About Joy Engine
Joy Engine is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing vibrant public art to Milwaukee, supporting local artists, and creating moments of joy throughout the city. Through creative placemaking and community-centered projects, Joy Engine transforms shared spaces into meaningful experiences.
Position Overview
Joy Engine is seeking a dynamic and imaginative Development Director to lead and grow our fundraising efforts. This role will work closely with the Executive Director to build a sustainable funding strategy that supports the organization’s continued growth and impact.
The ideal candidate brings both strategic fundraising expertise and a creative mindset. They are energized by relationship-building, deeply connected to the arts and cultural community, and excited to explore unconventional approaches to funding and partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution (35%)
- Develop and implement a comprehensive annual development plan, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, and events
- Set and achieve fundraising goals aligned with organizational growth
- Identify and pursue new revenue streams, including creative and nontraditional funding opportunities
- Create and manage donor database management system, tracking, and reporting
- Monitor fundraising performance and provide regular updates to leadership
- Ensure best practices in donor stewardship and compliance
Relationship Cultivation & Management (35%)
- Cultivate, steward, and grow relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners
- Leverage an existing network within the arts, philanthropic, and business communities
- Partner with the Executive Director and Board to engage and expand donor networks
- Build on existing programming to engage current and potential donors
Grants & Institutional Funding (30%)
- Identify, write, and manage grant proposals and reports
- Build and maintain relationships with foundations and public funding agencies
Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
- Strong network within Milwaukee or a comparable arts and cultural community
- Experience with donor cultivation, major gifts, sponsorships, and grants
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills
What sets you apart:
- A creative, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to think beyond traditional fundraising models
- Genuine passion for public art, artists, and community impact
- Comfort operating in a growing, evolving nonprofit environment
Working Style & Traits
- Collaborative and relationship-driven
- Self-directed and proactive
- Creative thinker with strong execution skills
- Adaptable and open to experimentation
Compensation & Benefits
Salary starting at $70,000. Final offer will be determined based on experience, skills, and alignment with the role.
Benefits: Flexible work environment with access to a creative, community-centered workspace, 80 hours PTO plus 7 paid Holidays, Retirement Plan with match, and the opportunity to help shape and grow a creative, evolving organization that values initiative, fresh ideas, and autonomy.
Why Join Joy Engine?
This is a chance to help shape the future of a growing organization reimagining how public art shows up across Milwaukee. You’ll help fuel Joy Engine’s growth, support local artists, and bring joyful, unexpected moments to life across the city. To learn more about us visit: joyengine.org/
To Apply Please Email steph@joyengine.org :
- A cover letter detailing your experience, what you’d bring to this role, and what excites you about Joy Engine and our work.
- A detailed and updated resume
- The names of, your relationship to, and contact information for three professional references.
- Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled