What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Director position at Great Rivers United Way?
Role Description
The Development Director is a full-time, on-site role based in Onalaska, WI. 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 Nonprofit Management, Business, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- 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.
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
Go to www.gruw.org/about us/jobs for more information about the position and Great Rivers United Way.