Chief Development & Marketing Officer - Serving Older Adults

Spano Pratt • Milwaukee, WI

85d • $85,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Chief Development & Marketing Officer (CDMO) is a key member of SOA’s senior leadership team, responsible for building sustainable philanthropic revenue, elevating organizational visibility, and deepening donor and community engagement to secure SOA’s future. This position plays a central role in shaping the organization’s sustainability strategy and positioning SOA as a thought leader in senior services and in advancing aging with independence and autonomy. The CDMO leads all fundraising and marketing initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, events, grants, sponsorships, and communications, to ensure SOA has the resources and recognition needed to achieve its mission of serving older adults with dignity and independence. The CDMO partners closely with the President/CEO, Board of Directors, and Development Committee to cultivate philanthropic support and strengthen SOA’s presence across Milwaukee County and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, nonprofit management, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive fundraising and marketing experience, with proven success in major gifts and donor relations.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising techniques, donor cultivation, and sponsorship development.
• Experience with donor databases and digital marketing tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong storyteller with the ability to connect donors to mission impact.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and collaborate with staff, board members, and volunteers.
• Self-starter, goal-oriented, and highly organized with strong follow-through.
• Demonstrated commitment to community service and SOA’s mission of supporting older adults.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a diversified fundraising program including major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, special events, corporate sponsorships, and foundation support; prepare the organization for future capital campaign opportunities.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, prospective supporters, and community partners.
• Lead the planning and execution of annual fundraising campaigns, donor appeals, and stewardship activities.
• Develop and steward a planned giving program that cultivates legacy gifts and strengthens SOA’s long-term sustainability.
• Provide monthly development reports and updates to the President/CEO and Board Development Committee.
• Oversee donor database management, ensuring timely and accurate recording, receipting, and acknowledgment of gifts.
• Lead an integrated marketing and communications strategy that strengthens SOA’s brand, amplifies its leadership in aging with independence and autonomy, and inspires broad-based support from donors, partners, and the public.
• Supervise the design and production of newsletters, brochures, annual reports, and promotional materials.
• Manage digital communications, including website, email campaigns, and social media presence.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all internal and external communications.
• Coordinate the monthly production of The Connection magazine.
• Serve as a member of SOA’s senior leadership team, contributing to organization-wide strategy and decision-making.
• Supervise and support the Development team, including the Grant Manager and Community & Outreach Coordinator.
• Partner with program and finance staff to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities and budget needs.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee, supporting volunteer engagement in fundraising efforts.

Benefits

• Compensation includes a hiring range of $85k to $105k plus a full benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree