Overview

The Director of Development is an experienced fundraising professional who provides leadership, management, and coordination of all development and fundraising activities for WisCorps and its two divisions (Wisconsin Conservation Corps and The Nature Place). The Director of Development is responsible for developing strategies and plans to meet annual fundraising goals for major gifts, corporate donations, planned giving, direct mail appeals, grants, special events, and campaign funding.

The Director of Development builds relationships with current and prospective donors, monitors funded grants, researches new funding opportunities, and supervises all department staff (currently two UW-L Fellows). In addition, the Director of Development will embrace communications and brand awareness as an extension of development strategies to broaden the donor base and expand partnerships.

The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director and serves as a member of the WisCorps Leadership Team, working closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to implement the organization's strategic vision, develop and track the annual budget, attend Leadership Team and Board of Directors meetings, all assigned committee meetings, trainings, retreats, and workshops. The Director will observe, analyze, and provide feedback to continually improve the organization's current and future operations, especially the Development Department.

About WisCorps

WisCorps, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin, that engages youth and young adults in two areas: conservation projects through the Wisconsin Conservation Corps (www.wiscorps.org) and nature education through The Nature Place (www.natureplacelacrosse.org).

Responsibilities

Development/Fundraising/Communication Duties

  • Creates and implements an annual plan for meeting fundraising goals: major gifts, corporate donations, planned giving, direct mail appeals, grants, special events, and campaign funding
  • Builds relationships with current and prospective donors, researches new funding opportunities
  • Develops and executes fundraising, cultivation, and donor appreciation events
  • Provides strategy for, leads, and oversees brand awareness and communications/PR activities
  • Works with capital campaign consultant on current feasibility study and any future campaigns

Management & Supervisory Duties

  • Serve as the department head for the Development Department and as a member of the WisCorps Leadership Team.
  • Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate current and future department staff
  • Promote an environment of collaboration, effective communication, timely feedback, and continual improvement both within the development department and organization
  • Facilitate regular team and committee meetings of the development department staff
  • Provides training regarding fundraising, development, and communications for new hires, current staff, and board members

Financial/Administrative/Database Management Duties

  • Works with the Director of Administration and program staff to monitor grant award expenditures for compliance with grant requirements
  • Compiles and submits grants management reports to funders
  • Assists the Director of Administration with annual audit requirements, as needed
  • Implement, monitor, and support data-tracking systems for donor-funded program outcomes

Qualification

Essential:

  • Proven experience in a senior leadership role in Development with a non-profit organization
  • Demonstrated success with major gift solicitation, corporate campaigns, direct mail/online appeals, grant writing, special events, and planned giving
  • Proven record of submitting high-quality grant proposals that successfully secure grant funding
  • Ability to encourage meaningful and engaging relationships that create lifelong donors
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience using social media platforms to support development efforts
  • Can create compelling print and online communications.

Preferred:

  • Capital campaign experience
  • CFRE credential
  • Experience using Network for Good, Windfall, and Salesforce or similar systems
  • Experience hiring, managing, and developing staff members
  • Experience developing public relations and marketing strategies
  • Valid driver's license and insurable driving record

Travel & Hours Requirements

We operate in a flexible working environment. Work hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for specific development and leadership activities such as board meetings, donor meetings, or events. Some local travel is required.

Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We expect our staff members to be leaders in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the organization and in our community. We expect our staff to continually create and support a culture of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all WisCorps programs. Staff should seek to remove barriers to participation and create a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals, especially those traditionally marginalized in the environmental field. This includes, but is not limited to BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQIA+, Hispanic/Latinx, and individuals with a disability. Staff lead with an anti-racist mindset, continually evaluating policies and procedures and identifying and refining or removing those that do not support justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

WisCorps provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran per applicable federal, state and local laws. We are committed to assuring equal employment opportunity and equal access to services, programs, and activities for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and need to access information in an alternative format or need it translated to another language, please contact us by phone at 608-860-6864, by email at staff@wiscorps.org or Wisconsin Relay 711.

Details

Full-time, permanent
La Crosse, WI

$65,000-$75,000 annually (based on experience), exempt from overtime

Benefits
Six weeks paid time off annually, health, dental, 401(k), seven paid holidays, parental leave, flexible schedule, Employee Assistance Program, dynamic & fun work environment
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To Apply

Email cover letter & résumé with three references to matt.brantner@wiscorps.org

Application materials must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. CDT on Friday, December 1, 2023