Director of Philanthropic Engagement

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

3d•$113,503 - $145,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Philanthropic Engagement leads the strategy and implementation of philanthropy, foundation and corporate relations, donor engagement and strategic communications for the Center for Healthy Minds (CHM). This role is responsible for building a sustainable advancement program that supports our mission to cultivate wellbeing and relieve suffering through a scientific understanding of the mind. The Director of Philanthropic Engagement translates CHM’s science and programs into tangible philanthropic opportunities. Your leadership ensures the center has the resources to do work that matters.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or advancement with progressively increasing responsibility.
Experience overseeing communications strategy as part of philanthropic efforts, including aligning messaging, brand, donor engagement and fundraising priorities
Demonstrated ability to design, lead and execute a comprehensive philanthropy strategy across giving levels, including pipeline development, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and long-range planning.
Proven track record of achieving measurable fundraising results, expanding donor engagement, and growing philanthropic revenue.
Bachelor's Degree in business, communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or related field required.

Nice To Haves

A well-qualified candidate will have 8+ years of experience.
Proven ability to translate complex, research-based or mission-driven work into compelling funding opportunities, donor materials, presentations and campaigns.
Experience using data, metrics and performance tracking to inform philanthropic and strategic communications strategy and improve effectiveness.
Demonstrated success building collaborative relationships across institutional stakeholders, including leadership, program teams, foundations, corporate partners and external constituents.
Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to build teams, develop talent, manage multiple priorities, and drive organizational objectives.
Exceptional writing and presentation skills, including experience developing persuasive donor proposals, case statements, stewardship materials, and engagement events.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute CHM’s philanthropic strategies and goals in collaboration with Center leadership and the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA).
Use data to evaluate strategy effectiveness, identify new funding opportunities, and re-engage partners to grow the donor pipeline.
Serve as the primary center liaison to the WFAA, coordinating with their Director(s) of Development as needed. Identify and cultivate relationships with individual donors, non-profit foundations, and corporate partners.
Lead the Engagement team in the creation of persuasive donor content, including case statements, proposals, and stewardship reports. Oversee donor and engagement events—such as investor circles and scientific talks—and train faculty and staff how to engage effectively with philanthropic partners.
Supervise the CHM Communications and Marketing Director and CHM Development staff. This includes management and professional development as well as, ensuring a unified message across all outreach efforts.
Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
Directs strategic planning pertaining to growth initiatives and establishes unit objectives in alignment with the strategic plan
Serves as a key unit authority to identify cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and existing members and donors to support growth in line with the unit vision and values
Leads the development and execution of cross-unit communications strategies and promotional campaigns and materials to align with institutional initiatives
Serves as a lead fundraiser in the absence of a Director
Supervises the day-to-day activities of unit managerial staff and identifies staff performance goals