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Position Title:

Job Category:

Employment Type:

Job Profile:

Job Duties:

The Gift Officer II – Director of Advancement (Foundation Relations) identifies and cultivates relationships with donor prospects at major and principal levels, develops and implements fundraising plans, and works collaboratively with other Advancement staff to meet predefined gift contribution goals. The Director of Advancement acts as a leader and a mentor on the team of Directors of Advancement, especially in Foundation Relations.

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 50 - 100 high-capacity, high-affinity foundation and organization 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.

UWM’s University Advancement 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, in this case Foundation Relations. 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 and create partnerships and strong and 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 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. The Director of Advancement may need to attend weekend and/or evening events as driven by prospect and donor relationships.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Identifies, promotes, and maintains donor relationships and identifies solicitation opportunities specifically designed for the generation of gifts to reach program funding goals through optimal management of a portfolio of prospects and donors
• Manages a portfolio of prospects primarily consisting of both regional and national foundation prospects, evaluates existing strategies, builds connections, and tracks activities and reports as required
• Leads the end-to-end development of letters of inquiry and proposals for foundation grants and gifts
• Serves as a unit liaison to internal and external constituencies, builds relationships, provides information, and represents the interests of the institution
• Creates partnerships within the Advancement team to reach fundraising goals
• Collaborates with campus partners to assist in strengthening relationships with prospects and donors to grow philanthropic revenues
• Serves as the team leader in Foundation Relations Philanthropic Strategy and Relationship Management

Department:

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

Compensation:

$84,000 - $90,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.)

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree

• At least eight 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 writing grants and reporting on impact of grants received

• Experience working in large, complex institutions such as universities, hospitals, or government agencies

• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software applications and/or database solutions for event management, marketing, etc.

• Fundraising campaign experience 

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide a cover letter and resume addressing your professional level work experience. Your cover letter and resume must address your qualifications, experience, and knowledge as it specifically relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications and why you are interested in applying for this position.  

Note: Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. Applications missing any of the required documents listed prior to the application deadline will be marked as incomplete and may not be considered. 

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications. Additional documents submitted aside from a cover letter and resume will not be reviewed.  

Finalist candidates(s) will be asked to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified. 

Apply electronically by the application deadline date of Thursday, December 10th, 2026, at 11:59pm. Questions about this position should be directed to Coua Xiong at xion2447@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.