Senior Gift Officer - University Relations

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Attention:

The Division of University Relations at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater seeks a Senior Gift Officer (Gift Officer II, AV042).

Job Details:

The Senior Gift Officer identifies and cultivates relationships with donor prospects at major, principal, and/or planned gift levels. The Senior Gift Officer develops and implements fundraising plans, and works collaboratively with other University staff and leadership to meet predefined gift contribution goals. 

This position identifies, promotes, and maintains donor relationships, and identifies solicitation opportunities designed to generate gifts that meet program funding goals. The selected candidate will frequently travel domestically to meet with high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and major donors to solicit comprehensive and structured philanthropic gifts to drive long-term University support through strategic engagement.

The Senior Gift Officer develops and delivers targeted fundraising campaigns and materials specific to gift contributions in alignment with strategic initiatives and priorities, as directed by the Foundation President. This position also develops and updates prospect portfolios, evaluates existing strategy, and recommends improvements to leadership.

This position participates in and leads committees and meetings as requested.

Key Job Responsibilities:

A. Research and Fundraising 
1. Utilize donor database and existing research tools to identify potential prospects. 
2. Engage a portfolio of 100+.
3. Hold meetings annually and utilize other personal communication tools to develop strong donor relationships with appropriate UWW leadership, faculty, programs, and students aligned with the prospects' philanthropic interests and values. 
4. Work with donors on various giving vehicles to support Foundation priorities such as scholarships and endowed funds, with a commitment to learning new techniques along the way. 
5. As a member of the University Relations team, participate in setting the long-range and short-term fundraising strategy to reach annual and multi-year goals. 
6. Travel in-state as well as to assigned out-of-state regions to encourage philanthropy and alumni engagement among top prospects. 

B. University Relations
1. Work with the University Relations and Foundation team to plan programs and events to increase donor and prospective donor engagement. Attend events to provide assistance and identify/cultivate/steward major gift prospect relationships. 
2. Recruit volunteers for boards and engagement opportunities to involve alumni and friends in the life of the University.

C. Other Tasks 
1. Maintain accurate records, attend and contribute to division and college meetings and keep current on Foundation policies and procedures. 
2. Serve as the lead on special projects, Foundation Board committees, etc. as assigned. 
3. Due to the nature of the work, occasional evening and weekend responsibilities, as well as in-state and out-of-state travel, are essential parts of the position.

Department:

University Relations

Compensation:

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $80,000 - $90,000. This position also qualifies for the Foundation’s Incentive Program.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System’s comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree

• Minimum 5 years of fundraising, sales or negotiation experience

• Corporate sales and/or major gift experience, demonstrating experience and success in soliciting seven-figure gifts

• Sales experience with demonstrated ability to hit metrics

• Database and CRM experience 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in fundraising in a higher education setting

• Experience working with Boards

• Customer service background 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Integrity and demonstration of relationship-building skills 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Tech-friendly with an interest in analytics 

• A strategic mind with persuasion and negotiation skills

• Ability to take direction, work independently, and be a part of a collaborative team 

• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic cultural and ethnic backgrounds

• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills

How to Apply:

Applications received by April 12, 2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Name and contact information for three professional references

Contact Information:

Brenda Stevens
Executive Assistant II
262-472-1673
stevensb@uww.edu 

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 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. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization. 

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs — online and in person — from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s.   

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place.  

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin (https://www.wisconsin.edu). 
 
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a). 
 
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked. 
 
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. 
 
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see  Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.