Director of Advancement for Foundation Relations

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Position Title:
Director of Advancement for Foundation Relations

Job Category:
Academic Staff

Employment Type:
Regular

Job Profile:
Gift Officer II

Job Duties:

The Gift Officer II – Director of Advancement (Foundation Relations) identifies and cultivates relationships with donor prospects at major and principal levels, develops and implements fundraising plans, and works collaboratively with other Advancement staff to meet predefined gift contribution goals. The Director of Advancement acts as a leader and a mentor on the team of Directors of Advancement, especially in Foundation Relations.

This position is a member of the frontline development team whose primary responsibility is revenue generation through relationship-based fundraising activities. This individual manages a portfolio of 50 - 100 high-capacity, high-affinity foundation and organization prospects and develops a strategy for each prospect moving them closer to gift solicitation. This individual is strategic and thoughtful, using their strong communication and interpersonal skills to meet metrics as set forth by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development, being as productive as possible while employing efficient strategies for success.

UWM’s University Advancement university wide fundraising model requires eligible candidates to be both adaptable and have a genuine desire to learn about people, organizations, and opportunities. Gift Officers are asked to become subject matter experts in a fundraising program area, in this case Foundation Relations. To best succeed in the UWM UA environment, specific qualifications include:

• the ability to conceive and ask thoughtful questions and to adjust communication and engagement strategies to meet philanthropic goals;

• excellent listening skills and a professional who prioritizes long-term partnerships over transactional fundraising;

• strategic thinking skills and being informed on fundraising trends and donor behavior; and

• problem solving abilities that assist in overcoming challenges.

Successful candidates will need to adopt a team-centric approach and create partnerships and strong and trusting relationships with members of the University Advancement team, colleagues and leaders working in divisions across UWM’s campus, and staff and colleagues at the UWM Foundation, Inc., UWM’s closely affiliated non-profit foundation. The Director of Advancement must demonstrate independent, proactive, creative, and strategic thinking when approaching their work. They will be a key member of the team of fundraisers, must manage multiple, simultaneous assignments, and meet deadlines without compromising quality in a service-oriented environment. The Director of Advancement must demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in using database solutions to execute strategies with prospects and donors and to track relationship status and produce efficient results. It is critical that the individual embraces UWM’s University Advancement’s data-driven culture. The Director of Advancement may need to attend weekend and/or evening events as driven by prospect and donor relationships.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Identifies, promotes, and maintains donor relationships and identifies solicitation opportunities specifically designed for the generation of gifts to reach program funding goals through optimal management of a portfolio of prospects and donors
• Manages a portfolio of prospects primarily consisting of both regional and national foundation prospects, evaluates existing strategies, builds connections, and tracks activities and reports as required
• Leads the end-to-end development of letters of inquiry and proposals for foundation grants and gifts
• Serves as a unit liaison to internal and external constituencies, builds relationships, provides information, and represents the interests of the institution
• Creates partnerships within the Advancement team to reach fundraising goals
• Collaborates with campus partners to assist in strengthening relationships with prospects and donors to grow philanthropic revenues
• Serves as the team leader in Foundation Relations Philanthropic Strategy and Relationship Management

Department:

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

Compensation:

$84,000 - $90,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.)

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree

• At least eight years of professional fundraising experience with a track record of soliciting prospects

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Proficiency with computers and standard applications (Microsoft Office, Adobe, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Broad-based and progressive fundraising experience in areas related to annual giving, proposal preparation, individual, corporate and foundation solicitations, including major and planned gifts

• Experience writing grants and reporting on impact of grants received

• Experience working in large, complex institutions such as universities, hospitals, or government agencies

• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software applications and/or database solutions for event management, marketing, etc.

• Fundraising campaign experience

How to Apply:

Interested applicantsare required toapply online andprovide acoverletterandresumeaddressingyour professional level work experience. Your cover letter and resume must address your qualifications, experience, and knowledge as it specifically relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications and why you are interested in applying for this position.

Note: Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior tosubmittingthe online application.Applicationsmissingany of therequired documents listed prior to the application deadlinewill bemarked asincompleteand may not beconsidered.

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable toascertainfrom the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.Additionaldocumentssubmittedaside from acover letterandresumewill not bereviewed.

Finalist candidates(s)will be asked toprovide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.

Apply electronically by the application deadline date of Thursday, December 10th, 2026, at 11:59pm.Questions about this position should be directed toCoua Xiong at xion2447@uwm.edu.