Director of Advancement

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee • Milwaukee, WI

2d

About The Position

At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the Division of University Advancement (UA) has the privilege of championing one of the country’s leading research universities. In collaboration with our internal and external stakeholders, we maximize private support for UWM’s schools, colleges, units and programs through a comprehensive development and alumni relations program that: Promotes a university-wide culture of philanthropy and stewardship Engages alums through high impact and highly visible programs and services Supports and fosters investment in campus priorities Respects donors’ philanthropic interests and passions Provides a joyful giving experience Complies with relevant professional codes of conduct and ethics Holds parties accountable for meeting goals and objectives. The Gift Officer I – Director of Advancement – identifies and cultivates relationships with donor prospects at major, principal and/or estate giving levels, develops and implements fundraising plans, and works collaboratively with other Advancement staff to meet predefined gift contribution goals. This position is a member of the frontline development team whose primary responsibility is revenue generation through relationship-based fundraising activities. This individual manages a portfolio of 75 - 125 high-capacity, high-affinity prospects and develops a strategy for each prospect moving them closer to gift solicitation. This individual is strategic and thoughtful, using their strong communication and interpersonal skills to meet metrics as set forth by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development, being as productive as possible while employing efficient strategies for success. The Director of Advancement’s primary responsibilities include comprehensive management of a portfolio of donors and prospects to meet goals in all stages of the donor cycle qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, as well as creating custom strategies for approaching donors and prospects. Critical to success, eligible candidates will have the ability to work independently, proactively, and creatively while demonstrating motivation to achieve established annual fundraising goals and metrics. The Director of Advancement must demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in using database solutions to execute strategies with prospects and donors and to track relationship status and produce efficient results. It is critical that the individual embraces UWM’s University Advancement’s data-driven culture. UWM’s University Advancement’s university wide fundraising model requires eligible candidates to be both adaptable and have a genuine desire to learn about people, organizations, and opportunities. Gift Officers are asked to become subject matter experts in a fundraising program area, versus being assigned to a particular unit of the University. To best succeed in the UWM UA environment, specific qualifications include: the ability to conceive and ask thoughtful questions and to adjust communication and engagement strategies to meet philanthropic goals; excellent listening skills and a professional who prioritizes long-term partnerships over transactional fundraising; strategic thinking skills and being informed on fundraising trends and donor behavior; and problem solving abilities that assist in overcoming challenges. Successful candidates will need to adopt a team-centric approach, create partnerships, and strong, trusting relationships with members of the University Advancement team, colleagues, and leaders working in divisions across UWM’s campus and staff and colleagues at the UWM Foundation, Inc., UWM’s closely affiliated non-profit foundation. The Director of Advancement must demonstrate independent, proactive, creative, and strategic thinking when approaching their work. They will be a key member of the team of fundraisers, must manage multiple, simultaneous assignments, and meet deadlines without compromising quality in a service-oriented environment. The Gift Officer may need to attend weekend and/or evening events as driven by prospect and donor relationships.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five years of professional fundraising experience with a track record of soliciting prospects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with computers and standard applications (Microsoft Office, Adobe, etc.)

Nice To Haves

• Broad-based and progressive fundraising experience in areas related to annual giving, proposal preparation, individual, corporate, and foundation solicitations including major and planned gifts
• Experience working in large, complex institutions like universities, hospitals, or government agencies
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software applications and/or database solutions for event management or marketing, etc.
• Fundraising campaign experience
• Academic fundraising experience, with a preference for those with experience soliciting gifts for an athletic department

Responsibilities

• Develops and updates prospect portfolios, evaluates existing strategy and recommends improvements to leadership
• Develops and delivers targeted fundraising and communication programs and materials specific to gift contributions in alignment with strategic initiatives
• Serves as a unit liaison to internal and external constituencies, provides information and represents the interests of the institution
• Identifies, promotes, and maintains donor relationships and identifies solicitation opportunities specifically designed for the generation of gifts to reach program funding goals

Benefits

• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level