Director of Annual Giving

Wisconsin Athletics is seeking a dynamic and strategic advancement professional to serve as the Director of Annual Giving. With general oversight from the Associate Athletics Director-Development and direct oversight from the Assistant Athletic Director- Development, this position plays a critical leadership role in designing, implementing, and managing annual giving programs that drive philanthropic support for Wisconsin Athletics.

The Director will lead the planning and execution of comprehensive annual giving strategies to expand donor participation, increase contributions, and strengthen overall engagement. This includes overseeing annual campaigns, premium seating contributions, ticket-related giving, sport-specific fundraising, and other donor acquisition and retention initiatives. The position will also collaborate closely with the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), Athletics colleagues, and campus partners to integrate Wisconsin Athletics' annual giving efforts with broader institutional priorities.

The successful candidate will combine strong leadership, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills to inspire donors and enhance support for Wisconsin student-athletes. This position requires the ability to analyze donor trends, develop innovative programs, manage events, and oversee communications that foster long-term donor loyalty. Evening, weekend, and occasional regional or national travel are required.

Key Areas of Focus include:

• Lead annual giving strategy by developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive programs to increase donor participation and annual contributions.

• Oversee select premium seating contributions and ticket-related giving, ensuring alignment with donor levels, points systems, and Wisconsin Athletics priorities.

• Direct annual campaigns and sport-specific fundraising initiatives, collaborating with WFAA and internal partners to maximize outreach and participation.

• Analyze donor trends and leverage data-driven insights to identify opportunities for donor acquisition, retention, and growth.

• Collaborate across teams including Major Gifts, Stewardship, Brand Marketing, Communications, Ticketing, and WFAA to deliver integrated donor experiences.

• Lead annual giving events and engagement activities designed to build loyalty, recognize donors, and enhance long-term relationships.

• Manage communications and appeals to effectively engage donors through website, email, social media, print, and other outreach channels.

• Serve as a subject matter expert on annual giving strategies, advising Athletics leadership on best practices and innovative approaches.

• Promote the student-athlete experience in all initiatives, ensuring alignment with the mission and values of Wisconsin Athletics.

• Oversee select premium seating products operations

• Develops and schedules operational work plans for unit programs and events in support of strategic plan

• Successful management of cultivated and assigned donor portfolio

• Identifies opportunities for new programs and events to increase donor contributions, and serves as a subject matter on annual giving strategies

• Assists with implementing the unit personnel resource allocation plan including hiring, training, supervision, and resolution of non-routine personnel issues to ensure that work culture is customer service-oriented, productive, valuing of diversity, and fosters employee engagement and development

• Plans and directs staff implementation of the annual giving campaign and corresponding special events

• Evaluates existing donor strategy and makes recommendations to unit leadership for program enhancement

• Effectively solicit and procure major gifts ($25K+), annual fund gifts, and premium seating sales, and gifts for special campaigns/ initiatives.

Wisconsin Athletics, Development Department

The starting salary for the position is $70,000 (but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications)

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as:

- Generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off;

- Competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits;

- Badger gear & season tickets for Badger football, men's basketball and men's hockey, and/or the varsity sports pass.

More Benefits information can be found at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/.

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in development, annual giving, fundraising, sales, marketing, or a related field.

• Strong written, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including UW Athletics colleagues, campus partners, donors, alumni, and community leaders.

• Self-directed team player with personal integrity and a strong work ethic.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience managing annual giving campaigns, marketing campaigns, donor acquisition strategies, or sport-specific fundraising initiatives.

• Knowledge of donor management systems or ticketing platforms (e.g., Paciolan, Salesforce, Tableau).

• Understanding of a major research university environment and interest in promoting intercollegiate athletics.

• Familiarity with premium seating contributions, ticket-related giving, and donor engagement best practices.

• Experience planning and executing donor engagement events or communications.

• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, integrity, and ability to thrive in both independent and team settings.

Bachelor's degree required

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process.

You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume

Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.

Tianwei Miller, tm6@athletics.wisc.edu, 608-265-4138

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here.

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