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Position Title:

Senior Development Officer

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Gift Officer II

Job Duties:

Under the general supervision of the Executive Director of Development, the Senior Development Officer plays a critical role in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse by connecting donor passions with priorities and opportunities that transform student success, academic excellence, and institutional impact.

Working collaboratively within the Division of University Advancement and in partnership with the UWL Alumni and Friends Foundation Board of Directors, this position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of approximately 75 to 100 prospective donors with the capacity to make major gifts of $25,000 or more. The Senior Development Officer manages a dynamic portfolio, plans and conducts strategic, relationship driven visits, develops individualized donor strategies, documents engagement activity, and executes thoughtful follow up to secure and steward philanthropic support for UWL. Success in this role is demonstrated through consistent portfolio movement, achievement of annual fundraising goals, strong relationships with academic and unit partners, and meaningful donor engagement resulting in long term philanthropic partnerships.

With a primary focus on major gift solicitation, the Senior Development Officer works in close partnership with Alumni & Friends Foundation leadership and senior academic and administrative leaders across one or more assigned areas. The Senior Development Officer is responsible for building and managing a robust portfolio and gift pipeline, developing long term donor relationships, and advancing prospects from qualification through solicitation and stewardship.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, advancing qualified donors through the full donor cycle including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Leads solicitation strategies for complex major and principal gifts, often involving multiple constituencies, institutional priorities, and long-term donor engagement.
• Plan and conduct strategic, relationship-based donor and prospective donor visits locally, regionally, and nationally to advance philanthropic partnerships.
• In collaboration with Executive Director of Development, establish annual fundraising and activity goals aligned with institutional priorities, and regularly assess and report on progress, portfolio health, and outcomes using data informed fundraising practices.
• Draft and present compelling gift proposals, stewardship plans, and donor communications tailored to individual interests and institutional priorities.

Candidate must be able to travel via all modes of transportation. Must have 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 required as well.

The review of applications starts on May 6, 2026. Applications received on or before May 6th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

Key Job Responsibilities:

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage volunteers and advisory stakeholders as appropriate to support fundraising success.

• Draft formal correspondence, proposals, and other written materials for assigned prospects.

• Collaborate closely with colleagues across University Advancement and the Alumni and Friends Foundation including prospect development, advancement services, stewardship, communications, and events to ensure a coordinated and donor centered approach.

• Contribute to and sustain a professional, proactive, positive, and highly collaborative fundraising environment that values ethical practice, donor intent, accountability, and shared success.

• Complete all other duties as assigned by supervisor (Executive Director of Development). Duties and responsibilities may change at any time.

Regional Leadership

• Cultivate philanthropic relationships with individuals and entities interested in the success of UWL by travelling in-state, regionally, and nationally to solicit prospects; and undefined

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of UWL history, mission, and strategic priorities, and communicate the case for support effectively to a diverse range of constituents.

Academic Unit Leadership

• Serve as the primary philanthropic liaison and subject matter expert for one or more assigned academic units, serving as a trusted philanthropic advisor to deans, directors, department chairs, and faculty, guiding strategy, messaging, and donor approach.

• Develop and implement comprehensive development plans for assigned units that support major giving goals and long term philanthropic growth.

• Maintain deep knowledge of assigned academic units including programs, degrees, faculty strengths, research initiatives, funding priorities, and strategic needs.

• Meet regularly with academic leadership to review progress, discuss prospect strategies, identify new opportunities, and align fundraising efforts with academic priorities.

• Educate and collaborate with Alumni and Friends Foundation colleagues regarding academic unit priorities and philanthropic opportunities as appropriate.

Development Specialty, Initiative or other Priority Leadership

• Serve as a development lead for assigned fundraising initiatives, special projects, or institutional priorities as directed.

• Develop and implement targeted fundraising strategies and associated prospect plans to meet established goals.

• Partner with foundation leadership and advancement colleagues to support campaign planning, major initiatives, and donor engagement strategies.

Department:

University Advancement

Compensation:

$75,000 - 85,000, commensurate with experience

Required Qualifications:

Experience:

• 3-5 years of non-profit or higher education development experience with increasing levels of responsibility, demonstrating success securing major gifts and managing a donor portfolio.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship building and listening skills with the ability to engage diverse constituents.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.
• Strong organizational, time management, and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to travel and remain productive while working remotely and on the road.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Other:

• Proficiency with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge or other constituent relationship management systems.

Education:

Bachelor's degree

How to Apply:

Required application documents

Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications)

Resume

Contact Information:

Michael Gens mgens@uwlax.edu

Special Notes:

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.