Chief Development Officer

Position Summary

We are seeking a senior level fundraising leader with demonstrated revenue growth and proven success in major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation funding.

The Chief Development Officer is the senior executive responsible for leading and growing all philanthropic and revenue development efforts for Girl Scouts of Wisconsin–Badgerland. This role drives diversified revenue through major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, campaigns, and donor engagement that support membership access, program innovation, camp and property investment, and long-term sustainability.

The CDO partners closely with the CEO, executive leadership team, and board to build a strong culture of philanthropy, expand community visibility, and position the council for long‑range growth.

Salary/Exempt

Salary Range: $90,000–$135,000/year

Expected hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Madison, WI

• Lead a comprehensive, multi‑year development strategy aligned with council strategic and membership growth goals.
• Set and own annual and multi‑year revenue targets across major gifts, corporate, foundation, campaign, and individual giving.
• Advise the CEO on revenue forecasts, pipeline strength, and funding risk.
• Align development priorities with program, membership, and property investment needs.
• Serve as a senior external ambassador with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Oversee leadership events and donor engagement experiences.
• Lead, coach, and develop the development team.
• Partner with marketing and communications to align messaging, brand, and impact storytelling.
• Set clear goals, accountability measures, and professional growth plans.

• Build and manage a portfolio of top donors and high‑capacity prospects.
• Lead major gift strategy from identification through stewardship, and build pipeline tracking practices.
• Partner with the CEO on cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Lead readiness and execution of capital and special campaigns as needed.

• Lead corporate sponsorship and partnership strategy tied to programming, STEM, outdoors, and leadership initiatives.
• Increase business community engagement connected to workforce readiness and youth leadership outcomes.
• Develop mission‑aligned partnerships that support events, programs, and capital needs.

• Oversee foundation and grant pipeline development and proposal quality.
• Ensure strong alignment between funder priorities and council programs.
• Strengthen grant reporting, compliance, and stewardship.
• Coordinate program and finance collaboration for measurable outcomes.

• Partner with board leadership and philanthropy committees to drive fundraising engagement.
• Equip board members with tools and strategy for donor relationship building.
• Support a culture where fundraising is a shared leadership responsibility.
• Engage alum and community champions in long‑term philanthropic relationships.

• Bachelor’s degree required in nonprofit management, business, communications, public administration, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Other combinations of education, with relevant experience that demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position, will be considered.
• CFRE or similar fundraising certification strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive fundraising and development leadership experience.
• Experience leading campaigns or large‑scale fundraising initiatives.
• Strong executive presence and relationship building skills.
• Experience working with nonprofit boards and volunteer leaders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communicator and the ability to share the impact of the Girl Scout mission in a compelling way.
• Ability to translate data to inform fundraising strategies.
• Excellent leadership, management, and decision‑making skills.
• High capacity to master and leverage data tracking platforms.
• Demonstrated ability and sensitivity working with youth and persons of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles.
• Outstanding project management skills and operates with an entrepreneurial,…