Major Gift Officer

Major Gift Officer

Job Code: 2025-ADMINIST-006

Location: Milwaukee

Department: Development

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) is seeking a dynamic Major Gift Officer to join our Development and Communications Team. In this vital role, you’ll cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects who are inspired by our mission to serve individuals and families impacted by behavioral health challenges, justice involvement, and systemic barriers. The role is essential for generating support for programs that make a real difference in the lives of the communities we serve.

• Donor Portfolio Management – Actively manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, focusing on individuals at varying levels of giving. Develop and implement personalized engagement strategies tailored to each donor’s interests and philanthropic goals.
• Discovery Calls and Cultivation – Conduct discovery calls and meetings with new prospective donors to assess their philanthropic interests and identify potential for major gifts. Qualify prospects and build relationships, cultivating them into major donors over time.
• Major Gifts Solicitation – Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, collaborating closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other colleagues. Tailor proposals and engagement strategies to align with donors’ passions and WCS’ funding priorities.
• Giving Societies and Donor Engagement – Cultivate, engage, and steward members of the WCS Giving Societies. Develop tailored stewardship plans, recognize and deepen member involvement through events, communications, and donor recognition opportunities.
• Prospective Donor Engagement and Qualification – Engage with new prospective donors to assess philanthropic interests, identify potential for major gifts, and qualify capacity and readiness to contribute.
• Donor Stewardship Retention – Implement stewardship strategies for major donors and giving society members. Provide impact reports, organize special donor events, and create ongoing engagement opportunities.

• Strong interpersonal skills – Ability to engage and build trust with donors, prospects, and colleagues.
• Clear and persuasive communication skills – Ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Exceptional organizational skills – Strong attention to detail, managing donor portfolios and maintaining accurate records.
• Leadership – Capability to lead projects and people effectively.
• Technological Aptitude – Proficiency with general technology, email, internet, and company‑specified systems.
• Managing Priorities/Deadlines – Ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects.
• Problem‑Solving Skills – Think critically and be solution‑oriented in a fast‑paced environment.
• Adaptability – Manage change, handle situations as they arise, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Teamwork – Participate productively in a team while fulfilling independent responsibilities.
• Interpersonal Skills – Build relationships with people served and others in diverse settings.

• Experience
  • Three years’ experience in a professional fundraising role with individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
  • Experience with advancement CRM software, Microsoft Office tools, and a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Proficiency with donor engagement and moves management processes.
• General knowledge of the Milwaukee philanthropic community and opportunities for fund development.

Work Relationship and Scope: Reports to the Director of Development and Communication; represents the agency at community, government, and private sector functions; contacts a wide variety of stakeholders; provides backup for development administrative duties.

Personal Attributes:

• Relate to others with dignity and respect.
• Embrace the mission and purpose of WCS.
• Model accountability and commitment to excellence.
• Adhere to WCS Code of Conduct.
• Maintain professional relationships with staff, clients, and community leaders.
• Commit to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and integrity at all times.

Frequent travel required. Noise levels range from low to medium. Work performed in office and community settings. Requires flexible schedule, may require >40 hours per week.

Must sit at a computer for long periods, stand, walk, lift 10–25 pounds, reach, bend, drive, and adapt to changing weather conditions.

Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer
. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.