Director of Development

Position Summary

We seek an enthusiastic, charismatic, innovative, organized and responsible individual with an appreciation for nature and the environment to join the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (SoWBA) team. The Director of Development position is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing SoWBA’s fundraising initiatives and activities to meet an annual budget of $1.3M and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization and support its program, operation, and capital needs. The Director of Development works closely with the Executive Director and across the organization, with the board of directors, staff, and volunteers to create and develop sustaining relationships with current and prospective major donors, legacy donors, members, foundations, agencies, corporations, and volunteers. The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director and supervises the Membership and Development Associate.

About Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon Society) is a broad-based environmental organization. Its membership includes ~3,500 individuals who are passionate about conservation of birds, wildlife, restoration of diverse native habitats, environmental awareness and education, and citizen activism around research and advocacy for natural resources. SoWBA is a nationally-accredited land trust that is a leader in land stewardship, protecting and managing several thousand acres of critical habitat in south-central Wisconsin, particularly through its four wildlife sanctuaries. SoWBA promotes appreciation and celebration of nature through its formal youth education partnerships with schools and community centers, and community-based programs, citizen science programs, and field trips. And it advocates on behalf of birds and native habitats to promote a healthier, more sustainable, and more inclusive human community. SoWBA is a respected, unique, progressive organization that represents the diverse values of its membership. Learn more about us at swibirds.org.

Primary Duties

• Collaborate with staff and leadership to set annual fundraising priorities, plans, and strategies
• Develop and manage the development budget and calendar
• Cultivate donor relationships and solicit support for operational, programmatic, endowment, and unrestricted needs
• Steward members of the Conservation Leaders Giving Circle ($1,000+ annually) through personalized communications, events, and outings; promote the program to mid-level and high-priority donors
• Grow planned giving and steward Kestrel Legacy Circle members; respond to inquiries and share information on wills and estate planning through communications
• Identify and cultivate new donor prospects, including individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive donor records
• Partner with the Executive Director and staff to write funding proposals to foundations, agencies, and corporations
• Lead special fundraising campaigns (e.g., Giving Tuesday, The Big Share)
• Write appeal letters and assist in strategy and execution for mid-year and year-end appeals
• Provide leadership for capital campaigns and planned giving initiatives
• Report on development progress to the board of directors
• Support membership program growth, retention, and renewal in collaboration with the Membership and Development Associate

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• At least five years of experience in development, with a strong record in major gift solicitation
• Proficient in all phases of the donor lifecycle: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; persuasive and strategic engagement abilities
• Demonstrated success building and sustaining donor relationships and securing significant gifts
• Experience researching, writing, and securing grants
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and project management abilities
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to client service
• Self-starter with initiative, strong ethics, and a collaborative spirit
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines
• Strategic thinker with sound professional judgment
• Familiarity with Wisconsin birds and natural resources; able to connect with donors on conservation topics
• Proficient in MS Office and donor database platforms (e.g., Little Green Light)
• Works well independently and in team settings

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, that will require mostly in-person work. The annual salary range for this position is $75-90k with final compensation dependent on experience and qualifications.

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance offers competitive benefits including:

• Family health (GHC) and dental (Momentum) insurance (SoWBA covers 80% of premiums)
• 26 days paid time off
• Short- and long-term disability (SoWBA covers all costs)
• Additional paid and unpaid medical, family, and other leave policies
• SIMPLE IRA retirement (SoWBA matches up to 3% of employee’s voluntary contribution)
• Free parking and office on the Capital City Bike Trail
• Work schedule flexibility
• Mileage reimbursement (for non-commuting job-related travel)

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has an open-minded and progressive organizational culture that fosters a respectful, equitable, and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Work Schedule and Hours

We offer flexible working hours, with some evening and weekend work related to events, donor visits, and field trips required. Our office is in Madison, WI. Events and donor visits take place in and around Southern Wisconsin, often in natural environments and in outdoor weather conditions. There is the option for some remote work.

To Apply

Please email the following to mreetz@swibirds.org with “Director of Development” in the subject line:

• Cover letter
• Full resume detailing relevant education, work experience, and skills
• List of three references with email and phone contact information (references will not be contacted without applicant’s permission)

The hiring team will begin reviewing and potentially interviewing candidates on a rolling basis as soon as July 1, 2025 with the goal of having the successful candidate in the position by August 1, 2025.

This job description and more information about Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance can be found online at swibirds.org/employment.