Job Description

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Position Title:

Director of Advancement

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Gift Officer I

Job Duties:

Unit Description:

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

Job Duties:

The Gift Officer I – Director of Advancement – identifies and cultivates relationships with donor prospects at major, principal and/or estate giving levels, develops and implements fundraising plans, and works collaboratively with other Advancement staff to meet predefined gift contribution goals.

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 75 - 125 high-capacity, high-affinity 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.

The Director of Advancement’s primary responsibilities include comprehensive management of a portfolio of donors and prospects to meet goals in all stages of the donor cycle qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, as well as creating custom strategies for approaching donors and prospects. Critical to success, eligible candidates will have the ability to work independently, proactively, and creatively while demonstrating motivation to achieve established annual fundraising goals and metrics. 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.

UWM’s University Advancement’s 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, versus being assigned to a particular unit of the University. 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, create partnerships, and strong, 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 Gift Officer may need to attend weekend and/or evening events as driven by prospect and donor relationships.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Develops and updates prospect portfolios, evaluates existing strategy and recommends improvements to leadership
• Develops and delivers targeted fundraising and communication programs and materials specific to gift contributions in alignment with strategic initiatives
• Serves as a unit liaison to internal and external constituencies, provides information and represents the interests of the institution
• Identifies, promotes, and maintains donor relationships and identifies solicitation opportunities specifically designed for the generation of gifts to reach program funding goals

Division: Division of University Advancement (UA)

Compensation: $74,000 - $83,000 Annual

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five 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 working in large, complex institutions like universities, hospitals, or government agencies
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software applications and/or database solutions for event management or marketing, etc.
• Fundraising campaign experience
• Academic fundraising experience, with a preference for those with experience soliciting gifts for an athletic department

How to Apply:

Complete application materials must include a cover letter and detailed resume addressing educational and professional level work experience as it relates to all minimum and preferred qualifications. 

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

The last day to submit your application is Friday, October 16.

Contact Information:

Adam Garcia - HR Coordinator

garci289@uwm.edu

Reasonable Accommodations

Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization

In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.