Executive Director of Development
Quick Summary
Focusing on donor solicitation,
Education: Bachelor’s degree. Skills: Proven Major and Principal Gift Fundraising Experience Strong leadership communication skills including verbal, written,
As an integral member of the University Advancement team, the Executive Director of Development (“EDD”) plays a key leadership role in the fundraising operations of the University and the UW-La Crosse Alumni & Friends Foundation. In partnership with the Vice Chancellor of University Advancement/Foundation President, the EDD will provide leadership and direction to the Development Team utilizing industry best practices to implement and execute a major giving program. The Development Team includes Annual Giving, Leadership Annual Giving, Major Giving, and Principal Giving. The Team is supported by Advancement Services and Prospect Management, Strategic Alumni Engagement, Operations, and Finance Teams. The EDD is responsible for being the principal gift officer in addition to leading a team which achieves annual fundraising metrics and goals.
- Candidate must be able to travel via all modes of transportation. Must have a valid Driver’s License. Position requires significant time using telephones and computers.
- Local, regional and national travel required (up to 25%). Some evenings and weekends are required as well.
Responsibilities
~1 min read- →Proven Major and Principal Gift Fundraising Experience
- →Strong leadership communication skills including verbal, written, and listening
- →Self-motivated and able to lead initiatives independently
- →Demonstrated organizational management and attention to detail
- →Time management skills-able to juggle complex tasks and meet deadlines
- →Can work both independently and as part of a dynamic team
- →Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- →Proven team player with interest and ability to work across functions and teams
- →Commitment to the vision, mission and values of UWL
- →Proven fundraising results and success in achieving/exceeding benchmarks
- Prior non-profit or higher education development experience
Requirements
~1 min read- Seven years or more of demonstrated major gift/principle gift fundraising, preferably in higher education
- Experience leading a successful fundraising campaign
- Proficient in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge database
Required application materials
Resume
Cover letter
References and their contact information (minimum of 3)
Allison Ziegelman aziegelman@uwlax.edu
Application deadlines
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS
Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:
Paid vacation for 12-month positions.
Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
Paid holidays and paid sick days.
After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.
Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.
UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Pay per year
- $145,000 a year
- 115% above the $67,421 median for Other jobs on Jobera (144,323 salaries).
- Who can apply
- United States
- Posted
- Today
Listing Details
- First seen
- November 15, 2026
- Last seen
- November 15, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 63%
- Scored at
- November 15, 2026
Signal breakdown
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