Statewide Director of Development - Junior Achievement of Wisconsin

Spano Pratt•Milwaukee, WI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin (JA Wisconsin) is the region’s premier business-connected educational provider. The organization catalyzes cross-sector partnerships to deliver innovative solutions that significantly improve educational attainment, workforce readiness, and access. With operations throughout the state, JA Wisconsin has built a reputation for innovation and results, working with school districts to integrate and scale experiential learning. Today, over 120,000 students engage in a continuum of real-world applied learning experiences that shape their mindset, behaviors, and skills to envision and pursue opportunity-filled futures. In fact, JA is also responding to emerging needs among a growing number of young adults struggling financially with independent living after school. JA is excited to be part of this new opportunity to help support one student at a time for their “last mile” of academic learning. This transformation has been fueled by partnerships with school districts, colleges, and major employers that are united by JA’s programs to solve entrenched barriers to economic opportunity. Through these efforts, JA Wisconsin has expanded its strategic partnerships and the reach of high-impact solutions across the state. Junior Achievement designs learning experiences with the end in mind: real outcomes for students. Our experiences don't just expose young people to ideas about the future — they help students clearly connect what they are learning today to where they want to go tomorrow in a measurable way. The Statewide Director of Development at Junior Achievement of Wisconsin is charged with leading the organization's efforts to significantly expand its financial resources and strengthen external partnerships and brand awareness. This role is responsible for all fundraising activities in the Southeast Wisconsin Region in addition to providing strategy development and functional oversight for statewide philanthropic initiatives. This senior director role will increase major donor contributions, enhance the organization's public image, and achieve specific performance metrics. Additionally, this position serves as a key member of the state leadership team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development or philanthropy in the nonprofit, education, or foundation sector required.
Proven track record of securing major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, and grant funding.
Strong background in donor stewardship, relationship management, and engaging high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Expertise in nonprofit financial management, budgeting, and data-driven fundraising metrics.
Strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
Outstanding collaborative strategizing, planning, and execution skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM software, and digital fundraising tools.
Must have valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred or combination of degree and related experience.

Responsibilities

Drive the development and execution of an integrated statewide fundraising strategy to improve communication and collaboration among regions, standardize processes, share best practices, diversify revenue, expand donor engagement, and maximize sustainable funding through campaigns, strategic sponsorships, grants, and major gifts.
Lead fundraiser for all aspects of the Southeastern Region fund development: cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding critical relationships to secure and enhance funding sources.
Organize annual strategy meetings with Regional Directors to establish and refine fundraising goals, incorporating best practices for campaign and event management.
Develop and lead regional and statewide grant strategy and approach.
Review funding opportunities from JA USA & operationalize as appropriate.
Lead the Region’s Event and Marketing Team.
Direct a statewide planned giving program.
Support regional teams in strategizing for their top 10 major gift prospects annually.
Employ innovative strategies to expand the statewide donor base by identifying and engaging new prospects.
Develop and lead an integrated communications strategy that strengthens brand visibility, expands audience reach, and maximizes organizational resources through earned media, strategic partnerships, and trade opportunities.
Facilitate annual strategy sessions with Regional Directors to set marketing goals, incorporating campaign and event management best practices.
Oversee an annual calendar for press releases, social media, and email marketing.
Lead Southeastern Wisconsin’s Development efforts to maximize results of all team members.
Lead the Region’s Event and Marketing Team.
Provide regular feedback, coaching, and performance guidance to ensure continuous employee development and effective team performance.
Foster a positive and effective work culture by promoting teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth.
Assess and allocate resources effectively to meet organizational needs and objectives.
Address employee concerns, resolve conflicts, and foster open communication.
Spearhead fundraising initiatives identified as "critical" to respond to the organization’s needs.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for all fundraising activities to ensure achievement of goals and make strategic adjustments as necessary. Ensure statewide campaigns and SE fund-raising targets are met.