The Development Director of the Wisconsin Academy acts as the architect of progress and financial sustainability, leading and implementing a strategic plan for growth. The ideal candidate will have a successful fundraising track record, a collaborative approach, and be an excellent communicator. This position manages all fundraising strategies in coordination with board leadership, the Executive Director and other staff. The position is based in the Steenbock Center at 1922 University Ave. in Madison, WI, with remote work possible on Mondays and Fridays as external meetings allow. This is a 100% FTE exempt position, with generous PTO and a supportive team environment.
Summary of Duties: The Director of Development leads donor stewardship and is responsible for securing the financial resources necessary for the Academy's statewide programs and planned gifts to the Academy Foundation. As an essential member of the Academy’s senior leadership team, the director works closely with the Executive Director, Board, Academy staff, donors, volunteers, grant\-makers, event sponsors and Academy members to ensure financial stability and growth for the Academy. The director leads the Academy’s fundraising, including grant\-writing, securing event sponsors, and expanding and diversifying the Academy’s membership. The director collaborates with Program Directors to expand program sponsorship. They collaborate with the Executive Director and board development committee on fundraising appeals and campaigns, and regularly report on fundraising goals and progress to the Finance and Audit Committee and the full Academy and Foundation Boards.
Reports to: the Executive Director
Work Hours: Standard office hours (8:30 am to 5:00 pm), with occasional evenings and weekends. Requires 5% to 10% travel to meet with donors and attend events around the state.
Compensation: This salary range is $70,000 to $85,000, with generous paid time off, and benefits.
Responsibilities
The director manages sustainable fundraising for the following programs:
- Science programs and activities including:
- Science Talks (occurring occasionally throughout the year)
- Climate and environment conferences and summits
- Arts programs include exhibits and events at the James Watrous Gallery on the third floor of the Overture Center for the Arts.
- Letters activities and programs including:
- The Wisconsin People \& Ideas magazine, and various initiatives.
- Collaborations with the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission.
- Annual poetry and fiction writing contests.
- Annual Poetry \& Pi(e) event.
- And these additional programs in addition to the above:
- Occasional Academy Fellows events and bi\-annual induction galas.
- VIP and Full\-Circle Society events associated with the opening of new exhibits at the James Watrous Gallery.
- Mead Library Talks (in the spring and fall).
- Book Festival readings by the writing contest winners.
- Occasional timely, topical summits encouraging civil discourse around important issues affecting the people of Wisconsin.
- Research new potential donors, granting organizations, institutional members, sponsors and strategic partners that can help strengthen and grow the Academy’s state\-wide support.
- Lead donor stewardship initiatives with existing donors and members, granting organizations, sponsors and strategic partners.
- Guide and support Executive Director, Board, staff and volunteers to strengthen and grow relationships and make funding requests.
- Support and grow planned giving through long\-term donor relationships.
- Build, manage and execute a comprehensive grant development program.
- In collaboration with program staff , develop, execute and evaluate fundraising events throughout the state, including Mead Library Talks, Poetry \& Pie, and other receptions and talks. Support board members and supporters in hosting several house parties each year at various locations around the state.
- Develop and administer all aspects of a twice\-yearly fund appeal, developing the budget, mailing content and strategy. Oversee records and coordinate acknowledgements.
- Lead and deliver effective communications to support donor and member contacts.
- Lead all fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Executive Director, board members, committees, volunteers and outside consultants to plan, develop and implement capital campaign in the next five years.
- Work with the Administrative Assistant and Operations Manager on database customization (Civi\-CRM) to maintain accurate donor information and support communications and donor cultivation.
- Work with the Academy’s Data\-team in collecting, entering, standardizing, analyzing and reporting data.
- Work with other staff to pull various reports and reconcile CiviCRM data with QuickBooks records to ensure accurate reporting and clean annual audits.
- Serve as James Watrous Gallery attendant, registration check\-in, bar\-tender, photographer, or in other roles as needed.
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Planning and Development of Fundraising Strategies
The director develops and executes comprehensive fundraising plans, including individual giving, corporate giving, sponsorships, and foundation grants. They steward major gifts, legacy gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships around the state. They build and manage strategic networks among staff and board with key community leaders to build sustainable program funding. The director leads donor stewardship and recognition activities, including gift acknowledgments personal calls, and special donor recognition events. The director works closely with the board and Executive Director on strategic planning efforts, to align development goals with the Academy's strategic vision.
Main areas of responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:
Fundraising \& Membership (70%)
Manage donor database in collaboration with Administrative Assistant and Operations Manager (15%)
Other misc. duties (5%)
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@wisconsinacademy.org. The deadline for best consideration is April 13, 2026\.
Pay: $70,000\.00 \- $85,000\.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Madison, WI 53726