Development Officer

Universities of Wisconsin

. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts, including current and deferred gifts .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeMenomonie • Wisconsin • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $75,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in major gift fundraising, donor relationship management, and strategic prospect development within higher education. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for collaboration with diverse stakeholders and effective stewardship activities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gift FundraisingDonor Relationship ManagementFundraising Proposal WritingHigher Education ExperienceTeam Collaboration

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Fundraising StrategiesProspect DevelopmentDatabase ManagementDonor Record MaintenanceResearch Analysis

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsTeamworkLeadershipCommitment to Higher Education

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

Higher Education FundraisingDonor StewardshipAlumni EngagementVolunteer ManagementFundraising Events

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts, including current and deferred gifts
Work with colleges, departments, programs, alumni, friends, foundations, faculty, staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors
Develop working knowledge of assigned colleges and programs and their fundraising priorities
Collaborate with deans, department chairs, program directors, faculty, and volunteers on donor strategies
Develop and implement prospect strategies to increase donor and prospect involvement
Conceive, write, and edit fundraising proposals
Maintain accurate donor records and development actions in the database
Analyze research reports and database information on assigned donors and prospects
Develop prospect lists with annual visit and fundraising goals
Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors through solicitation, gift closure, and stewardship
Plan and conduct donor qualification and cultivation trips
Utilize current and planned gift opportunities to meet donor needs and capabilities
Support the Chancellor, Dean, and volunteers in fundraising activities
Represent assigned focus areas at development meetings, events, and university functions
Provide leadership and support to volunteer boards and fundraising groups
Contribute to external communications, donor recognition, engagement, and stewardship activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree
Experience in professional or higher education fundraising, financial services, public relations, marketing or sales
Demonstrated communications and interpersonal skills and success in working in a team setting
Commitment to higher education and a strong desire to champion the mission of the University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic
Official transcripts required at time of hire
Final candidates must provide three professional references, including at least one manager or supervisor
Successful completion of a criminal background check
Successful reference checks
Passing an essential job function test, as applicable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Wisconsin State retirement plan
Excellent benefits package
Reasonable accommodation for qualified applicants with disabilities