Position Details

Title: Major Gift Officer

Type: Job

Class: Full-time

Date: 7/23/2025

Region: Southeast Wisconsin

City, State: Milwaukee, WI

Summary:

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for cultivating, managing, and stewarding a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects to secure philanthropic support for Wisconsin Community Services (WCS). This role will focus on engaging donors who are passionate about the mission of WCS, the organization’s programs, and priorities including addressing community needs in the area of behavioral health, justice involvement and family and child well-being. The Major Gift officer will play a key role in developing and advancing WCS’ Major Gift program, contributing to the acquisition and growth of both major donor participation and giving society involvement. This position offers an exciting opportunity to build long-term relationships with donors at varying levels of giving, helping to cultivate them into significant supporters of the mission of WCS. As part of the Development and Communications Team, the Major Gift Officer will work collaboratively with Chief Executive Officer and other colleagues to achieve the fundraising goals of WCS, and enhance relationships with donors, current and former staff, current and former Board members and the broader community. May be requested to assist with corporate and foundation requests.

Responsibilities:

Donor Portfolio Management - Actively manage a portfolio of major gifts donors and prospects, focusing on individuals at varying levels of giving. Develop and implement personalized engagement strategies tailored to each donor’s interests, giving history, and philanthropic goals.
Discovery Calls and Cultivation - Conduct discovery calls and meetings with new prospective donors to assess their philanthropic interests and identify potential for major gifts. Work to qualify prospects, build relationships, and cultivate them into major donors over time through personalized outreach and engagement strategies.
Major Gifts Solicitation - Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, collaborating closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other colleagues. Tailor proposals and engagement strategies to align with donors’ passions and WCS’ funding priorities, ensuring that donors feel deeply connected to the organization’s mission.
Giving Societies and Donor Engagement - Play an active role in cultivating, engaging and stewarding members of Wisconsin Community Services giving societies. Develop tailored stewardship plans for society members, ensuring they are recognized, engaged and feel a strong sense of connection to the organization’s leadership and mission. Create opportunities for deeper involvement, including special events, giving society communications and donor recognition opportunities.
Prospective Donor Engagement and Qualification - Actively engage with new prospective donors to assess their philanthropic interests, identify potential for major gifts, and qualify their capacity and readiness to contribute. Build strong relationships with individuals at varying levels of engagement, moving them through the cultivation cycle with personalized strategies that align with their values and the priorities of Wisconsin Community Services.
Donor Stewardship Retention - Develop and implement comprehensive stewardship strategies for major donors and giving society members. Provide analysis and regular impact reports, organize special donor events, and create opportunities for ongoing engagement to ensure that donors remain committed to the mission of Wisconsin Community Services.

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong interpersonal skills - ability to engage and build trust with donors, prospects, and colleagues in a positive and meaningful way.
Clear and persuasive verbal and written communication skills - ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
Exceptional organizational skills - strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage donor portfolios and maintain accurate records.
Leadership-ability to lead projects and people effectively.
Technological Aptitude – Ability to use general technological skills throughout daily job i.e., Email, Internet, company specified systems.
Managing Priorities/Deadlines – Ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
Problem-Solving Skills – Ability to think critically and be solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability – Ability to manage change, deal with situations as they arise and work independently or as part of a team.
Teamwork – Ability to work as a team and participate productively while also managing independent contributing duties and responsibilities.
Interpersonal Skills – Ability to work with others and relate to persons we serve. Able to establish rapport and build effective relationships at various levels in a diverse setting.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience

Three years’ experience working in a professional fund-raising role with individual donors, foundations and corporations.
Must have experience with advancement Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) and Microsoft Office tools to track, analyze and manage donor information, and a have a willingness to learn new technologies as needed.
Must be proficient with the process of donor engagement and moves management.
General knowledge of metro Milwaukee philanthropic community and opportunities for fund development.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with education and experience: $75,000 - $90,000.

Never Miss a New Opportunity

Wisconsin Community Services jobs

Major Gift Officer

Join the Newsletter