Director of Development - Major Gifts
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53244
Development Director - Major Gifts
Milwaukee Office
Full Time
Introduction Legal Action of Wisconsin is seeking an experienced Major Gifts professional to join our growing External Relations team.
Mission Statement Legal Action’s mission is to deliver exceptional civil legal services and structural change advocacy, free of cost, to those most in need. Our core values (equity, advocacy, client-centered, integrity and community) guide our work and actions. Please see our website for a description of the core values and vision that guides our work.
Office Location This position is hybrid and will be based in Legal Action’s Milwaukee office.
Governance Legal Action’s personnel policies govern this position.
Position Description The Major Gifts position is responsible for developing and executing strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making significant philanthropic contributions to Legal Action of Wisconsin. This newly created position will advance Legal Action’s mission by managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, driving relationship development, and growing the organization’s philanthropic support. While this is a new position, we have donors ready for major gift requests today and are looking for someone excited to hit the ground running in this role.
The ideal candidate understands donor strategy, is skilled in making direct asks, and can confidently discuss assets and planned giving options. The Major Gifts position will foster strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues, keep internal partners informed of donor interactions, and effectively articulate organizational priorities. They will also accurately record donor activity in Legal Action’s donor database.
As a key ambassador of Legal Action—the state's largest civil legal aid firm providing exceptional free civil legal services statewide to those most in need—the Major Gifts position will connect visionary donors to life‑changing opportunities for impact. This position is part of Legal Action's External Relations Department. The Major Gifts position reports to the Chief External Relations Officer and collaborates closely with colleagues across the department and firm.
This is a highly visible role and an opportunity to elevate the organization’s public profile and ability to help people with life altering legal problems find their way forward at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. The Major Gifts role will accept the challenge to raise significant funds in uncertain times and expand the base of support over time. He/she/they will join the dedicated team of a nationally recognized organization that serves vulnerable families across Wisconsin.
You’ll be joining our statewide legal aid organization at a moment of transformation. Following a historic merger, Legal Action is strengthening its voice, expanding its reach, and investing in how we show up publicly. This role offers a rare opportunity to build financial support and strong partnerships for an organization deeply embedded in equal justice work that is critical to the well‑being of communities across Wisconsin.
If you’re motivated by work that blends creativity, relationship building, and impact—and you’re ready to shape the future of access to justice in Wisconsin—we encourage you to apply. This is a role where your skills can make a meaningful difference every day.
Key Responsibilities Portfolio Management & Fundraising
Manage a portfolio of approximately 60–120 major and leadership annual gift prospects.
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with the goal of securing five to seven‑figure gifts.
Conduct 8–12 meaningful donor visits per month, both in person and virtually, to deepen engagement and move prospects through the donor cycle.
Develop individualized donor strategies grounded in donor motivations and Legal Action’s strategic priorities.
Create and execute annual portfolio plans, forecasting activity and revenue, and providing regular progress updates to the Chief External Relations Officer.
Engage in proactive discovery to identify new major gift prospects and strengthen the pipeline.
Make direct solicitations and support leadership, board members, and the CEO in donor engagement.
Maintain accurate records of constituent activity in the donor database.
Stay current on giving trends, charitable tax law, philanthropy best practices, and giving vehicles.
Implement moves management practices aligned with internal policies and ethical standards.
Campaign & Strategic Initiatives
At times, support campaign planning and implementation (to be managed by our Annual Giving position), including case development, prospect strategy, and pipeline analysis.
Collaborate with organizational leaders to align annual, major, and planned giving strategies for coherent donor engagement.
Provide insights on emerging fundraising opportunities tied to programmatic and strategic priorities.
Stewardship & Donor Experience
Partner with colleagues to deliver personalized stewardship, including impact reporting, donor recognition, and meaningful engagement opportunities to donors.
Connect donors with the outcomes of their philanthropy, demonstrating the transformative impact of Legal Action’s work.
Institutional Partnership & Representation
Represent Legal Action at events, donor meetings, and community gatherings.
Collaborate across departments to understand institutional priorities and identify philanthropic opportunities.
Serve as an ambassador for Legal Action, articulating its mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities with clarity and passion.
Operational Excellence
Maintain timely and complete documentation of donor interactions and strategies.
Utilize data, analytics, and research tools to guide strategy development and prioritize prospects.
Contribute to a growing development team by supporting process improvement and fostering collaboration.
Mentor colleagues as needed, share best practices and be a thought partner to the Chief External Relations Officer on major giving strategy.
Key Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies The position is not a developmental or training role; candidates must bring established expertise in relationship management and securing major gifts.
Requirements
7+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with at least 3–5 years of frontline major gift work and a proven track record of securing incrementally significant gifts larger than $50,000.
High school diploma or GED.
Experience working with high‑net‑worth individuals, board members, senior leadership, and volunteers.
Familiarity with fundraising in mission‑driven nonprofit organizations.
Knowledge of major‑giving strategies, donor psychology, and pipeline development; experience with planned giving is highly desirable.
Excellent interpersonal, relationship‑building, and communication skills.
Ability to translate complex program information into compelling cases for support.
Proficiency with fundraising databases, Microsoft Office Suite, and donor research tools.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel across Wisconsin as needed.
Ability to manage a portfolio, prioritize competing demands, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
Strong judgment, confidentiality, and decision‑making skills.
Entrepreneurial, disciplined, and self‑directed professional with strong organization skills, follow through, and flexibility within a small, collaborative team environment.
Self‑starter with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and multiple stakeholders.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity.
Valid driver’s license required.
Preferred
Bachelor’s degree.
Experience fundraising for legal aid, poverty services, or related fields.
Knowledge of the Wisconsin philanthropic community, especially Milwaukee.
Proficiency in Every Action donor database.
Multi‑ or bilingual.
Additional education or credentials, such as CFRE or Juris Doctor.
Supervision This position will be supervised by the Chief External Relations Officer.
Fringe Benefits All Legal Action employees receive a full package of fringe benefits. It currently includes: employer‑paid health and dental insurance for employee, spouse, and family with a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), employer‑paid life and long‑term disability insurance; employee‑paid income protection benefits; a profit‑sharing plan; generous sick leave accrual; and at least four weeks of vacation leave and four personal holidays per year. (Legal Action policies require employees with a spouse to contribute $200/month to the health insurance premium if the spouse has other health insurance available to them.)
Spanish or Hmong Language Frequency Premium Legal Action’s Salary Administration Plan includes additional pay of either $2,400 annually or $4,800 annually to those employees who are fluent in Spanish or Hmong.
Flex Work Legal Action supports flexible work arrangements that meet the goals of the organization and the employee. All employees are eligible to request flexible work, including flextime, compressed work week, and remote work.
Probationary Period 6 months
Salary Salary range is $85,493–114,520, depending on experience.
How to Apply / Deadline for Applications Please apply by March 1, 2026 for consideration, though the position will remain open until filled. Please include a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references.
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Full Time
Introduction Legal Action of Wisconsin is seeking an experienced Major Gifts professional to join our growing External Relations team.
Mission Statement Legal Action’s mission is to deliver exceptional civil legal services and structural change advocacy, free of cost, to those most in need. Our core values (equity, advocacy, client-centered, integrity and community) guide our work and actions. Please see our website for a description of the core values and vision that guides our work.
Office Location This position is hybrid and will be based in Legal Action’s Milwaukee office.
Governance Legal Action’s personnel policies govern this position.
Position Description The Major Gifts position is responsible for developing and executing strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making significant philanthropic contributions to Legal Action of Wisconsin. This newly created position will advance Legal Action’s mission by managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, driving relationship development, and growing the organization’s philanthropic support. While this is a new position, we have donors ready for major gift requests today and are looking for someone excited to hit the ground running in this role.
The ideal candidate understands donor strategy, is skilled in making direct asks, and can confidently discuss assets and planned giving options. The Major Gifts position will foster strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues, keep internal partners informed of donor interactions, and effectively articulate organizational priorities. They will also accurately record donor activity in Legal Action’s donor database.
As a key ambassador of Legal Action—the state's largest civil legal aid firm providing exceptional free civil legal services statewide to those most in need—the Major Gifts position will connect visionary donors to life‑changing opportunities for impact. This position is part of Legal Action's External Relations Department. The Major Gifts position reports to the Chief External Relations Officer and collaborates closely with colleagues across the department and firm.
This is a highly visible role and an opportunity to elevate the organization’s public profile and ability to help people with life altering legal problems find their way forward at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. The Major Gifts role will accept the challenge to raise significant funds in uncertain times and expand the base of support over time. He/she/they will join the dedicated team of a nationally recognized organization that serves vulnerable families across Wisconsin.
You’ll be joining our statewide legal aid organization at a moment of transformation. Following a historic merger, Legal Action is strengthening its voice, expanding its reach, and investing in how we show up publicly. This role offers a rare opportunity to build financial support and strong partnerships for an organization deeply embedded in equal justice work that is critical to the well‑being of communities across Wisconsin.
If you’re motivated by work that blends creativity, relationship building, and impact—and you’re ready to shape the future of access to justice in Wisconsin—we encourage you to apply. This is a role where your skills can make a meaningful difference every day.
Key Responsibilities Portfolio Management & Fundraising
Manage a portfolio of approximately 60–120 major and leadership annual gift prospects.
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with the goal of securing five to seven‑figure gifts.
Conduct 8–12 meaningful donor visits per month, both in person and virtually, to deepen engagement and move prospects through the donor cycle.
Develop individualized donor strategies grounded in donor motivations and Legal Action’s strategic priorities.
Create and execute annual portfolio plans, forecasting activity and revenue, and providing regular progress updates to the Chief External Relations Officer.
Engage in proactive discovery to identify new major gift prospects and strengthen the pipeline.
Make direct solicitations and support leadership, board members, and the CEO in donor engagement.
Maintain accurate records of constituent activity in the donor database.
Stay current on giving trends, charitable tax law, philanthropy best practices, and giving vehicles.
Implement moves management practices aligned with internal policies and ethical standards.
Campaign & Strategic Initiatives
At times, support campaign planning and implementation (to be managed by our Annual Giving position), including case development, prospect strategy, and pipeline analysis.
Collaborate with organizational leaders to align annual, major, and planned giving strategies for coherent donor engagement.
Provide insights on emerging fundraising opportunities tied to programmatic and strategic priorities.
Stewardship & Donor Experience
Partner with colleagues to deliver personalized stewardship, including impact reporting, donor recognition, and meaningful engagement opportunities to donors.
Connect donors with the outcomes of their philanthropy, demonstrating the transformative impact of Legal Action’s work.
Institutional Partnership & Representation
Represent Legal Action at events, donor meetings, and community gatherings.
Collaborate across departments to understand institutional priorities and identify philanthropic opportunities.
Serve as an ambassador for Legal Action, articulating its mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities with clarity and passion.
Operational Excellence
Maintain timely and complete documentation of donor interactions and strategies.
Utilize data, analytics, and research tools to guide strategy development and prioritize prospects.
Contribute to a growing development team by supporting process improvement and fostering collaboration.
Mentor colleagues as needed, share best practices and be a thought partner to the Chief External Relations Officer on major giving strategy.
Key Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies The position is not a developmental or training role; candidates must bring established expertise in relationship management and securing major gifts.
Requirements
7+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with at least 3–5 years of frontline major gift work and a proven track record of securing incrementally significant gifts larger than $50,000.
High school diploma or GED.
Experience working with high‑net‑worth individuals, board members, senior leadership, and volunteers.
Familiarity with fundraising in mission‑driven nonprofit organizations.
Knowledge of major‑giving strategies, donor psychology, and pipeline development; experience with planned giving is highly desirable.
Excellent interpersonal, relationship‑building, and communication skills.
Ability to translate complex program information into compelling cases for support.
Proficiency with fundraising databases, Microsoft Office Suite, and donor research tools.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel across Wisconsin as needed.
Ability to manage a portfolio, prioritize competing demands, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
Strong judgment, confidentiality, and decision‑making skills.
Entrepreneurial, disciplined, and self‑directed professional with strong organization skills, follow through, and flexibility within a small, collaborative team environment.
Self‑starter with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and multiple stakeholders.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity.
Valid driver’s license required.
Preferred
Bachelor’s degree.
Experience fundraising for legal aid, poverty services, or related fields.
Knowledge of the Wisconsin philanthropic community, especially Milwaukee.
Proficiency in Every Action donor database.
Multi‑ or bilingual.
Additional education or credentials, such as CFRE or Juris Doctor.
Supervision This position will be supervised by the Chief External Relations Officer.
Fringe Benefits All Legal Action employees receive a full package of fringe benefits. It currently includes: employer‑paid health and dental insurance for employee, spouse, and family with a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), employer‑paid life and long‑term disability insurance; employee‑paid income protection benefits; a profit‑sharing plan; generous sick leave accrual; and at least four weeks of vacation leave and four personal holidays per year. (Legal Action policies require employees with a spouse to contribute $200/month to the health insurance premium if the spouse has other health insurance available to them.)
Spanish or Hmong Language Frequency Premium Legal Action’s Salary Administration Plan includes additional pay of either $2,400 annually or $4,800 annually to those employees who are fluent in Spanish or Hmong.
Flex Work Legal Action supports flexible work arrangements that meet the goals of the organization and the employee. All employees are eligible to request flexible work, including flextime, compressed work week, and remote work.
Probationary Period 6 months
Salary Salary range is $85,493–114,520, depending on experience.
How to Apply / Deadline for Applications Please apply by March 1, 2026 for consideration, though the position will remain open until filled. Please include a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references.
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