Director of Development/Senior Director of Development, College of Letters & Science - Computer Science

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking a development professional to help develop and implement a major gifts program benefitting the Department of Computer Sciences in the College of Letters & Science (L&S) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Employed by WFAA and reporting to the Associate VP/Managing Director for L&S, the Director of Development will work closely with the leadership of the Computer Sciences Department, along with the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) and WFAA staff as appropriate. 

The Director of Development will be responsible for qualifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts in a portfolio comprised, primarily, of alumni from the Department of Computer Sciences—with some exposure to prospects aligned with CDIS and the College of Letters & Science in an assigned geographic region.  This position will be a combination of remote, in-office, and on-site work environments. 

Please note:  This position can be filled at the Director of Development or Senior Director of Development level, depending on skills/experience of selected candidate. 

About the Department of Computer Sciences 

In the twenty-first century, computer science has a deep impact on all areas of life, and the job outlook for computer-science graduates remains exceptionally strong. In fact, analysis shows that the majority of growth within STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math) will be for careers involving computing. Whether you plan to earn a degree in computer science or simply complete some coursework to sharpen your skillset in another field of study, exposure to computer science is critical for today’s students and working professionals.

Here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Department of Computer Sciences (CS) offers a dynamic environment for study, research and professional growth. We are one of the oldest and most respected computer science departments in the United States, having begun in the early 1960s as the Department of Numerical Analysis and becoming the Department of Computer Sciences in 1964.

Who is WFAA?

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) is a private, nonprofit corporation that encourages individuals and organizations to make gifts to the university and to connect with the UW. In 2014, the UW Foundation merged with the Wisconsin Alumni Association® to better serve a growing population of UW alumni and donors. We believe that private support grows out of good relationships between campus leaders, faculty and program staff who need support, and the alumni and friends who want to invest in UW–Madison. We provide important engagement opportunities to link UW–Madison alumni to each other and to their alma mater, building a strong community of Badgers.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Just as the university community benefits from differing viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences, inclusion and diversity are imperative for the success of our mission. WFAA values people and the differences that they bring to the organization, and creates an environment in which all staff members and constituents feel respected and have opportunities to thrive.  

Major Gift Development

• Implement development strategies with assigned constituencies, managing a portfolio of prospects and donors in varying stages of involvement to advance them strategically through the development process in support of SoE priorities.
• Work with prospect management, WFAA research and development colleagues to identify and qualify a portfolio of major gift prospects from existing and potential donors.
• Schedule and conduct initial assessment/exploratory meetings with prospects, following up with correspondence, phone calls and additional visits as appropriate to qualify prospect.
• Plan and conduct visits/trips, events and other ongoing contact to build relationships with donors, effectively presenting the case for philanthropic support and explaining gift opportunities.
• Develop and write major gift proposals, utilizing both current and planned gift opportunities to best meet donors’ needs, interests, and financial capabilities, including structuring complex or special gifts as appropriate.
• Artfully ask for the right gift, at the right time, in the right way.
• Collaborate with colleagues, discussing major donor prospects, sharing advice/information, and coordinating activity on shared prospects.

 Donor Relations/Stewardship/ Recognition

• Plan and implement recognition for donors, including writing thank you letters, making personal calls, arranging meetings, hosting events, etc.
• Plan and implement ongoing communication and stewardship with donors.
• Participate in the external relations activities of the school, attend sponsored events, etc., to solicit, encourage, increase the involvement of alumni/donors in UW activities.

 Campus Relations

• Communicate, problem solve, and anticipate needs of campus staff regarding accounting for donor created funds and serve as liaison between WFAA accounting department and campus staff.
• Request data/reports from WFAA staff to meet needs of donors and campus staff.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience.
• Experience and demonstrated success in fundraising or related activities.
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills required.
• Ability to meet travel requirements (@25%).

Other Qualifications:

• Post high school training, college degree, or equivalent preferred.
• Appreciation of the vital role played by the School of Education (SoE) and an interest in promoting its departments and programs as well as an ability to work effectively with university officials and prominent alumni and donors.
• Ability to articulate the case for private support with sufficient effectiveness so that individuals understand the vision and strategy of the School and choose to invest in the vision.
• Ability to work independently, in addition to as a member of an effective development team.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. Click here to learn more about our employee benefits! 

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is the “doing business as” name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (advanceuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.