Major Gift Officer

Major Gift Officer

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc.

Are you a relationship‑builder with a passion for advancing social justice and community well‑being? Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) is seeking a dynamic Major Gift Officer to join our Development and Communications Team. In this vital role, you will 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 Major Gift Officer is responsible for cultivating, managing, and stewarding a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects to secure philanthropic support for WCS. This role focuses on engaging donors who share our commitment to addressing community needs in behavioral health, justice involvement, and family/welfare. The officer will help shape and grow our Major Gifts program, collaborate closely with the CEO and colleagues, and enhance relationships with donors, staff, board members, and the broader community.

• Donor Portfolio Management – Actively manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, develop and implement personalized engagement strategies tailored to each donor’s interests, giving history, and philanthropic goals.
• Discovery Calls and Cultivation – Conduct discovery calls and meetings with new prospective donors to assess their philanthropic interests, qualify prospects, and cultivate them into major donors through personalized outreach.
• Major Gifts Solicitation – Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, collaborating closely with the CEO and others. Tailor proposals and strategies to align with donor passions and WCS priorities.
• Giving Societies and Donor Engagement – Cultivate, engage, and steward members of WCS giving societies. Develop stewardship plans, recognize members, and create opportunities for deeper involvement including events and communications.
• Prospective Donor Engagement and Qualification – Engage with new prospective donors to assess their interests, identify potential for major gifts, and advance them through the cultivation cycle.
• Donor Stewardship and Retention – Implement comprehensive stewardship strategies for major donors and giving society members. Provide impact reports, organize donor events, and create ongoing engagement opportunities to ensure continued commitment.

• Strong interpersonal skills – Ability to engage and build trust with donors, prospects, and colleagues.
• Clear and persuasive communication – Tailor messages to diverse audiences, both verbal and written.
• Exceptional organizational skills – Manage donor portfolios and maintain accurate records with strong attention to detail.
• Leadership – Lead projects and people effectively.
• Technological aptitude – Use general technological tools (email, internet, company‑specified systems).
• Managing priorities/deadlines – Maintain schedules, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects.
• Problem‑solving skills – Think critically and be solution‑oriented in a fast‑paced environment.
• Adaptability – Manage change, address evolving situations, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Teamwork – Work as a team and participate productively while managing independent duties.
• Interpersonal skills with service population – Build rapport and relationships at various levels in a diverse setting.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience:
  • Three years of professional fundraising experience with individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
  • Experience with advancement CRM software and Microsoft Office tools for tracking, analyzing, and managing donor information.
• Proficiency in donor engagement and moves management processes.
• General knowledge of the Milwaukee philanthropic community and fund development opportunities.

Reports to the Director of Development and Communications. Serves as a representative of WCS at community, government, and private sector functions. Engages with diverse stakeholders, including staff, executives, partners, funders, press, and the public. Provides backup for…