Director of Development

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin•Appleton, WI

About The Position

JOB PURPOSE: The Director of Development oversees the day-to-day execution and operational performance of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s comprehensive fundraising program. Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, this role translates fundraising strategy into operational plans that drive donor engagement, stewardship, and philanthropic investment. The Director manages key fundraising functions, including major gifts and corporate giving, grants, and philanthropic operations. This role leads staff responsible for donor pipeline management, grant funding, fundraising systems, and portfolio performance while fostering a collaborative, mission-driven culture that supports the organization’s growth and impact.

Requirements

Commitment to understand and support FAEW’s mission, vision, and effective actions to end food insecurity and its causes.
Respect for the people FAEW serves and commitment to learn the causes of their food insecurity and need.
Ability to travel throughout the organization’s 35-county service area as needed for donor engagement
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university preferred.
Minimum of four years of development experience, including personal solicitation and securing major gifts of $10,000+.
Ability to speak and present in front of individuals, groups, or media.
Excellent organizational, critical thinking, analytical, decision making, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency with donor CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge NXT) and business software tools including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database platforms to support fundraising strategy and reporting.
Ability to effectively engage, inspire, and steward donors to support the organization’s mission through philanthropic investment.
Demonstrate capacity to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
A positive, team-oriented mindset with a "can-do" approach to supporting the organization, demonstrating cross-functional collaboration and a focus on developing solutions.
Ability to work safely following FAEW safety procedures.
Demonstrate the ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be open-minded of differing opinions and views.
Valid Driver’s license, proof of insurance and transportation to support work activities.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience fundraising for capital campaign is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Maintain and grow a portfolio of a minimum of 75 major gifts donors and prospects
Represent Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin at key community and networking events
Partner with the Chief Development Officer to execute the organization’s annual and long-term fundraising strategy
Translate strategic goals into operational plans and performance metrics for the fundraising team
Drive achievement of departmental revenue goals through effective leadership of major gifts, grants, and donor engagement strategies
Ensure strong pipeline development and donor cultivation across all fundraising portfolios
Partner with the Chief Development Officer to develop annual fundraising revenue projections, portfolio targets, and departmental performance benchmarks
Identify opportunities to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue through new partnerships, donor segments, and funding opportunities
Provide direct supervision and leadership to the Philanthropic Operations Manager, Senior Grants Manager, and Senior Development Manager
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance within the development team
Set clear goals and performance expectations for team members aligned with departmental priorities
Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development to direct reports
Ensure alignment and coordination across fundraising functions
Partner with the Senior Development Manager to strengthen the major gifts program and corporate donor pipeline
Lead cultivation and stewardship of high-capacity donors and key relationships within your portfolio
Participate in select donor meetings and engagements with team members as needed to support revenue goals
Lead regular portfolio and pipeline review meetings to monitor donor engagement strategies, track progress toward revenue goals, and support team accountability
Provide strategic oversight of the grants program in partnership with the Senior Grants Manager
Ensure strong pipeline development for foundation, corporate, and institutional funding
Monitor grant performance, reporting compliance, and revenue forecasting
Support the development of compelling grant proposals aligned with organizational priorities
Oversee the Philanthropic Operations Manager to ensure excellence in fundraising systems, data integrity, reporting, and gift processing
Ensure development operations support fundraising effectiveness, donor stewardship, and financial transparency
Collaborate with finance and leadership teams to ensure accurate revenue tracking and reporting
Utilize data insights and dashboards to guide fundraising strategy and decision making
Partner with marketing, programs, and leadership team to align donor communications, funding opportunities, and organizational impact priorities
Other duties as assigned