Director of Development, Wisconsin Athletics

Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) is seeking a development professional to fundraise on behalf of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This role focuses on major gift identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for facility projects, endowed scholarships, and planned gifts. The Director will manage a major gift portfolio, identify new prospects, and arrange solicitations by leadership. Responsibilities include donor service across various giving areas, developing marketing materials, and providing proposals. The position requires evening and weekend work, some regional travel, and is a 100% in-person role requiring relocation to the greater Dane County area. The specific title (Associate Director, Director, or Senior Director) will depend on the candidate's experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience
1+ years of professional fundraising /development experience in higher education, intercollegiate athletics, or a related field (for Associate Director level)
3+ years of professional fundraising /development experience in higher education, intercollegiate athletics, or a related field (for Director level)
5+ years of professional fundraising /development experience in higher education, intercollegiate athletics, or a related field (for Senior Director level)
Experience and demonstrated success in fundraising or related activities.
Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills required.
Ability to meet travel requirements (@25%).
Self-directed, team player who has a strong, results-oriented, work ethic.
Understanding of the operation of a major research university and passion for promoting its intercollegiate athletic programs.
Experience using database management software (e.g. Paciolan, Advance, Salesforce, Blackbaud, Ticketmaster, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in intercollegiate athletics
Understanding of NCAA rules

Responsibilities

Develop objectives, priorities, and strategies for major gift development related to capital campaigns, special programs, and ongoing fundraising in collaboration with Athletic Department external relations staff, Athletic Development Office staff, WFAA colleagues, and campus partners.
Implement development strategies with assigned constituencies, managing a portfolio of prospects and donors in varying stages of involvement to advance them strategically through the development process.
Work with prospect management, WFAA research, and development colleagues to identify and qualify a portfolio of major gift prospects from existing and potential donors.
Schedule and conduct initial assessment/exploratory meetings with prospects, following up with correspondence, phone calls, and additional visits as appropriate to qualify prospects.
Plan and conduct visits/trips, events, and other ongoing contact to build relationships with donors, effectively presenting the case for philanthropic support and explaining gift opportunities.
Develop and write major gift proposals, utilizing both current and planned gift opportunities to best meet donors’ needs, interests, and financial capabilities, including structuring complex or special gifts as appropriate.
Ask for the right gift, at the right time, in the right way.
Collaborate with colleagues, discussing major donor prospects, sharing advice/information, and coordinating activity on shared prospects.
Coordinate development efforts with the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, working closely with Athletic Development Office staff, coaches, and Athletics leadership to develop and implement strategies related to gift opportunities and optimizing campus involvement in the development process.
Plan and implement recognition for donors, including writing thank you letters, making personal calls, arranging meetings, and hosting events.
Plan and implement ongoing communication and stewardship with donors.
Work in collaboration with affiliated organizations and boards.
Participate in the external relations activities of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, attend sponsored events, etc., to solicit and encourage increased involvement of alumni/donors in UW activities.
Work with WFAA and Athletics leadership to develop plans for a comprehensive advancement structure and operations.
Communicate, problem-solve, and anticipate needs of the Athletic Development Office regarding accounting for donor-created funds and serve as liaison between WFAA accounting department and the Athletic Development Office.
Request data/reports from WFAA staff to meet the needs of donors and the Athletic Development Office.
Serve as WFAA liaison with the Division and other UW entities and friends/booster groups.
Make travel arrangements for self.
Write regular progress reports on prospect cultivation and solicitation, completing and filing thorough reports of all contacts in a timely manner.
Report/record/document development activity and results.
Write Memoranda of Agreement (MOA’s).
Monitor giving patterns and results for prospects/donors in portfolio and provide regular written or oral reports on progress and results of work with these prospects.