Director of Development

War Memorial Center; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 76,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent civic organization in Milwaukee is seeking a Director of Development to design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy. This leadership role requires a proactive relationship builder with 5-7 years of nonprofit development experience. The ideal candidate will enhance the fundraising plan and manage major gifts. Passion for serving veterans and strong organizational skills are essential. This is a full-time position offering a salary range of $76,000.00 to $85,000.00 annually.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development.
• Demonstrated success in major gifts, campaigns, and institutional fundraising.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising strategies and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a diversified fundraising strategy.
• Enhance and implement a strategic fundraising plan.
• Manage a major gifts portfolio of donors.

Skills

Fundraising principles

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Professional certification in fundraising (CFRE)

Tools

Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by War Memorial Center. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$76,000.00/yr - $85,000.00/yr

Reporting to the Chief Strategy & Program Officer, the Director of Development is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive, diversified fundraising strategy to advance the mission and long-term sustainability of the Center. This includes leadership in grant writing, individual giving, and institutional partnerships with corporations and foundations.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, strategic thinker and relationship builder with strong planning and organizational skills. They will bring creativity, professionalism, and passion for serving veterans, working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, volunteers, and staff to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – 85%

• In collaboration with the Chief Strategy & Program Officer and key leadership, enhance and implement a strategic, diversified fundraising plan that meets current goals and supports future growth.
• Develop and execute strategies for planned giving programs, including bequests, donor-advised funds, IRA distributions, stock transfers, and other legacy gifts.
• Cultivate corporate and foundation partnerships aligned with both institutional priorities and the partners’ philanthropic and community engagement goals.
• Lead a robust stewardship program that engages, recognizes, and thanks supporters, strengthening their long‑term relationship with the organization.
• Build and manage a major gifts portfolio of donors and prospects with $10,000+ giving capacity; cultivate, solicit, and secure annual, major, and multi‑year contributions.
• Support the Chief Strategy & Program Officer in fundraising activities, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship initiatives.
• Oversee data management and reporting, ensuring accurate tracking, analysis, and evaluation of fundraising performance.
• Develop donor communications and materials that reflect the organization’s mission and inspire engagement, including fundraising collateral, acknowledgments, and recognition pieces.
• Supervise data integrity within the development database, maintaining accurate records of donor contact information, pledges, and giving history.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure compliance with all funder and organizational guidelines.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Engagement of Senior Management and Key Volunteers – 15%

• In partnership with the Chief Strategy & Program Officer, provide leadership and guidance to the Board of Trustees in building a strong base of philanthropic support and advancing long‑term fundraising strategies.
• Collaborate closely across departments, including development, programs, and marketing/communications, to maximize fundraising opportunities and strengthen organizational visibility.
• Foster a culture of collaboration between development and program teams to align fundraising efforts with programmatic priorities and community impact.

Qualities and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; professional certification in fundraising (CFRE or similar) preferred.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with demonstrated success in major gifts, campaigns, and institutional fundraising.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, strategies, and best practices across diverse funding streams.
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM systems for donor tracking and pipeline management.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship‑building skills; able to inspire trust and enthusiasm among donors, board members, and colleagues.
• Strategic, organized, and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated initiative, integrity, and follow‑through in achieving results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and donor management software.
• Genuine commitment to and passion for the mission of the War Memorial Center and the veterans it serves.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Project Management

Industries

Civic and Social Organizations