Development Director

Development Director

Reports to: Executive Director Location: Western Wisconsin (La Crosse and surrounding counties) Status: Exempt (Full-Time) Organization: Great Rivers United Way

Position Summary:

At Great Rivers United Way (GRUW) we mobilize the caring power of our community to improve lives and strengthen communities. The Development Director plays a critical leadership role in this mission – connecting donors, volunteers, and community leaders to opportunities that create lasting change.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building authentic relationships, sees fundraising as community-building, and wants their work to make a visible and measurable difference every day.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

You will not just “raise funds” – you will build trust, inspire generosity, and help shape the future of our community.

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet annual campaign goals and diversify revenue streams.

• Lead the annual workplace campaign staff, including solicitation planning, donor engagement, and campaign analysis.

• Cultivate and steward major donors, leadership givers, and corporate partners.
• Identify opportunities for planned giving and special initiatives.

Relationship Management

• Oversee staff who are primary liaisons to corporate campaign coordinators, and engagement work to establish relationships with community partners.

• Build and maintain positive, productive relationships with donors, volunteers, board members, and other key stakeholders.

• Represent Great Rivers United Way at community events, public speaking engagements, and donor recognition activities.

• Engage donors through storytelling, impact reporting, and personal connection. Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor resource development and community engagement staff and volunteers.

• Provide training and support for campaign volunteers.
• Set the tone for the development team with innovative and effective fundraising efforts.

Marketing & Communications
• Collaborate with the marketing department to ensure consistent, compelling campaign

messaging across all platforms.
• Collaborate with the team on campaign materials, donor communications, and

recognition programs.
• Partner with agency leadership on strategy, goal setting, and innovation.

Reporting & Analytics

• Track, analyze, and report on campaign performance and donor engagement metrics.
• Ensure accurate donor records and timely acknowledgment of contributions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, communications, or related fields.
• Minimum 3 years of fundraising, development, or sales experience – preferably in a

nonprofit or community-based setting.
• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation and achieving fundraising goals.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Proficient in CRM/fundraising software (e.g., Andar, Salesforce, or similar platforms).
• Ability to work some evenings/weekends as needed and travel locally.

Preferred Attributes:

• Passion for Great Rivers United Way’s mission and a deep commitment to community impact.

• Collaborative leadership style and a strategic, goal-oriented mindset.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering inclusive environments.

Our Culture

At GRUW, we believe people do their best work when they feel:

• Empowered to lead and innovate

• Supported through collaboration and shared responsibility
• Connected to the mission and to one another

We value open communication, flexibility, and a team-first mindset. Success here is collective – and celebrated as such.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience; minimum $75,000. Competitive benefits package included.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and references to ahackbarth@gruw.org by Friday, May 22, 2026.

mailto:ahackbarth@gruw.org