What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies position at Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association?
Overview
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA)*, the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is seeking an experienced Director of Development to help develop and implement a major gifts program benefitting the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. While employed by WFAA and reporting to a Vice President and Managing Group Leader at WFAA, the Director of Development will work closely with the Director of the Nelson Institute, as well as its Director of Advancement and Donor Relations, coordinating efforts with the Institute and WFAA staff as appropriate. This is a hybrid role that will require you to work in Madison, WI office at least two days weekly.
About the The Nelson Institute:
The world is changing at a rate and scale unprecedented in human history. How can we meet humanity’s needs in just and innovative ways while protecting the environment on which life depends? The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies is confronting this challenge through imaginative research that transcends disciplinary boundaries; hands-on educational initiatives that bridge classrooms and communities; and public programs that foster environmental conversations among people from business, government, academia and advocacy.
In 2020, the Nelson Institute commemorated its 50th anniversary, celebrating a half century of excellence. Today, the Institute serves over 1100 students, addresses the needs of hundreds of stakeholders in the public and private sector, and provides a campus anchor for UW’s sustainability initiatives, environmental research, and visioning diverse Earth Futures. The Institute is a UW school with a history of support for scholarships, endowed professorships, research initiatives, and signature public events, like Earth Day. This legacy provides a strong foundation for fundraising success. This director of development position presents an enormous opportunity for organizational and professional growth at an exciting time for the Institute. The director of development will join a team of communications, outreach, and alumni relations staff, paving the way for the Institute’s participation in, and contribution to, the UW–Madison’s upcoming campus campaign. Learn more about the Nelson Institute at https://nelson.wisc.edu/.
Who is WFAA?The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is a private, nonprofit corporation that encourages individuals and organizations to make gifts to the university and to connect with the UW. In 2014, the UW Foundation merged with the Wisconsin Alumni Association® to better serve a growing population of UW alumni and donors. We believe that private support grows out of good relationships between campus leaders, faculty and program staff who need support, and the alumni and friends who want to invest in UW–Madison. We provide important engagement opportunities to link UW–Madison alumni to each other and to their alma mater, building a strong community of Badgers.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Just as the university community benefits from differing viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences, inclusion and diversity are imperative for the success of our mission. WFAA values people and the differences that they bring to the organization, and creates an environment in which all staff members and constituents feel respected and have opportunities to thrive.
Essential Functions
- Work with the leadership of the Nelson Institute and WFAA to identify priorities and design, implement, and manage strategic plans for a comprehensive major gifts program.
- Self-direct prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and management of a portfolio of potential and current donors, with a focus on leadership annual and major gifts that advance the Nelson Institute’s strategic priorities.
- Plan and conduct visits and other ongoing contacts that link potential donors with the Nelson Institute’s programs and development needs.
- Develop and maintain strategies to enhance donor stewardship.
- Practice effective and consistent internal and external communications.
- Effectively navigate relationships with and between the Nelson Institute, WFAA, other UW-Madison programs, and the Madison community.
- Participate in Nelson Institute meetings, public lectures, and events.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work 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
- Post high school training, 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 Institute and choose to invest in the vision.
- Ability to work independently, in addition to as a member of an effective development team.
WFAA is committed to provide our employees with an environment that is inspiring, creative and respectful. We offer competitive pay and an excellent benefits program, which includes a 10% 401k contribution after 1 year of service!
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (advanceuw.org) is the “doing business as” name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (supportuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.
