Director of Development

MRA-The Management Association; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 76,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

War Memorial Center in Milwaukee, WI seeks a Director of Development to lead the fundraising strategy and drive philanthropic growth. Reporting to the President & CEO, you will cultivate donors, foundations, corporations, and community leaders while building sustainable support for the organization’s mission.

The role oversees major gifts, annual giving, and donor communications, partnering with the Board and volunteers to expand engagement and funding for veterans and community programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Proven success securing major gifts and cultivating donor relationships.
• Experience with foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge or comparable donor management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate meaningful donor relationships and manage donor communications.
• Oversee major gifts, annual giving, foundations, and corporate partnerships.
• Collaborate with the President & CEO, Board, volunteers, and staff to expand support.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Communication

Relationship building

Leadership

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. If you are passionate about building meaningful relationships, advancing mission-driven work, and creating lasting community impact, we encourage you to apply and become part of the War Memorial Center's next chapter.