Executive Director of Development

Universities of Wisconsin

. Lead fundraising operations for the University and UW-La Crosse Alumni & Friends Foundation .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeLa Crosse • Wisconsin • United StatesLead💰 $145,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in major and principal gift fundraising, with a strong focus on donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Proven leadership in managing fundraising teams and executing successful campaigns within higher education.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gift Fundraising ExperienceLeadership Communication SkillsOrganizational ManagementProficiency in Blackbaud Raiser’s EdgeNonprofit Development Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Major Gift FundraisingDonor CultivationSolicitation StrategiesCampaign ManagementFundraising MetricsGift Pipeline DevelopmentProposal WritingVolunteer Team ManagementEvent PlanningData Analysis

Soft Skills

Self-MotivatedAttention to DetailTime ManagementCollaborationCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointBlackbaud Raiser’s Edge

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationPhilanthropyFundraising OperationsAlumni RelationsDevelopment Team Leadership

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead fundraising operations for the University and UW-La Crosse Alumni & Friends Foundation
Provide leadership and direction to the Development Team using industry best practices
Implement and execute a major giving program
Serve as principal gift officer while leading a team responsible for annual fundraising metrics and goals
Focus on donor solicitation and collaborate with Foundation leadership, Board of Directors, and academic and administrative leaders
Establish and execute gift pipelines and portfolios for assigned areas
Serve as liaison and subject-matter expert for assigned academic units
Attend donor and prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship events
Meet with academic leadership to review reports, prospect strategies, assignments, and progress toward goals
Cultivate philanthropic relationships through in-state, regional, and national travel
Develop expertise in assigned development specialties, initiatives, and priorities
Collaborate with the Foundation Board, campus partners, and Advancement colleagues
Jointly oversee operations for the Philanthropy & Engagement Committee
Develop and execute donor stewardship plans
Engage campus leaders in fundraising through regional and liaison assignments
Provide educational opportunities to deepen the campus culture of philanthropy
Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward approximately 75 major and principal gift prospects
Supervise a team of major gift officers
Execute donor discovery, cultivation, and solicitation work plans
Establish campaign-ready prospect pipelines for the university’s first comprehensive campaign
Develop and manage volunteer teams
Draft correspondence, proposals, and other materials for assigned prospects
Collaborate across Alumni & Friends Foundation departments
Maintain a professional, proactive, positive, collaborative, and performance-centric work environment
Complete other duties assigned by the Vice Chancellor of Advancement/Foundation President

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree
Proven major and principal gift fundraising experience
Strong leadership communication skills, including verbal, written, and listening
Self-motivated and able to lead initiatives independently
Demonstrated organizational management and attention to detail
Time management skills and ability to juggle complex tasks and meet deadlines
Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic team
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to work across functions and teams
Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of UWL
Proven fundraising results and success in achieving or exceeding benchmarks
Prior nonprofit or higher education development experience
Ability to travel via all modes of transportation
Valid driver’s license
Local, regional, and national travel required, up to 25%
Some evenings and weekends required
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout employment
Seven years or more of demonstrated major gift/principal gift fundraising preferred, preferably in higher education
Experience leading a successful fundraising campaign preferred
Proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge preferred
Resume, cover letter, and references with contact information from a minimum of 3 references required
Pre-employment screening, including criminal background check, work authorization, and education verification

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid vacation for 12-month positions
Flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage
Paid holidays
Paid sick days
Retirement system with vesting after 5 years of employment
Benefits add 40%+ to the overall financial package
Competitive benefits compared with local industry and state and national offerings