Statewide Director of Development
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.
Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Fundraising Leadership:
• 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 Southeastern Region fund development -- cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding these 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.
• Reviews funding opportunities from JA USA & operationalizes as appropriate.
• Leads the Region’s Event and Marketing Team.
Individual Giving Cultivation and Management:
• 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.
External Relations Leadership:
• 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.
Team Management and Liaison Duties:
• Lead Southeastern Wisconsin’s Development efforts to maximize results of all team members.
• Leads 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. This role is accountable for ensuring statewide campaigns and SE fund-raising targets are met.
Qualifications (required)
• Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development or philanthropy in the nonprofit, education, or foundation sector required. Master’s degree preferred or combination of degree and related experience. 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.
COMPETENCIES & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS
Strategic Fundraising & Philanthropic Growth
Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that expands revenue, cultivates major donors, secures corporate and foundation partnerships, and positions JA Wisconsin for long-term philanthropic growth.
• Develops and executes statewide fundraising strategies.
• Expands major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and planned giving.
• Uses metrics and pipeline management to drive results.
• Balances short-term revenue goals with long-term donor development.
Relationship Building & External Influence:
•Builds trusted relationships with donors, board members, corporate partners, foundations, community leaders, and internal stakeholders while serving as a visible ambassador for JA Wisconsin.
• Establishes credibility quickly.
• Builds long-term donor relationships.
• Engages and leverages the Board.
• Expands community partnerships and external visibility.
• Influences without relying on formal authority.
Collaborative Leadership & Organizational Alignment:
Leads through collaboration by aligning regional teams, influencing diverse stakeholders, building trust, and creating a unified statewide development function.
• Partners effectively with the President and leadership team.
• Builds consensus across regions.
• Coaches and develops high-performing teams.
• Communicates decisions clearly and transparently.
• Creates accountability while maintaining positive relationships.
Strategic Execution & Operational Excellence:
Ability to translate strategy into measurable execution through strong planning, organization, project management, technology adoption, and performance management.
• Prioritizes effectively across multiple initiatives.
• Uses KPIs and fundraising metrics to guide decisions.
• Implements CRM, grant, and campaign processes.
• Manages complex projects while improving operational efficiency.
• Holds self and others accountable for results.
Change Leadership & Innovation:
Leads organizational change with resilience by modernizing fundraising practices, embracing new technologies, fostering innovation, and helping the organization evolve while respecting its history and culture.
• Leads through organizational transition.
• Champions new ideas and fundraising approaches.
• Adapts quickly to changing priorities and technology.
• Encourages innovation while maintaining stability.
• Demonstrates courage, resilience, and persistence.
Junior Achievement of Wisconsin is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Application Process
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