Director of Development

We are hiring!! Finding top talent to move UW-Madison forward.

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA)*, the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is seeking a development professional to support and grow the annual and major gifts program benefit ting the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB). This position will involve a combination of remote and on-site work in Madison, WI.

WSB is a top‑tier business program with a proud history of educating successful business professionals for over a century. The School plays a critical role in contributing to economic, civic, and social prosperity in Wisconsin and beyond. We are growing the Business Badger community and redefining the boundaries of business education through strong academic foundations and innovative learning approaches, supported by more than 50,000 alumni.

• Implement development strategies with assigned constituencies, managing a portfolio of prospects and donors at 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 and 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.

• 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.
• Ability to meet travel requirements (approximately 25%).

• 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, prominent alumni, and donors.
• Ability to articulate the case for private support effectively so individuals understand the vision and strategy of the School and choose to invest in the vision.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of an effective development team.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401(k) contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. to learn more about our employee benefits!

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