Managing Director

About the Position

The Wisconsin Historical Foundation, the fundraising arm of Wisconsin Historical Society, is seeking a Managing Director to oversee the day-to-day activities of a fundraising team consisting of eleven development professionals. In addition to prior supervisory and management experience, the successful candidate will also possess significant knowledge of fundraising and a proven track record of success in soliciting and closing major and annual gifts. The Managing Director will be an active fundraiser who has the responsibility of ensuring that the Foundation reaches its annual operating goals. Enthusiasm for working closely with the Foundation team a must and composure in a fast-paced, always changing environment is an absolute necessity. This is a three year position.

Responsibilities

•Oversee daily activities and performance of Foundation staff, within the parameters of the Foundation’s three-year business plan, to ensure success in reaching annual goals.

•Supervise preparation for board meetings and committee meetings with the assistance of appropriate staff.

•Advise, prepare and support the Foundation’s Executive Director, the Society’s Director, board members, and Foundation staff in fundraising matters as appropriate.

•Ensure success of annual Wisconsin History Makers Gala event in Milwaukee in partnership with key volunteers and our special event consultant.

•Cultivate and, when appropriate, solicit and close five and six figure gifts from members, donors, corporations, and private foundations around the state.

•Manage a portfolio of up to 100 major gift prospects and demonstrate progress in developing those relationships with moves management strategies.

•Direct process to identify and qualify prospects with fundraising and research staff members.

•Manage effective ways to provide ongoing communication and stewardship to contributors and assure implementation.

•Represent the Foundation and the Society at special functions and events.

•Organize efforts to maintain positive work environment, including quarterly staff retreats, bimonthly staff meetings, and appropriate social outings.

•Create and monitor the Foundation’s annual budget in coordination with the Finance Director.

•Maintain paper and electronic records of contact with prospects.

•Keep abreast of changes and new developments in the field of fundraising through regular attendance at seminars and workshops and through active involvement in related professional organizations.

•Accept other responsibilities as assigned.

For complete job description, see wisconsinhistory.org/about/employment.

Send Cover Letter & Resume by Monday, September 25th, to:

Ann Fisher
Executive Assistant
Wisconsin Historical Foundation
816 State Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53706
TEL: (608) 261-9364
FAX: (608) 264-6404
Email: [Click here for email]
REQUIREMENTS
•Background in managing fundraising personnel.

•A documented record of fundraising success, including direct major gift solicitation.

•Experience in a capital campaign highly desirable.

•Experience in working with volunteer leadership.

•Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills in writing and with individuals and groups of varying size.

•BA/BS required – MA/MS preferred.

•Commitment to the Society’s mission.

•A high degree of professionalism, sensitivity, and integrity.

•Knowledge of donor database systems and competence with software such as Microsoft Office.

•Ability and willingness to travel around Wisconsin and the US.