Development Director: Lead Major Gifts & Philanthropy Strategy

mra; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 76,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The War Memorial Center is seeking a Director of Development to lead our fundraising strategy and cultivate major gifts, foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Reporting to the President & CEO, this role drives philanthropic growth and deepens community engagement for Milwaukee's historic nonprofit.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years in nonprofit fundraising, with proven success in major gifts, donor stewardship, and collaboration with boards and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five+ years of nonprofit fundraising and development experience.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and cultivating donor relationships.
• Experience with foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors.
• CFRE or similar professional fundraising certification preferred.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge or comparable donor management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization's fundraising strategy and philanthropic growth.
• Cultivate meaningful donor relationships with foundations, corporations, community leaders, and individuals.
• Partner with the President & CEO, Board of Trustees, volunteers, and staff to expand philanthropic support.
• Oversee major gifts, annual giving, foundation and corporate partnerships, planned giving, stewardship, and donor communications.

Skills

Donor relations

Major gifts

Relationship-building

Strategic planning

Communication

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

The War Memorial Center is seeking a Director of Development to lead our fundraising strategy and cultivate major gifts, foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Reporting to the President & CEO, this role drives philanthropic growth and deepens community engagement for Milwaukee's historic nonprofit.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years in nonprofit fundraising, with proven success in major gifts, donor stewardship, and collaboration with boards and