Director of Development

Director of Development

War Memorial Center – Milwaukee, WI
Full-Time | On-Site

The War Memorial Center is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising program that advances our mission of honoring veterans and supporting the community. Reporting to the Chief Strategy & Program Officer, this role oversees major gifts, grants, planned giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, and donor stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a diversified fundraising strategy to support organizational growth.
• Build and manage a major gifts portfolio (donors with $10,000+ capacity).
• Lead donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Manage planned giving initiatives, including bequests, donor-advised funds, and legacy gifts.
• Cultivate corporate and foundation partnerships.
• Oversee grant writing, fundraising communications, and donor recognition.
• Ensure accurate data management, reporting, and CRM integrity.
• Collaborate with leadership, Board of Trustees, and program teams to maximize fundraising opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE preferred.
• 5–7 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success with major gifts and institutional fundraising.
• Strong strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge or similar donor management systems.
• Passion for the mission of the War Memorial Center and service to veterans.