Vice President of Development & Communications

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Full Time Senior Management Milwaukee, WI, US

4 days ago Requisition

Salary is commensurate based on experience

Be the Village. Lead the Way. Help Children Thrive.

ncis Children’s Center (SFCC), we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive no matter their abilities or circumstances. For more than 50 years, SFCC has served children and families across the greater Milwaukee area through early childhood education, therapy services, and community-based programs.

Today, we are entering an exciting period of growth, visibility, and impact and we’re seeking a bold, relational, and values-driven leader to guide our next chapter.

The Opportunity

The Vice President of Development & Communications is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the President/CEO, responsible for shaping and advancing SFCC’s philanthropic strategy, community presence, and voice.

This is more than a fundraising role. It is an opportunity to:

• Build meaningful relationships with donors and community leaders
• Elevate the organization’s story and impact
• Help fuel long-term sustainability and mission expansion

You will serve as both lead strategist and lead relationship‑builder, personally engaging major donors while building the systems, team, and momentum needed to scale impact. This role brings a strong balance of relationship‑building and performance accountability, with clear goals tied to revenue growth, donor engagement, and long‑term sustainability. With strong financial health and growing community visibility, SFCC is poised to take its fundraising and communications strategy to the next level.

What You’ll Lead

• Serve as lead major gift officer managing 50‑75 high‑capacity donors
• Grow a comprehensive fundraising program (major gifts, annual fund, corporate, foundation, planned giving, and grants management)
• Re‑engage lapsed donors and expand a growing pipeline
• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors on donor strategy and engagement

Communications & Storytelling

• Oversee brand, messaging, and donor communications strategy
• Elevate mission‑driven storytelling that connects impact to investment
• Strengthen audience engagement across events, campaigns, and digital channels

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and coach an emerging development and communications team of three
• Build systems, metrics, and processes to support long‑term growth
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performing, values‑aligned team culture

Community Presence

• Serve as a visible ambassador in Milwaukee’s philanthropic and civic community
• Build partnerships that strengthen SFCC’s reach and reputation

What Success Looks Like (First 12–18 Months)

• Successfully execute a flagship Gala and key fundraising events
• Reignite and grow donor relationships following a quieter outreach period
• Strengthen team performance and cohesion
• Establish a clear, data‑informed fundraising strategy and pipeline
• Elevate SFCC’s visibility and storytelling across the community

Who You Are

A seasoned development leader who brings both strategic discipline and relational warmth and brings the following

Experience & Background:

• A bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or a related field is required; or a master’s degree in the same fields is preferred
• 10+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience
• Proven success personally managing major donor relationships and closing five‑ and six‑figure gifts
• Experience leading comprehensive development programs
• Oversight of grants
• Strong partnership experience with CEOs and Boards of Directors
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation preferred, or pursuit of certification
• Knack for leveraging donor CRM systems to manage relationships, track engagement, and inform data‑driven fundraising strategy; familiarity with Bloomerang or similar platforms is a plus

How You Work

You Naturally

• Balance data, detail, and clarity with action
• Build systems while staying flexible and responsive
• Move quickly, adapt, and…