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Position Title:
Executive Director of Development
Job Category:
Limited
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Development Director (B)
Job Duties:
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.
The review of applications starts on November 20, 2026. Applications received on or before November 20th 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:
Focusing on donor solicitation, the Executive Director of Development works closely with Alumni & Friends Foundation leadership and Board of Directors as well as experienced academic and administrative leaders in one or more assigned areas. For each area, the Executive Director of Development is expected to establish and execute a gift pipeline and portfolio. Key responsibilities may include:
Academic Unit Leadership
Become the academic unit expert and serve as liaison between the academic unit and the Alumni & Friends Foundation. Establish competency and be able to communicate on academic unit departments, degrees, key faculty, areas of research, programs, awards and recognition, cultivation opportunities, needs, funding initiatives, and other areas as appropriate.
Attend events that assist in the identification, cultivation, solicitation or stewardship of major gift prospects and/or donors.
Meet regularly with the Dean/Director and appropriate academic unit leadership to review monthly reports by unit, and to discuss key prospect strategies, development assignments, prospect identification, and progress to goal; and
Educate Alumni & Friends Foundation peers as appropriate about the academic unit.
Regional Leadership
Cultivate philanthropic relationships with individuals and entities interested in the success of UWL by traveling in-state, regionally, and nationally to solicit prospects; and
Achieve competency in Alumni & Friends Foundation and UWL history and purpose as well as an understanding of UWL’s strategic plans and priorities, academic units, funding priorities, and general needs.
Development Specialty, Initiative or other Priority Leadership
Become the expert in development specialty, initiatives, or other UWL priorities as assigned.
Collaboration with the Foundation Board of Directors, UWL Campus Partners, and Advancement Colleagues.
Serve jointly with Director of Strategic Alumni…