Leadership Giving Manager

Wisconsin Conservation Voters is looking for a motivated, passionate individual to join our development team!

Reports to: Development Director
Location: Milwaukee region or able to commute to the Milwaukee region 1-2 days/week
Status: Full-time, regular, exempt
Download job description here.

Areas of Responsibility

The Leadership Giving Manager works across the WCV family of organizations and holds responsibility for the plans, programs, activities, materials, and relationships that drive mid-level giving ($250-$10,000). This position will work closely with the Development Director, Executive Director, Membership Manager, and program staff to increase Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ donor base, strengthen a sense of belonging and community among supporters, and upgrade donor support. We expect the Leadership Giving Manager to grow their skills as a fundraising professional and gain opportunities to advance on their career path.

We are open to candidates who are ready to jump right in and take the reins of managing these areas of responsibility, as well as candidates who have skill sets that are well-aligned with the responsibilities of the position and are seeking an opportunity to “apprentice in” to the fundraising profession.

At its core, this role has these areas of responsibility:

  • In collaboration with the Development Director and colleagues, creating and executing an annual plan and schedule for renewing mid-level donors, upgrading donors, acquiring new mid-level donors, and stewarding these donors.

  • Securing event sponsorships and ensuring events meet fundraising goals; managing a portfolio of sponsorship prospects.

  • Managing a portfolio of Milwaukee-area mid-level donors and prospects by using a multi-faceted approach to donor relationship-building and fundraising that includes emails, phone calls, meetings, events, and direct mail.

  • Facilitating and assisting board members, Executive Director, and Development Director in fundraising work and donor cultivation.

  • Coordinating small-scale community-building events and fundraisers hosted by board members and donors.

  • Developing donor cultivation and engagement opportunities in coordination with program staff, board members, and allied organizations in the environmental justice movement, with a special focus on opportunities that will advance our organizational goal of developing a more racially diverse, younger membership and donor base.

  • Engaging with attendees post-event to solicit membership donations and identify mid-level and major gift prospects.

What You Should Know

Work experience: 2-4 years of experience in fundraising preferred, but we are open to an apprenticeship model for exceptional candidates with strong leadership skills and applicable experience gained in other settings, who are interested in becoming a nonprofit fundraising professional. Experience with political campaigns, special events and community organizing a plus.

Skills: Demonstrated experience in fundraising, community organizing, and/or sales preferred, excellent interpersonal communication skills; ability to work well in a fast-paced environment; ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously; understanding of or ability to learn quickly about environmental issues, politics, and their potential to engage the public; passion for Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ mission and work.

Technical skills: Comfortable with databases (we use EveryAction), Microsoft Excel and Office, Google suite, and Zoom.

Conditions: Position is full-time, salaried, and classified as exempt. You will need a smartphone, and a laptop will be provided. Some evening and weekend work is required, and during busy times you should have the flexibility to work hours exceeding regular office hours to get the job done. Reliable transportation, a valid driver's license and ability and willingness to travel within the state are required. You will need to be able to come to our Milwaukee office for meetings when required, but can work from home if you wish when your schedule permits.

Salary and benefits: Salary range is $55,000-$65,000. We will consider a higher salary for the right candidate with extensive experience. A strong benefits package is provided, including health and dental coverage, 401k retirement plan with organizational match, flexible spending account, and cell phone stipend. We value work/life balance and offer generous paid time off, including a sabbatical for long term staff, and flexibility in working hours, a hybrid office/work from home schedule if desired, and professional development opportunities.

Reports to: Development Director

Please note that as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, Wisconsin Conservation Voters employees are not eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our commitment to racial justice and equity: We recognize that historic and current systems and decisions – including within the conservation community – have created injustice. Through our work we confront these injustices and fight for an equitable balance of power. We hold ourselves accountable to being inclusive and equitable in our own actions and within our organization. Read more about our commitment in our Guiding Principles here.

To Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to apply@conservationvoters.org, with “Leadership Giving Manager” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Three references will be requested when applicants are invited to interview. The start date for this position is flexible within the range of Dec. 1, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025.