About WGA

The Western Governors’ Association (WGA) represents the Governors of the 22 westernmost states and territories. The association is an instrument of the Governors for bipartisan policy development, information exchange, and collective action on issues of critical importance to the western United States. WGA is the most effective regional governors’ association representing a group of elected officials, who at their level of influence and on a bipartisan basis, are producing and pursuing policy that is meaningful, substantive and impactful to the West. As an employee of WGA, you will be on a team of passionate staff with a fierce commitment to bipartisanship dedicated to serving Western Governors. Learn more about WGA at www.westgov.org.

Position Summary

The Development Specialist will support all aspects of WGA’s development enterprise, including the various fundraising activities, sponsor database management, prospecting, managing elements of WGA’s sponsorship program, event planning/logistics, communications/outreach, and other duties as assigned.  

Why this role matters to our organization

This position is a new role to WGA that has been created to support the Director of Development, with whom the Development Specialist will work closely. Given the continuous growth of WGA’s vast sponsor community, this new position will provide tremendous value to the organization by supporting sponsor relations, retention and ongoing fundraising activities, enabling WGA staff to continue expanding their invaluable service to Western Governors. 

Position Description

Principal responsibilities of the Development Specialist include:

• Support the management of all development efforts and fundraising activities for the WGA enterprise, including WGA’s sponsorship program.
• Support with sponsor solicitation, including Chair initiatives and general fundraising, to include: 
  • Conducting periodic outreach to WGA sponsors, prospects and partners;
  • Industry mapping; and                                                       
  • Developing targeted prospect lists.
• Manage the WGA sponsor/prospect database and oversee enrollment/renewal form tracking, including:
  • Account and Contact record updates;
  • Record sponsor contributions, term dates, invoice dates, renewal dates, etc. into database; and
  • Input and manage the data received in WGA sponsor enrollment/renewal packets and ensure these updates are completed in Microsoft Dynamics, Cvent and Constant Contact.
• Assist Director of Development with sponsor renewal tracking and issuing renewal reminders/notices to sponsor community.
• Manage thank you letters issued to WGA sponsors, including Chair initiative partners/supporters.
• Manage sponsor events and promotion (invites/RSVPs), including but not limited to: sponsor luncheons, sponsor/SAC events, event support for sponsor breakfasts / lunches/ receptions at WGA’s Annual and Winter Meetings.
• Work in synergy with WGA’s Communications Director to highlight Western Governors’ ongoing priorities and to enhance WGA’s brand awareness to external audiences through social media and other publication platforms, including but not limited to: blog postings, webinars, podcast episodes, workshops, etc.
• Manage and update sponsor webpage, which includes collecting logos from WGA Diamond and Platinum sponsors and incorporating the proper recognition into sponsor collateral, banners, mobile event app, and initiative webpages, as well as other general updates.
• Support in the development of new, effective fundraising campaigns, as applicable.
• Distribute sponsor survey and manage survey data tracking.
• Assist with development grant opportunities and applications, as needed and when applicable.
• Support the Director of Development in cultivating relationships as needed; accompany the Director on prospect calls and meetings where appropriate.

Candidate Requirements

A candidate for the Development Specialist position should have a strong interest in serving Western Governors with a demonstrated passion for WGA’s bipartisan ethos. The candidate needs to be comfortable in a dynamic, evolving position in a hybrid work setting with the desire to learn/grow and work well in a fast-paced small team working environment.

Position Requirements

• Exceptional communications skills, including written, verbal, editing, active listening, and networking.
• Creative thinker able to perform under strict deadlines in the service of Governors.
• Demonstrable experience working successfully in a development/fundraising position.
• Digital and computer competency with strong user skills in a PC-based Microsoft-driven environment including Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams.
• Strength with communication/database tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Dynamics, Constant Contact, Cvent, and Google Analytics.
• Ability to utilize social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) to effectively promote WGA events and updates to external audiences.
• Demonstrable ability and willingness to function in a team as a strong teammate with a positive, collaborative, enthusiastic attitude.
• Willingness and ability to respond quickly and effectively to new issues and assignments.
• Willingness and ability to travel, as needed (approx. 3-5 trips per year to include WGA’s Annual and Winter Meetings).
• Willingness and ability to work in-office in downtown Denver as part of the hybrid work model.
• Consistent access to a home/remote working environment that is quiet, private, and has reliable high speed internet to support frequent video conferencing.
• Willingness and ability to attend coffee/lunch meetings, receptions, dinners, special events outside the office and standard working hours occasionally and as needed.
• Ability to work effectively with and present a professional image to multiple constituencies (governors and their staff, sponsor community, government personnel, other organizations, staff, vendors, and contractors).

Preferred Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3 – 5 years’ experience in fundraising/development (non-profit familiarity preferred).
• Experience in event planning preferred.

Salary and Benefits

The position is full-time and located in Denver. Salary range: $60,000 - $75,000 per year. Actual compensation within the range will be dependent upon the individual’s experience, skills, and qualifications. WGA, an equal opportunity employer, offers exceptional benefits, including health insurance, paid leave, participation in WGA’s retirement plan, and an opportunity for hybrid work. 

Application

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and references, along with a brief description (3-5 sentences) of how your experience will help you succeed in this position, to wgahr@westgov.org. Please include any links to websites or social media accounts that you use in a professional capacity. The application deadline is May 31, 2023.