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The Universities of Wisconsin are a premier system of public higher education. We educate approximately 161,000 students each year and employ about 35,000 faculty and staff statewide. Through a constellation of 13 universities statewide, the Universities of Wisconsin are a tremendous academic, cultural, and economic resource for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.
Wisconsin Humanities is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to strengthen our democracy through educational and cultural programs that build connections and understanding among people of all backgrounds and beliefs throughout the state. WH grantmaking and statewide initiatives are rooted in partnerships with community organizations and founded on the belief that WH’s service to the state must be equitable, inclusive, and accessible to all Wisconsinites. WH is the state’s independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and is governed by a volunteer board of directors from across Wisconsin. Since its founding in 1972, WH has also been affiliated with the University of Wisconsin. Funding for WH comes from the NEH, the state of Wisconsin, and private donors.
POSITION SUMMARY
Wisconsin Humanities, an independent nonprofit organization affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities and University of Wisconsin System Administration, seeks an individual to spearhead development efforts for Wisconsin Humanities. In this new full-time position, the successful candidate will be responsible for planning, implementing, and managing a comprehensive fund development program that includes individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, and planned giving. The Director of Development will report to the Executive Director (ED) and work closely with the ED and the Board of Directors to develop fundraising goals and strategies and monitor progress toward an annual goal.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work closely with the Executive Director and Board Development Committee to develop fundraising strategies and goals.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fund development plan to meet the organization’s fundraising goals.
- Identify and cultivate major gift prospects, as well as corporate and foundation donors.
- Plan and execute special initiatives and events as appropriate (virtual, in-person, marketing) that engage donors and raise funds for the organization.
- Collaborate with communications staff to develop and execute effective donor communications and marketing materials.
- Manage donor database, data entry, reporting, gift processing and acknowledgements.
- Develop and maintain existing relationships with major donors and legacy donors.
- Create and execute a strategy to engage a sustained base of annual individual donors.
- Develop and track proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraising.
- Monitor fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for this position, a candidate must have:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Intermediate skills using Outlook, Excel, Word and database software
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Well qualified applicants will also have a substantial amount of experience in a combination of the following:
- Experience in a successful nonprofit fund development
- Grant writing experience
- Academic degree and/or work experience in marketing and communications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent organizational and managerial skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and outside partners
- Commitment to the mission and values of the organization
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for Universities of Wisconsin. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the Universities of Wisconsin community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning, research, scholarship, creative activity, community service, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
Universities of Wisconsin fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who serve the State of Wisconsin and the public good.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Universities of Wisconsin is required to conduct a criminal background and sexual harassment check for the selected finalist prior to employment.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
WORK LOCATION
A hybrid or telecommuting work schedule may be available. Preference will be given to Wisconsin residents. Travel may be occasionally required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Director of Development (official title: Development Specialist) is a full-time, salaried (exempt), Academic Staff position. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within the range of $57,000 – $67,000 annual commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.
Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees. Please see this link for total compensation information: UW System Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator.
SPECIAL NOTES:
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting Sarah Wilson, HR Business Partner, at sarah.wilson@uwss.wisconsin.edu.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through Sunday, March 24, 2024. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.
- Go to the UWSA Applicant Portal to submit your materials online and select the appropriate applicant portal, either External Applicants or Internal Applicants and click on the position title that you want to apply for.
- Follow the onscreen instructions and be sure to include your salary expectations when asked in our applicant tracking system. In addition, please be sure to upload ALL THREE of the required documents: resume, cover letter, and references as PDF files. Failing to include any of these documents may disqualify your application.
a. Your cover letter must specifically address how your education and experience relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
b. Your reference page should include the names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers for three professional references with at least one being from a current or previous supervisor. - Submit your application.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran, and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellent through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Questions may be addressed to: Sarah Wilson, HR Business Partner, at sarah.wilson@uwss.wisconsin.edu.