Director of Development​/Senior Director of Development - School of Nursing

Director of Development / Senior Director of Development – School of Nursing

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for UW‑Madison, seeks a dynamic and experienced professional to lead the School of Nursing development program.

In 2024 the School of Nursing celebrated its centennial and closed its highly successful Badger Nurses Change Lives campaign at $45 M, exceeding its goal by $15 M. This is an exciting opportunity to elevate the development program as we enter the next era of Badger Nursing.

Employed by WFAA and reporting to the Managing Senior Director of Development, the incumbent will build, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major‑gift and planned‑giving prospects passionate about advancing nursing education and research to improve human health. If you are strategic, innovative, and highly collaborative, join us in making a meaningful impact on the nursing profession and those it serves.

This position can be filled at the Director of Development or Senior Director of Development level, depending on the candidate’s skills and experience.

Established in 1924, the University of Wisconsin‑Madison School of Nursing is a national leader in nursing education, research, and innovative practice models. The school offers Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, along with continuing education and four certificate programs. With over 1,000 students, it plays a crucial role in Wisconsin’s health‑care system and has a translational focus with immediate impact on communities, hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes.

WFAA is a private, nonprofit corporation that encourages individuals and organizations to support the university and connect with UW. It creates engagement opportunities that link supporters with areas they are passionate about, building a strong Badger community.

WFAA values the differences people bring to the organization and fosters an environment where all staff members and constituents feel respected and have opportunities to thrive.

• Collaborate with the Dean and advancement team to advance key philanthropic priorities such as student support, educational innovation, faculty support, and research.
• Develop objectives, priorities, and strategies for major‑gift philanthropy related to comprehensive campaigns, special programs, and ongoing fundraising.
• Engage the school’s board of visitors to increase support for the mission through gifts of time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony.
• Identify a portfolio of major‑gift prospects from existing and potential donors.
• Implement development strategies, managing a portfolio of prospects and donors at varying stages and advancing them strategically through the continuum.
• Qualify prospective major‑gift donors on behalf of the entire university, including those with specific interest in SoN.
• Schedule and conduct initial assessment/exploratory meetings with prospects, follow up with correspondence, phone calls, and additional visits as appropriate.
• Plan and conduct meetings and ongoing contacts to build relationships, present the case for support, and explain gift opportunities.
• Develop and write major‑gift proposals, structuring complex or special gifts to meet donors’ needs, interests, and capabilities.
• Artfully ask for the right gift at the right time in the right way.
• Collaborate with colleagues, discussing prospects, sharing advice, and coordinating activity on shared prospects.
• Serve as a member of the SoN advancement team.

• Plan and implement donor recognition, including thank‑you letters, personal calls, meetings, and events.
• Implement ongoing communication and stewardship with donors.
• Communicate, problem‑solve, and anticipate the needs of faculty and staff regarding accounting for donor‑created funds.
• Serve as liaison between WFAA accounting and campus staff.
• Request data/reports from WFAA staff to meet donor and faculty needs.

• Plan and execute travel arrangements,…