Director of Regional Development, Upper Midwest

Marquette University Clg-Nurse; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Milwaukee is seeking a Director of Regional Development, Upper Midwest, who will manage major gift prospects and collaborate with the College Advancement team. The ideal candidate will have over 4 years of relevant experience and a successful track record of securing major gifts of $125K or more. This full-time role involves executing fundraising strategies and requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. Travel within the Upper Midwest region is necessary.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of development-related experience in higher education with a track record of managing personal portfolios.
• Experience securing gifts at the $125K level is required; relevant sales experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Create regional fundraising plans and engage with leadership.
• Prepare solicitation materials and conduct strategy meetings.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Ability to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Job description

Director of Regional Development, Upper Midwest

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Position Title: Director of Regional Development, Upper Midwest

State: WI, IL, MN, MI, IN

Employment Status: Full Time

Position Status: Regular

Position Type: Staff

Job Family: Advancement

# Hours Per Week: 37.5

Position Overview

This role will directly manage a portfolio of major gift prospects who have an interest in supporting the University. The incumbent will work to identify, qualify, cultivate and solicit prospects who can make a commitment of $125K or greater, collaborating closely with College Advancement teammates and their leader to advance philanthropy in the region. The position will be based within the Upper Midwest region and will travel back to campus in Milwaukee, WI on a quarterly basis.

Marquette University has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Director of Regional Development, Upper Midwest. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/5570

Portfolio Management

• Assist in executing an annual fundraising business plan, developed by their leader.
• Meet regularly with their leader to assess projects, review strategies and track progress toward meeting fundraising performance benchmarks.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 40 prospects with a capacity to make gifts of $125,000 and more with an annual production goal in excess of $1,000,000; regularly identify and contact additional prospects through research and referrals.
• Meet individually with prospects and volunteers designed to move prospects toward making a philanthropic commitment to the university.
• Make personal gift solicitations. Management of the process includes maintaining a comprehensive understanding of university priorities, preparation of the solicitation materials, conducting strategy meetings, and preparing briefing materials for President/Vice President of Advancement/Dean/others involved in solicitation.
• Direct and refer a solicitation to identified prospects in portfolio for a planned gift, including but not limited to bequests and annuities. Partner with the Planned Giving fundraising team to manage, as needed.
• Maintain appropriate contact with prospects and record all contact in University Advancement prospect management system.
• Track and timely submit P-card activity.

Build Community

• Creates regional annual plan and strategy for programming, leadership engagement and fundraising outcomes in the region.
• Provides oversight of fundraising activity in the region and acts as a liaison to regionally based volunteer committees.
• Attends relevant university events and meetings, some during the evenings and weekends; represents the university to external constituents.
• Participates in All UA, Regional Development or other required team or staff meeting(s).

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

At least 4 years of development-related experience in higher education, including a successful track record of personal portfolio management and securing gifts at the $125K or above level is required; relevant sales experience may also be considered.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work with colleagues in a team environment as well as the ability to travel is also required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Department

University Advancement

Posting Date

09/10/2025

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

EOE Statement