Development Director

Overview

Who is Disability Rights Wisconsin?

Disability Rights Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s Protection and Advocacy system. The agency protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeps them free from abuse and neglect. Advocates and attorneys use individual casework and systems advocacy to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We seek employees who value this work and offer a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave.

Disability Rights Wisconsin arose out of a disability civil rights movement demanding the end of abuse and the inclusion of people with disabilities in life, school, workplaces, and communities. Our core values include:
Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation.

Our programs include:

• Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, and access to services)
• Disability Benefits Specialist program (helping people access Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance)
• Family Care & IRIS Ombudsman program (supporting people to remain in community-based settings)
• Victim Advocacy services for crime victims with disabilities
• Education rights, discrimination claims, institutional monitoring, and systemic reform

Position Information

Full Time Equivalent: 1.0 FTE (40 Hours per week), (Exempt)

Reports to: Executive Director

Rate: $90,000 - $110,000 annually

Location: Madison or Milwaukee hybrid option available.
Must be a resident of Wisconsin.

Application Instructions: Submit resume and cover letter, detailing qualifications and experience related to the minimum and preferred qualifications.

For priority consideration, apply online at our Careers page:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./careers

Final date to receive applications: Priority consideration will be given to those who apply between November 20 and January 15. Initial interviews will take place in the last part of January 2026.

About the role

Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) seeks a strategic, experienced, and mission-driven Development Director to lead and grow our fundraising, donor engagement, and communications efforts. This role reports to the Executive Director and partners closely with senior leadership, the Board, and program teams to build a sustainable development strategy that advances disability rights across Wisconsin.

The Development Director will play a pivotal role in enabling DRW to defend individual rights, pursue systems change, and expand access to justice, particularly for underrepresented and marginalized communities of people with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Fundraising & Planning
• Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with DRW’s mission and programs.
• Establish annual revenue goals across multiple funding streams (major donors, individual giving, institutional grants, corporate support, events).
• Monitor performance and report on progress toward fundraising goals.
• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
• Manage a portfolio of mid-to-major donors and foundations, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to strengthen relationships with high-level donors and prospects.
• Create engagement opportunities and impact reports that prioritize transparency, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Grants & Institutional Giving (non-governmental)
• Lead all aspects of grant-seeking: prospect research, proposal writing, budgets, reporting, and compliance.
• Collaborate with program and legal staff to ensure proposals and reports reflect DRW’s impact and priorities.
• Track deadlines and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
• Communications & Messaging
• Develop and implement a communications plan that elevates DRW’s advocacy work and impact.
• Oversee content creation for newsletters, donor communications, annual reports, social media, and the website.
• Ensure all communications meet accessibility standards.
• Board & Staff Engagement
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.
• Provide tools, reports, and training to strengthen a culture of philanthropy across…