with a special focus on building long-term relationships with agricultural families, business owners, and community leaders. This role blends strategy storytelling trust-building execution.No silos. No hand-holding. Real impact.
What You’ll Actually Do - You’ll create and run the entire growth operation:
- Build and execute a bold fundraising strategy (not just maintain one)
- Identify, cultivate, and steward major donors
- Lead grant discovery, writing, submission, and reporting
- Design planned giving and legacy programs (bequests, estate gifts, etc.)
- Build relationships with attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, business owners, and executives
- Track donor pipelines and revenue like a CEO tracks metrics
- Provide regular reports to Foundation leadership and Board
- Represent Wesco throughout Western Iowa at community events and donor meetings
- Help develop Board engagement and communication strategies
- Use modern tools (including AI) to work smarter, faster, and more creatively
You’re not inheriting a system. You’re building one from the ground up. If you need something to accomplish this, we will find it for you.
Who Thrives Here - You might be our person if:
- You have 7 years in fundraising, development, or advancement
- You’ve raised real dollars through major gifts, grants, or donor relationships
- You’re comfortable walking into rooms of farmers, business leaders, and community partners — and walking out with trust
- You’re self-directed, curious, and highly motivated
- You think creatively, act strategically, and follow through relentlessly
- You understand rural communities (or are excited to learn)
- You write strong grants (big plus)
- You use technology and AI naturally in your workflow
Preferred but not required:
- Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or similar
- CFRE, Planned Giving, Grant Writing, or fundraising certifications
More important than credentials? Drive. Creativity. Integrity. Relationship-building.
Compensation & Benefits
- $90,000–$110,000 base salary (depending on experience)
- Performance incentives tied directly to fundraising and grant success. If you believe you can create consistent revenue and relationships, you will be compensated accordingly.
- Full Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
- Professional development support
- Freedom to innovate
Location & Travel
- Based in or near Denison, Iowa
- Regular travel throughout Western Iowa, connecting with donors and communities
Ready to Build Something That Matters?
Send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why this role excites you to: cadams@wescoind.org
Tell us what motivates you.
Tell us what you’ve built.
Tell us what you want to create next.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $90,000 - $110,000