Fast Facts

City Year Milwaukee is looking for a Director of Development to spearhead fundraising efforts aimed at raising $1,957,000 in FY26. The ideal candidate will be a strategic and creative thinker with a strong background in nonprofit funding.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include developing fundraising strategies, managing donor portfolios, executing communication strategies, and leading fundraising events.

Skills: Candidates should have at least 5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in project management.

Qualifications: Preferred candidates will have experience securing major gifts and familiarity with Salesforce.

Location: This position is based in Milwaukee, WI and does not offer remote work options.

Compensation: $60000 - $68000 / Annually

Application Instructions

Click Apply to submit your online application. Please attach a resume and thoughtful cover letter on the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV" field.

Active City Year Staff members must login to Workday to apply internally.

Number of Positions: 1

Position Overview

City Year Milwaukee is seeking a skilled fundraising professional with an entrepreneurial mindset to be the Director of Development. The ideal candidate is an ambitious and sophisticated forward-thinker, communicator who thrives in roles that require them to be strategic, creative, and collaborative.

Reporting to the site’s Senior Managing Director of External Affairs and Special Initiatives (SMD), the Director of Development is responsible for developing and implementing the Development and Communications strategy, to raise $1,957,000 from the private sector in FY26 and beyond, with the expectation to grow annually. The Director of Development will develop and execute strategic, diversified development plans to raise funds through grant writing, individual giving, and institutional partners, such as corporations and foundations.

The ideal candidate is an initiative-taking problem solver and strategic thinker committed to advancing our non-profit education mission. They will play a key role in developing leaders and supporting students in Milwaukee’s under-resourced schools.

Job Description

Fundraising Strategy:

In partnership with the Executive Director & Senior Vice President and Development team, as well as site leaders, leverage and enhance the site’s existing Development plan to implement a strategic and diversified fundraising plan that meets the current goal of raising $1,957,000 from the private sector and anticipates future needs and growth objectives.

In partnership with the SMD, set and monitor annual private revenue goals.

Develop strategies to identify and secure partnerships with corporations and foundations that reflect their business needs as well as philanthropic and community engagement goals.

Implement a high-quality stewardship program and engages, recognizes, and thanks supporters to strengthen their relationship with the organization.

Portfolio Management:

Build and manage a portfolio with a personal revenue target of $500,000 consisting of donors and prospects with $10,000+ capacity for giving. Cultivate, solicit, and close annual, major gift, and multi-year contributions.

Document and maintain clear and timely records and call reports to track contacts, donor giving, and notes in the Salesforce database.

Marketing and Communications:

In partnership with the Executive Director, local Development team, create and implement communications strategy for the site. Leverage available channels (email, social media, direct mail, etc.), to enhance City Year’s brand in the local community and increase connection to key donor audiences.

Events and Civic Engagement Program Strategy Leadership: 

In partnership with the site leadership and Development team, drive strategies to leverage large-scale fundraising events, including our annual luncheon as well as smaller events to thoughtfully engage donor communities.

Organizational Leadership:

Help shape organizational strategy and play a leadership role in implementing the site’s local operating plan as a member of the site Leadership Team.

Work collaboratively with other site departments and City Year’s national and regional staff. Represent, respect, and role-model City Year’s organizational culture and values daily, both internally as a member of the site Leadership Team, and externally as a primary representative of the organization.

Development Operations:

Direct monthly pipeline meetings with the Development team and Executive Director to provide updated revenue figures, pipeline reports, and progress towards monthly/quarterly goals. Identify areas for operational improvements and drive continual improvements of processes.

Compensation and Benefits

Full-time employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with experience. Benefits for full time employees include health insurance with a Flexible Spending Account, paid vacation, holidays, parental leave, 401K, and more.

City Year is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including people with disabilities and veterans.

Basic Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or related field.
• Proven success in securing 5- and 6-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, or foundations.

Fundraising & Strategy

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful fundraising strategies.
• Experience managing a personal donor portfolio and meeting revenue goals.
• Familiarity with stewardship and donor cultivation best practices.

Communication & Marketing

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with external communications, social media, and brand awareness strategies.
• Ability to craft compelling donor communications, proposals, and impact reports.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to work collaboratively across departments and with executive leadership.
• Comfortable representing the organization externally and building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing or leading events, donor engagement strategies, and civic engagement efforts.

Project & Data Management

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems for tracking donor activity and revenue pipeline.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Full-time employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with experience. Benefits for full time employees include health insurance with a Flexible Spending Account, paid vacation, holidays, parental leave, 401K, and more.

City Year is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including people with disabilities and veterans.

The salary range for this position is 60,000- 68,000.00 USD Annual

Benefits

Full-time employees will be eligible for all benefits including vacation, sick days and organization holidays. You may participate in all benefit programs that City Year establishes and makes available to eligible employees, under (and subject to all provisions of) the plan documents that govern those programs. Currently, City Year offers medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment and disability coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and other benefits including 401(k) plan(s) pursuant to the terms and conditions of company policy and the 401(k) plan document. For more information, click here.

Employment at City Year is at-will. 

City Year does not sponsor work authorization visas.