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Universities of Wisconsin
Universities of Wisconsin
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Universities of Wisconsin is a public statewide higher education system made up of 13 institutions across Wisconsin. Its institutions provide undergraduate, graduate, and online education through nearly 1,500 degree programs, with support for first-generation, transfer, veteran, and military-connected students. The system also advances research, workforce development, and community engagement, with more than $2 billion in annual sponsored research supporting innovation and public service throughout the state.
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Executive Director of Development - UW-La Crosse (Hybrid)

Lead major-gift fundraising and development operations for UW-La Crosse and its Alumni & Friends Foundation. Build donor pipelines, manage principal-gift prospects, and guide a high-performing development team.

USUnited StatesWIWisconsin
$145,000 / year
HybridFull-timeLeadEnglish RequiredDirector

Description

  • Direct fundraising operations for the University and UW-La Crosse Alumni & Friends Foundation
  • Lead the Development Team with established industry practices
  • Design and deliver a major-giving program
  • Act as principal gift officer while managing a team accountable for annual fundraising targets
  • Solicit donors and partner with Foundation leaders, the Board of Directors, and academic and administrative leadership
  • Build and manage gift pipelines and prospect portfolios for assigned areas
  • Serve as the liaison and development expert for designated academic units
  • Participate in donor and prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities
  • Review reports, prospect strategies, assignments, and goal progress with academic leaders
  • Strengthen philanthropic relationships through travel across Wisconsin, the region, and the nation
  • Build expertise in assigned development areas, initiatives, and priorities
  • Partner with the Foundation Board, campus stakeholders, and Advancement colleagues
  • Co-lead operations for the Philanthropy & Engagement Committee
  • Create and implement donor stewardship plans
  • Involve campus leaders in fundraising through regional and liaison assignments
  • Offer educational programs that strengthen the campus culture of philanthropy
  • Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward approximately 75 major- and principal-gift prospects
  • Manage and supervise major gift officers
  • Carry out donor discovery, cultivation, and solicitation work plans
  • Build campaign-ready prospect pipelines for the university’s first comprehensive campaign
  • Recruit and manage volunteer teams
  • Prepare correspondence, proposals, and related materials for assigned prospects
  • Work collaboratively across Alumni & Friends Foundation departments
  • Foster a professional, proactive, positive, collaborative, and performance-focused workplace
  • Perform additional duties assigned by the Vice Chancellor of Advancement and Foundation President

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Demonstrated experience securing major and principal gifts
  • Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills
  • Self-directed, with the ability to lead initiatives independently
  • Proven organizational management skills and strong attention to detail
  • Effective time management and the ability to manage complex work while meeting deadlines
  • Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a dynamic team
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to collaborate across functions and teams
  • Commitment to UWL’s vision, mission, and values
  • Documented fundraising results and success meeting or exceeding benchmarks
  • Previous nonprofit or higher education development experience
  • Ability to travel using all modes of transportation
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally up to 25%
  • Availability for occasional evening and weekend work
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States at hire and maintain authorization throughout employment
  • Seven or more years of major- or principal-gift fundraising experience preferred, ideally in higher education
  • Successful fundraising campaign leadership experience preferred
  • Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge proficiency preferred
  • Required application materials include a resume, cover letter, and contact details for at least three references
  • Completion of pre-employment screening, including criminal background, work authorization, and education verification

Benefits

  • Paid vacation for employees in 12-month positions
  • Flexible health insurance with low copays and comprehensive coverage
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid sick leave
  • Retirement system with vesting after five years of employment
  • Benefits contribute more than 40% to the total financial package
  • Benefits package competitive with local, state, and national offerings

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