Overview
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking two motivated and relationship‑driven development professionals to join our team as Associate Directors of Development supporting the College of Letters & Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. One role will focus on the College of Letters & Science broadly, with a specific emphasis on the Department of Political Science. The second role will support the International Division and the La Follette School of Public Affairs, in addition to qualifying donors for the College of Letters & Science in geographic areas.
Employed by WFAA and reporting to a Managing Senior Director for L&S, the Associate Director of Development will work closely with the leadership at L&S and WFAA staff as appropriate. The Associate Director of Development will be responsible for qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts in a portfolio comprising donors to the College of Letters & Science in assigned geographic regions as well as departmental or divisional constituencies. These hybrid positions require regular work in the Madison, Wisconsin office.
This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in advancing one of the nation’s premier public research universities by building lasting relationships with alumni and donors who are passionate about the arts, humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences. Ideal candidates are curious, strategic, and energized by connecting people’s philanthropic goals with transformative academic impact—while working in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment based in Madison, Wisconsin.
About the College of Letters & Science
L&S is the University’s core academic unit, with approximately 17,000 undergraduates, 4,000 graduate students, 950 faculty and 217,000 alumni. Its 39 departments encompass the arts and humanities, social sciences and physical sciences. In 2024, L&S received more than 15,000 gifts and pledges totaling more than $124 million. More information about L&S is available at www.ls.wisc.edu.
Who is WFAA?
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association 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.
Essential Functions
- Prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects.
- Work collaboratively within L&S development team with varied departmental and geographic responsibilities.
- Work with campus partners to support their development efforts.
- Work with the WFAA research team to coordinate strategies for prospects.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience.
- 1 + years of experience in development/fundraising or related.
- Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills required.
- Ability to meet travel requirements (@25%).
Other Qualifications:
- Ability to communicate effectively and meaningfully with groups and individuals in diverse settings using a range of techniques, including face-to-face, telephone, email, written correspondence, public speaking, and meeting facilitation.
- Ability to work effectively with WFAA staff as a collaborative team member, including coordinating activities on prospects/donors, gift administration, and planned giving.
- Ability to work independently, plan and prioritize work, use time and other resources effectively, and drive strategy to maximize desired outcomes.
- A demonstrated curiosity and enthusiasm for the mission of the College and University and the programmatic areas to which they are assigned.
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.