Senior Development Officer

Universities of Wisconsin • La Crosse, WI

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Executive Director of Development, the Senior Development Officer plays a critical role in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. This role focuses on connecting donor passions with opportunities that transform student success, academic excellence, and institutional impact. Working collaboratively within the Division of University Advancement and in partnership with the UWL Alumni and Friends Foundation Board of Directors, the position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of approximately 75 to 100 prospective donors with the capacity to make major gifts of $25,000 or more. The Senior Development Officer manages a dynamic portfolio, plans and conducts strategic, relationship-driven visits, develops individualized donor strategies, documents engagement activity, and executes thoughtful follow-up to secure and steward philanthropic support for UWL. Success is measured by consistent portfolio movement, achievement of annual fundraising goals, strong relationships with academic and unit partners, and meaningful donor engagement resulting in long-term philanthropic partnerships. With a primary focus on major gift solicitation, the Senior Development Officer works closely with Alumni & Friends Foundation leadership and senior academic and administrative leaders across one or more assigned areas, building and managing a robust portfolio and gift pipeline, developing long-term donor relationships, and advancing prospects from qualification through solicitation and stewardship.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of non-profit or higher education development experience with increasing levels of responsibility, demonstrating success securing major gifts and managing a donor portfolio.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship building and listening skills with the ability to engage diverse constituents.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.
• Strong organizational, time management, and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to travel and remain productive while working remotely and on the road.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• Ability to travel via all modes of transportation.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Bachelor's degree.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge or other constituent relationship management systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, advancing qualified donors through the full donor cycle including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Lead solicitation strategies for complex major and principal gifts, often involving multiple constituencies, institutional priorities, and long-term donor engagement.
• Plan and conduct strategic, relationship-based donor and prospective donor visits locally, regionally, and nationally to advance philanthropic partnerships.
• In collaboration with Executive Director of Development, establish annual fundraising and activity goals aligned with institutional priorities, and regularly assess and report on progress, portfolio health, and outcomes using data informed fundraising practices.
• Draft and present compelling gift proposals, stewardship plans, and donor communications tailored to individual interests and institutional priorities.
• Develop and manage volunteers and advisory stakeholders as appropriate to support fundraising success.
• Draft formal correspondence, proposals, and other written materials for assigned prospects.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across University Advancement and the Alumni and Friends Foundation including prospect development, advancement services, stewardship, communications, and events to ensure a coordinated and donor centered approach.
• Contribute to and sustain a professional, proactive, positive, and highly collaborative fundraising environment that values ethical practice, donor intent, accountability, and shared success.
• Complete all other duties as assigned by supervisor (Executive Director of Development).
• Cultivate philanthropic relationships with individuals and entities interested in the success of UWL by travelling in-state, regionally, and nationally to solicit prospects.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of UWL history, mission, and strategic priorities, and communicate the case for support effectively to a diverse range of constituents.
• Serve as the primary philanthropic liaison and subject matter expert for one or more assigned academic units, serving as a trusted philanthropic advisor to deans, directors, department chairs, and faculty, guiding strategy, messaging, and donor approach.
• Develop and implement comprehensive development plans for assigned units that support major giving goals and long term philanthropic growth.
• Maintain deep knowledge of assigned academic units including programs, degrees, faculty strengths, research initiatives, funding priorities, and strategic needs.
• Meet regularly with academic leadership to review progress, discuss prospect strategies, identify new opportunities, and align fundraising efforts with academic priorities.
• Educate and collaborate with Alumni and Friends Foundation colleagues regarding academic unit priorities and philanthropic opportunities as appropriate.
• Serve as a development lead for assigned fundraising initiatives, special projects, or institutional priorities as directed.
• Develop and implement targeted fundraising strategies and associated prospect plans to meet established goals.
• Partner with foundation leadership and advancement colleagues to support campaign planning, major initiatives, and donor engagement strategies.

Benefits

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid sick days.
• Vested in our retirement system after 5 years of employment which ensures income post-career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees