Senior Director of Advancement

Universities of Wisconsin • Milwaukee, WI

1d • Onsite

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 Senior Director of Advancement provides strategic leadership and oversight for development initiatives across the university. This role cultivates relationships, aligns stakeholders, and advances institutional fundraising priorities in support of the university’s mission. As a member of the Central Advancement team within University Advancement, the Senior Director serves as a thought leader in principal and major gifts and acts as a strategic advisor to the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Advancement and the Assistant Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Development. This position partners closely with campus leadership to identify fundraising priorities, establish goals, and drive successful philanthropic outcomes. The Senior Director manages a portfolio of 65–80 high-capacity prospects, including principal ($1M+) and major ($25,000+) donors. They design and execute individualized strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, consistently advancing prospects toward meaningful philanthropic investments aligned with institutional priorities. This role serves as a key fundraising partner to the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, Deans, and other academic leaders. The Senior Director advises on donor strategy, philanthropic planning, and the effective use of philanthropic funds. They collaborate with campus partners to translate priorities into compelling opportunities for donor investment. The Senior Director leads efforts to support transformational, campus-wide initiatives by working with Advancement and academic leaders to identify high-impact programs. They contribute to the development of cases for support and identify prospective donors and foundation partners. The role also educates and engages colleagues across Advancement to align efforts and achieve shared fundraising goals. The Senior Director manages and mentors a team of Directors of Advancement (Gift Officers). Responsibilities include setting performance goals, conducting evaluations, approving leave, and supporting professional growth. This individual fosters a collaborative, high-performing culture and ensures alignment with division-wide strategies and metrics. As a senior leader, the position strengthens partnerships within University Advancement, across campus units, and with the UWM Foundation, Inc. The Senior Director contributes to a more strategic, data-driven, and effective fundraising organization, particularly in advancing foundation relations. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong achievement in securing principal and major gifts through relationship-based fundraising, along with excellent strategic thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills. They must be able to work independently, proactively, and creatively while meeting ambitious fundraising goals and metrics. The role requires experience using CRM or database systems to manage donor pipelines, track relationships, and inform strategy, along with a commitment to a data-driven fundraising culture. Candidates must be able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, meet deadlines without compromising quality, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment. The ideal candidate is a strategic, results-driven fundraiser and collaborative leader who can operate effectively at both a high-level strategic and hands-on execution level, contributing to transformative philanthropic impact across the university.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Successful experience as a fundraiser, including comprehensive management of major and principal gift prospects for at least 10 years
• Demonstratable experience in staff management
• Demonstratable experience in managing fundraising initiatives towards successful outcomes
• Strong communication and relationship building skills
• Experience using CRM or database systems to manage donor pipelines, track relationships, and inform strategy
• Commitment to a data-driven fundraising culture
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to meet deadlines without compromising quality
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience and ability to work with all funders, individuals, alumni, foundations, corporations, and community organizations
• Experience in working in fundraising in higher education
• Demonstratable success in partnering with and managing relationships with campus leaders in higher education for optimized, fundraising success

Responsibilities

• Serves in University Advancement, as a thought leader with significant access to the VC of Advancement and a leader among staff in Development.
• This individual is a strategic partner to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development.
• Serves as a key leader on campus-wide initiatives, with subject matter expertise in assigned areas of UWM, building relationships with campus leaders.
• Manages an area or areas of work within the central Advancement team, specified by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development.
• Manages a Gift Officer and helps to set goals for the Gift Officer, supporting their work to meet their goals.
• Manges a portfolio of major and principal level prospects and donors towards progressive fundraising results.
• Approves absences, conducts performance assessments, meets regularly, and promotes professional development.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Contributes toward the cost of several benefit plans
• Extensive leave package including vacation, sick leave (with no expiration), personal holiday, and paid legal holidays

What This Job Offers

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