Director of Development

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

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.

If you are passionate about building meaningful relationships, advancing mission-driven work, and creating lasting community impact.