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Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association · 4 hours ago

Director of Development

Madison, WI

Full-time

Hybrid

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

3+ years exp

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) is seeking a development professional to support and grow the annual and major gifts program benefitting the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB). This role involves implementing development strategies, managing donor relationships, and enhancing donor engagement through various initiatives.

EducationHigher Education

Comp. & Benefits

Hiring Manager

Denise Jelinek, PHR

Responsibilities

Implement development strategies with assigned constituencies, managing a portfolio of prospects and donors in varying stages of involvement to advance them strategically through the development process in support of WSB priorities

Work with prospect management, WFAA research and development colleagues to identify and qualify a portfolio of major gift prospects from existing and potential donors

Schedule and conduct initial assessment/exploratory meetings with prospects, following up with correspondence, phone calls, and additional visits as appropriate to qualify prospects

Plan and conduct visits/trips, events, and other ongoing contact to build relationships with donors, effectively presenting the case for philanthropic support and explaining gift opportunities

Develop and write major gift proposals, utilizing both current and planned gift opportunities to best meet donors’ needs, interests, and financial capabilities, including structuring complex or special gifts as appropriate

Artfully ask for the right gift, at the right time, in the right way

Collaborate with colleagues, discussing major donor prospects, sharing advice/information, and coordinating activity on shared prospects

Plan and implement recognition for donors, including writing thank-you letters, making personal calls, arranging meetings, hosting events, etc

Plan and implement ongoing communication and stewardship with donors

Coordinate with the Alumni Relations team on volunteer opportunities to more deeply engage donors and prospects

Participate in the external relations activities of the campus unit, attend sponsored events, etc., to solicit, encourage, and increase the involvement of alumni/donors in campus unit & UW activities

Communicate, problem solve, and anticipate the needs of campus staff regarding accounting for donor-created funds and serve as liaison between WFAA accounting department and campus staff

Request data/reports from WFAA staff to meet the needs of donors and campus staff

Qualification

Fundraising experienceMajor gift developmentProposal writingAnalytical skillsInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skillsCommunication skillsTeam collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional work experience

3 + years of professional fundraising/ development experience or related experience

Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills required

Ability to meet travel requirements (@25%)

Preferred

Post high school training, college degree, or equivalent preferred

Appreciation of the vital role played by the WSB and an interest in promoting its departments and programs as well as an ability to work effectively with university officials and prominent alumni and donors

Ability to articulate the case for private support with sufficient effectiveness so that individuals understand the vision and strategy of the School and choose to invest in the vision

Ability to work independently, in addition to as a member of an effective development team