Director of Development

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

The Lussier Community Education Center (LCEC) is a vibrant community center with a spirited history of strong programs, broad partnerships, and grassroots community organizing. Located on the grounds of Ezekiel Gillespie Middle School and Vel Phillips Memorial High School, the LCEC has a mission of building community, creating opportunities, and enriching education.

The Director of Development will lead the overall fund development efforts for the LCEC, building fund development capacity through a diverse array of strategies in support of a nearly two million dollar operating budget. The Director of Development will work closely with the Executive Director to design and implement the Center’s fund development strategies as well as guide the organization’s marketing and communication plan.

The ideal candidate will have strong writing and communication skills, understand the power of intentional relationships, and approach the work through a community-centric fundraising lens. As a member of the LCEC Leadership Team, the Director of Development plays an important role in guiding the growth of the Center toward fulfillment of its mission in alignment with the Lussier Framework.

Strong candidates will be creative, organized, flexible, and have experiential knowledge of fund development in nonprofits. They will be able to manage a diverse set of hands‑on responsibilities and projects, while supporting and connecting with an effective, independent staff team in a grassroots, collaborative, community setting. The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director.

Hours: Full-time, on‑site at West‑side Madison location, generally 9 am – 5 pm M‑F with some later evening and weekend hours required, as well as occasional off‑site meetings and events as needed.

Compensation: $74,000/year

Benefits: 100% employer‑paid premium for health insurance plus a health reimbursement arrangement; competitive paid time‑off package that includes pay for vacation, personal days, sick leave, and holidays; dental insurance; short‑ and long‑term disability insurance; life insurance; 403(b); and flexible spending account.

• Develop, update, and evaluate the LCEC Fund Development Plan with the Executive Director and lead its execution.
• Monitor and communicate progress towards the annual fundraising goal to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Develop and maintain the systems needed to support the execution of the LCEC Fund Development Plan including the master fund development calendar, application and reporting deadlines, etc.

• Manage and grow individual donor support through intentional and continued relationship building and relational meetings.
• Maintain and expand the base of donors, potential donors, local businesses, service and school groups, and faith based organizations supporting the LCEC and our programs.
• Work with the Executive Director to maintain and grow the base of major/recurring donors.
• Maintain and evaluate the organization’s donor database and communications platforms.
• Process and acknowledge all donations: log checks, prepare deposits, generate tax receipts, and ensure thank yous are created in collaboration with the Executive Director, staff, Board, volunteers, and program participants.
• Organize donor events (Harvest, Friends of Lussier breakfasts, etc.) to raise resources, build relationships, and create community.
• Explore opportunities for planned giving, stock and securities, cryptocurrency, property/estate, in‑kind, and all other revenue generation resources.

• Ensure completion of proposals and regular program reporting to major institutional funders (City of Madison, Dane County, United Way, CACFP, Second Harvest Kids Cafe, etc.)
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities through grants, foundations, local, state, and federal government, and other revenue generating resources.
• Write timely, accurate, and effective grant proposals and ensure timely reporting.
• Seek out and lead the development of collaborative grant proposals with…