Director of Development

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

Job summary

War Memorial Center in Milwaukee, WI seeks a visionary Director of Development to lead our fundraising strategy and philanthropic growth. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this role builds sustainable support for veterans and community programs.

You will cultivate major gifts, annual giving, foundations, corporate partnerships, and donor communications while guiding a team and collaborating with trustees, volunteers, and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Five or more years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Proven success securing major gifts and donor relationships.
• Experience with foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors.
• Strong strategic planning and communication skills; relationship-building ability.
• Raiser’s Edge or similar donor management system experience.
• CFRE or similar certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Lead major gifts, annual giving, foundations, and corporate partnerships.
• Cultivate donor engagement and steward relationships.
• Collaborate with the President & CEO, Board, volunteers, and staff.
• Advise on communications and donor stewardship initiatives.
• Build sustainable philanthropic growth to support mission.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor relationships

Strategic planning

Communication

Relationship-building

Team leadership

CFRE preferred

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

Director of Development | War Memorial Center | Milwaukee, WI

Salary: $76,000-$85,000+

The War Memorial Center is a living tribute dedicated to honoring those who served while strengthening our community through education, remembrance, and civic engagement. Guided by our mission, Honor the Dead. Serve the Living., we are committed to preserving the legacy of our nation's veterans while inspiring future generations.

We are seeking an accomplished and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead the organization's fundraising strategy and philanthropic growth. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of Milwaukee's most respected nonprofit institutions.

The Director of Development will cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, community leaders, and Board members while building sustainable support for the War Memorial Center's mission and long-term success.

Position Overview

The Director of Development is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances the organization's mission, strengthens donor engagement, and supports future growth.

This role provides leadership across all areas of philanthropy, including major gifts, annual giving, foundation and corporate partnerships, planned giving, stewardship, and donor communications. The Director will also partner closely with the President & CEO, Board of Trustees, volunteers, and staff to expand philanthropic support and deepen community engagement.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will possess:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Five or more years of progressive nonprofit fundraising and development experience
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts, cultivating donor relationships, and managing fundraising initiatives
• Experience working with foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors
• Strong strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Experience with Raiser's Edge or comparable donor management systems
• Ability to engage and inspire donors, volunteers, Board members, and community stakeholders
• CFRE or similar professional fundraising certification preferred

Why Join the War Memorial Center?

This is more than a fundraising leadership position. It is an opportunity to steward an important community institution, strengthen support for veterans and their families, and help ensure the War Memorial Center's mission continues to thrive for generations to come.

You will join a dedicated team committed to service, stewardship, collaboration, and community impact while playing a key role in shaping the organization's future.