Posted: Jun 17, 2026
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Director of Development

Mount Mary University - Milwaukee, WI
Full-time
Salary: Annually
Application Deadline: N/A
Nonprofit

Position Summary:

The Development Director (Major Gifts) is responsible for donor relations including research and identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts from alumnae and friends of the University.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Implement all aspects of gift cycle including identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

· Focus on securing support for university priorities such as academic programs, scholarships, unrestricted, facility renovation/expansion, and other campus improvements

· Work collaboratively with and in support of volunteers, development staff, and other university representatives to achieve established goals

· Document all prospect and donor actions for historical records, accountability, analysis, and planning.

· Manage related expense budget

· Build and manage portfolio of approximately 100 mid-major gift prospects

· Organize or participate in other initiatives to promote the University and philanthropy

· Stewardship preparation and reporting related to scholarships & endowment funds

· Provide effective training, support and leadership for campaign volunteers and leaders to meet annual financial goals

· Act as an ambassador of the University and actively seek out opportunities to become involved in the community

· Create strategies to market to major donors in concert with the PR/Marketing Office/Alumnae Relations

· Perform other related duties as assigned

 

Skills and Experience:

· Bachelor's degree, CFRE a plus

· A minimum of 3 years successful major gifts experience preferably in higher education or closely related field

· Understand and affirm the mission of Mount Mary University and the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

· Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership and major gift donors in order to develop relationships between them and the University

· Interest in all aspects of education and a dedication to promoting the University's fundraising priorities by developing excellent relationships with faculty, administration, trustees, volunteers, and the Alumnae & Donor Relations team

· Successful experience in making cold calls, as well as, developing cultivation and solicitation strategies

· Adheres to the highest ethical standards; demonstrates empathetic disposition and perseverance; reflects an optimistic and positive attitude, and conveys a sensitivity to needs and rights of the donors

· Excellent interpersonal skills, writing and listening skills, and a demonstrated record of completing assignments

· Be a good steward of University and donor resources

· Knowledge of and ability to successfully utilize donor software: research, report writing and analysis

 

Qualifications:

· To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary functions.

 

Physical Demands:

· May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.

· Must reach, bend, stoop, lift

· Must sit, walk or stand

· Some repetitive motion may be required

 

Working Conditions:

· Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year

· Occasional evening or weekend commitments

· Must be willing to travel occasionally

· Must have mode of transportation to meet with donors

 

Mount Mary University practices equal opportunity employment as part of our ongoing commitment to diversity in our workplace.