Development Director

About Disability Rights Wisconsin

Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) is Wisconsin’s Protection and Advocacy system. It protects the rights of people with disabilities, keeping them free from abuse and neglect. DRW uses individual casework and systems advocacy to bring positive change in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Our core values are Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation.

• Protection & Advocacy: addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, and access to services
• Disability Benefits Specialists: helping people access Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, & private insurance
• Family Care & IRIS Ombudsman: supporting people to remain in community-based settings
• Victim Advocacy for crime victims with disabilities
• Education rights, discrimination claims, institutional monitoring, and systemic reform

Full Time Equivalent: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week, Exempt)

Reports to: Executive Director

Rate: $90,000 – $110,000 annually

Location: Madison or Milwaukee, hybrid option available. Must be a resident of Wisconsin.

Submit resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications. For priority consideration, apply online at our Careers page: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Final date to receive applications:
Priority consideration will be given to those who apply between November 20 2023 and January 15 2024. Initial interviews will take place in the last part of January 2026.

The Development Director leads and grows fundraising, donor engagement, and communications efforts. The role partners closely with senior leadership, the Board, and program teams to build a sustainable development strategy that advances disability rights across Wisconsin.

• Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with DRW’s mission and programs.
• Establish annual revenue goals across multiple funding streams, including major donors, individual giving, institutional grants, corporate support, and events.
• Monitor performance and report progress toward fundraising goals.
• Manage a portfolio of mid-to-major donors and foundations, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to strengthen relationships with high-level donors and prospects.
• Create engagement opportunities and impact reports that prioritize transparency, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Lead all aspects of grant-seeking: prospect research, proposal writing, budgets, reporting, and compliance.
• Collaborate with program and legal staff to ensure proposals and reports reflect DRW’s impact and priorities.
• Track deadlines and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
• Develop and implement a communications plan that elevates DRW’s advocacy work and impact.
• Oversee content creation for newsletters, donor communications, annual reports, social media, and the website.
• Ensure all communications meet accessibility standards.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.
• Provide tools, reports, and training to strengthen a culture of philanthropy at DRW.
• Collaborate across teams to integrate fundraising into programmatic and advocacy work.
• Represent DRW with donors, funders, coalitions, and advocacy networks.
• Build strategic partnerships and explore co-funding opportunities.
• Stay informed on trends in philanthropy and disability rights.
• Oversee donor database and gift processing systems.
• Ensure accurate reporting, donor acknowledgment, and privacy compliance.
• Maintain development policies and accessibility standards in all operations.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 5 years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience, preferably in civil rights, legal advocacy, or social justice organizations.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and institutional funding.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with sensitivity to disability and…