The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is seeking a development professional to support and grow the annual and major gifts program benefiting the Center for Healthy Minds (CHM).  While employed by WFAA and reporting to a Vice President and Managing Group Leader at WFAA, the Director of Development will work hand-in-hand with CHM's founder, leadership team, and the Director of Philanthropic Engagement to achieve fundraising goals.  The role will also work closely with development and leadership staff at Humin, a nonprofit partner of CHM, on donors who support both organizations and on initiatives that span them, helping ensure a coordinated, donor-centered experience across organizations.

Whether it is securing support for research; building partnerships with individuals, family foundations, or corporate leaders; or raising funds for the sustainability of CHM, this position presents an opportunity to work with friends of UW-Madison and CHM from across the campus, the country, and the world, while helping to build a kinder, wiser, more compassionate world.

Please note: We can hire this role at either the Director of Development or Senior Director of Development level, depending on the selected candidate’s skills and experience.

About Center for Healthy Minds

Founded by neuroscientist Dr. Richard J. Davidson, the Center for Healthy Minds is a renowned research center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of the world's top research institutions. CHM brings together multidisciplinary researchers and faculty who study the science behind wellbeing. Guided by a vision of a kinder, wiser, more compassionate world, CHM is committed to scientific rigor, real-world impact, and a prosocial workplace. CHM works closely with Humin, a nonprofit partner with the mission of making wellbeing real for all.

Major Gift Development

• Develop objectives, priorities and strategies for major gift development related to capital campaigns, special programs, and ongoing fund raising in collaboration with dean/director/faculty/staff, WFAA vice president and colleagues.
• Implement development strategies with assigned constituencies, managing a portfolio of prospects and donors in varying stages of involvement to advance them strategically through the development process.
• Work with prospect management, WFAA research and development colleagues to identify and qualify a portfolio of major gift prospects from existing and potential donors.
• Schedule and conduct initial assessment/exploratory meetings with prospects, following up with correspondence, phone calls and additional visits as appropriate to qualify prospects.
• Plan and conduct visits/trips, events and other ongoing contact to build relationships with donors, effectively presenting the case for philanthropic support and explaining gift opportunities

Donor Relations/Stewardship/ Recognition

• Plan and implement recognition for donors, including writing thank you letters, making personal calls, arranging meetings, hosting events, etc.
• Plan and implement ongoing communication and stewardship with donors.

Campus Relations

• Communicate, problem solve, and anticipate needs of campus staff regarding accounting for donor created funds and serve as liaison between WFAA accounting department and campus staff.
• Request data/reports from WFAA staff to meet needs of donors and campus staff.

Administration 

• Make travel arrangements for self.
• Write regular progress reports on prospect cultivation and solicitation, completing and filing thorough reports of all contacts in a timely manner.
• Write scripts for promotional brochures, invitations, announcements and other written materials, in collaboration with the WFAA and campus communications staff.
• Report/record/document development activity and results.
• Write Memoranda of Agreement. (MOA’s) o Monitor giving patterns and results for prospects/donors in portfolio and provide regular written or oral reports on progress and results of work with these prospects.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience
• 3 + years of professional fundraising/ development experience or related experience.
• Experience and demonstrated success in fundraising or related activities.
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills required.
• Ability to meet travel requirements (@25%).

Other Qualifications: 

• College degree, or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to articulate the case for private support with sufficient effectiveness so that individuals understand the vision and strategy of the Center and choose to invest in the vision.
• Ability to work independently, in addition to as a member of an effective development team.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. Click here to learn more about our employee benefits!