Alumni and Development Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

2d • $62,144 - $80,240 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Development Specialist plays a vital role in advancing the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s missions by helping build and sustain a strong culture of philanthropy and engagement among alumni, students, and supporters. Working collaboratively, this position supports strategic initiatives that strengthen donor relationships, grow the alumni giving pipeline, and foster meaningful connections to the school. The Development Specialist contributes to the planning and execution of high-impact programs and events, uses data and insights to enhance engagement strategies, and serves as a trusted partner to internal and external stakeholders. Through thoughtful coordination, clear communication, and relationship-centered work, this role offers a unique opportunity to be only the second person to shape and grow an evolving position that strengthens philanthropy and alumni engagement for the School of Medicine and Public Health. Ideal for an early‑career professional, this role provides hands‑on experience, meaningful responsibility, and the chance to make a real impact from day one. This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check. See https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/#become-authorized-driver (click on “Become an authorized driver;” then click on “Required criteria”).

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing a donor pipeline, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Experience interacting directly with donors, including making or supporting gift asks.
• Proven ability to plan and execute events (in-person and/or virtual) that engage alumni, donors, or students.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage a wide range of constituents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and campus partners.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the institution.
• Must provide a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with alumni donors or within a higher education.
• Experience planning student-facing or community-building programs that foster connection and engagement.
• Comfort using CRM or advancement databases (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar) to track donor activity and outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in closing gifts or moving prospects through the donor lifecycle.
• Familiarity with donor stewardship best practices and annual giving strategies.
• Experience coordinating volunteers or alumni leaders.
• Ability to analyze donor data and use insights to inform outreach and strategy.
• Experience with event budgeting, vendor coordination, and post-event evaluation.
• Comfort representing the organization in one-on-one meetings, small groups, and public settings.

Responsibilities

• Monitors, organizes, and updates donor records, and implements operating policies and procedures
• Schedules logistics and secures resources for event and program activities, facilities, participants, and vendors adhering to established timelines and expectations
• Assists with the development of strategic planning initiatives and objectives, program budgets, and monitors activity to ensure adherence to established guidelines
• Collects, prepares, and analyzes donor information and event data and provides subsequent recommendations for improvement and enhancement
• Serves as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders at meetings and activities to advocate for and promote the interests of the unit
• Assists with the design, development, and delivery of marketing and communication materials and other event publications to promote development events and programs
• Drive student engagement by planning events, coordinating volunteer opportunities, and supporting philanthropy programs that foster leadership and school connection

Benefits

• Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees