Managing Senior Director of Development​/AVP & Managing Director - Foundation Relations

Position: Managing Senior Director of Development / AVP & Managing Director - Foundation Relations

Managing Senior Director of Development / AVP & Managing Director – Foundation Relations

Join Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin‑Madison, to lead our centralized Foundation Relations program.

We’re looking for an experienced Foundation Relations professional to shape a scalable, strategic approach to foundation partnerships, driving transformative change and supporting the university’s mission for years to come.

This hybrid role requires work in Madison, WI office at least two days per week and can be awarded as Managing Senior Director of Development, Foundation Relations or AVP & Managing Director, Foundation Relations, depending on your skills and experience.

Essential Functions

• Lead and mentor a team of Foundation Relations Development Directors (FRDoDs), fostering collaboration across campus units.
• Facilitate cross‑unit partnerships on interdisciplinary themes and strategic initiatives, advancing campus‑wide “Big Ideas” that align with foundation funding priorities.
• Support faculty and staff in articulating interdisciplinary goals to increase competitiveness for major philanthropic support.
• Partner with the Vice Chancellor for Research to leverage office tools, including limited submission processes and internal competitions, ensuring strategic proposal coordination campus‑wide.
• Utilize CRM systems (UW and WFAA) to map relationships, track foundation engagement, and manage prospect pipelines efficiently.
• Engage newly hired faculty and administrators to activate existing foundation connections, build rapport with program officers, and open new funding pathways.
• Develop and disseminate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials for FRDoDs and campus partners to ensure consistency and clarity.
• Maintain a centralized, leadership‑approved list of foundation prospects, updated through regular collaboration.
• Implement qualitative and quantitative metrics tailored to FR work to assess impact, recognizing the long‑term nature of foundation cultivation.

Strategic Impact

• Empower campus units to pursue high‑impact opportunities while ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and funder expectations.
• Transform foundation fundraising across campus through strong leadership, clear processes, and collaborative tools.

Qualifications Required

• 5+ years of proven experience in foundation relations, fundraising, or related fields.
• 1+ year of experience in a team leadership or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience in the private grant‑making process and best practices for building relationships with decision makers at private foundations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to meet travel requirements (up to 20%).

Additional for AVP & Managing Director, Foundation Relations

• 10+ years of professional leadership experience in complex development programs (preferably within health care/medicine).
• 2+ years proven supervisory and management skills, both strategic and operational.
• Effective at establishing processes, metrics and accountabilities and coaching toward goals.

Other Qualifications

• Familiarity with CRM systems and prospect management.
• Proven project management abilities, with a track record of successfully overseeing complex initiatives.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills, enabling effective agreements and partnerships.
• Expertise in conflict resolution, motivation, active listening, and organizational effectiveness.
• Creative and innovative approach to problem‑solving and strategy development.
• Solid business acumen and political savvy, with an understanding of complex organizational environments.

Benefits

WFAA offers competitive pay, an outstanding benefits program, and a generous 10% 401(k) contribution after one year of service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WFAA is an equal‑opportunity employer.

WFAA is a private nonprofit corporation that encourages individuals and organizations to make gifts to the University of Wisconsin‑Madison and to connect with the UW.

Community & Diversity

We value people and the differences they bring, creating an environment in which all staff members and constituents feel respected and have opportunities to thrive.

Senior Level

Executive

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Business Development and Sales

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