War Memorial Center · 1 day ago
Director of Development
Milwaukee, WI
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$76K/yr - $85K/yr
5+ years expWar Memorial Center is seeking a Director of Development to lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports its mission and long-term sustainability. The role involves enhancing fundraising plans, cultivating donor relationships, and managing a major gifts portfolio, while collaborating with senior management and volunteers to achieve ambitious goals.
Civic & Social Organization
Responsibilities
In collaboration with the Chief Strategy & Program Officer and key leadership, enhance and implement a strategic, diversified fundraising plan that meets current goals and supports future growth
Develop and execute strategies for planned giving programs, including bequests, donor-advised funds, IRA distributions, stock transfers, and other legacy gifts
Cultivate corporate and foundation partnerships aligned with both institutional priorities and the partners’ philanthropic and community engagement goals
Lead a robust stewardship program that engages, recognizes, and thanks supporters, strengthening their long-term relationship with the organization
Build and manage a major gifts portfolio of donors and prospects with $10,000+ giving capacity; cultivate, solicit, and secure annual, major, and multi-year contributions
Support the Chief Strategy & Program Officer in fundraising activities, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship initiatives
Oversee data management and reporting, ensuring accurate tracking, analysis, and evaluation of fundraising performance
Develop donor communications and materials that reflect the organization’s mission and inspire engagement, including fundraising collateral, acknowledgments, and recognition pieces
Supervise data integrity within the development database, maintaining accurate records of donor contact information, pledges, and giving history
Manage departmental budgets and ensure compliance with all funder and organizational guidelines
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned
In partnership with the Chief Strategy & Program Officer, provide leadership and guidance to the Board of Trustees in building a strong base of philanthropic support and advancing long-term fundraising strategies
Collaborate closely across departments, including development, programs, and marketing/communications, to maximize fundraising opportunities and strengthen organizational visibility
Foster a culture of collaboration between development and program teams to align fundraising efforts with programmatic priorities and community impact
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with demonstrated success in major gifts, campaigns, and institutional fundraising
Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, strategies, and best practices across diverse funding streams
Proficiency with Raiser's Edge or similar CRM systems for donor tracking and pipeline management
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills; able to inspire trust and enthusiasm among donors, board members, and colleagues
Strategic, organized, and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated initiative, integrity, and follow-through in achieving results
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and donor management software
Genuine commitment to and passion for the mission of the War Memorial Center and the veterans it serves
Preferred
professional certification in fundraising (CFRE or similar)
Company
War Memorial Center
The War Memorial Center honors the legacy of Wisconsin’s men and women who patriotically served in the U.S. armed forces during both war and peacetime.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Dan Buttery
President and CEO
Sean Clark
EDUCATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR
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