Senior Development Officer

About the role

The Senior Development Officer plays a critical role in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse by connecting donor passions with priorities and opportunities that transform student success, academic excellence, and institutional impact.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, advancing qualified donors through the full donor cycle including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Lead solicitation strategies for complex major and principal gifts, often involving multiple constituencies, institutional priorities, and long-term donor engagement.
• Plan and conduct strategic, relationship-based donor and prospective donor visits locally, regionally, and nationally to advance philanthropic partnerships.
• Collaborate with Executive Director of Development to establish annual fundraising and activity goals aligned with institutional priorities, and regularly assess and report on progress, portfolio health, and outcomes using data informed fundraising practices.
• Draft and present compelling gift proposals, stewardship plans, and donor communications tailored to individual interests and institutional priorities.
• Develop and manage volunteers and advisory stakeholders as appropriate to support fundraising success.
• Draft formal correspondence, proposals, and other written materials for assigned prospects.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across University Advancement and the Alumni and Friends Foundation including prospect development, advancement services, stewardship, communications, and events to ensure a coordinated and donor centered approach.
• Contribute to and sustain a professional, proactive, positive, and highly collaborative fundraising environment that values ethical practice, donor intent, accountability, and shared success.
• Complete all other duties as assigned by supervisor (Executive Director of Development).

Requirements

• 3-5 years of non-profit or higher education development experience with increasing levels of responsibility, demonstrating success securing major gifts and managing a donor portfolio.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship building and listening skills with the ability to engage diverse constituents.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.
• Strong organizational, time management, and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to travel and remain productive while working remotely and on the road.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.

Skills

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship building and listening skills with the ability to engage diverse constituents.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.
• Strong organizational, time management, and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to travel and remain productive while working remotely and on the road.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications.

Benefits

Compensation: $75,000 - 85,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Includes paid vacation for 12-month positions, excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage, paid holidays and paid sick days, and after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.