Vice President of Development & Communications

St. Francis Children’s Center | Milwaukee, WI (In-Person)

Be the Village. Lead the Way. Help Children Thrive.

At St. Francis Children’s Center (SFCC), we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive no matter their abilities or circumstances. For more than 50 years, SFCC has served children and families across the greater Milwaukee area through early childhood education, therapy services, and community-based programs. 

Today, we are entering an exciting period of growth, visibility, and impact and we’re seeking a bold, relational, and values-driven leader to guide our next chapter.

The Opportunity

The Vice President of Development & Communications is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the President/CEO, responsible for shaping and advancing SFCC’s philanthropic strategy, community presence, and voice.

This is more than a fundraising role. It is an opportunity to:

• Build meaningful relationships with donors and community leaders
• Elevate the organization’s story and impact
• Strengthen a growing development function
• Help fuel long-term sustainability and mission expansion

You will serve as both lead strategist and lead relationship-builder, personally engaging major donors while building the systems, team, and momentum needed to scale impact. This role brings a strong balance of relationship-building and performance accountability, with clear goals tied to revenue growth, donor engagement, and long-term sustainability. With strong financial health and growing community visibility, SFCC is poised to take its fundraising and communications strategy to the next level.

What You’ll Lead

Philanthropy & Revenue Growth

• Serve as lead major gift officer managing 50-75 high-capacity donors
• Grow a comprehensive fundraising program (major gifts, annual fund, corporate, foundation, planned giving, and grants management) 
• Re-engage lapsed donors and expand a growing pipeline 
• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors on donor strategy and engagement 

Communications & Storytelling

• Oversee brand, messaging, and donor communications strategy 
• Elevate mission-driven storytelling that connects impact to investment
• Strengthen audience engagement across events, campaigns, and digital channels

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and coach an emerging development and communications team of three
• Build systems, metrics, and processes to support long-term growth
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing, values-aligned team culture

Community Presence

• Serve as a visible ambassador in Milwaukee’s philanthropic and civic community 
• Build partnerships that strengthen SFCC’s reach and reputation

What Success Looks Like (First 12–18 Months)

• Successfully execute a flagship Gala and key fundraising events 
• Reignite and grow donor relationships following a quieter outreach period 
• Strengthen team performance and cohesion
• Establish a clear, data-informed fundraising strategy and pipeline
• Elevate SFCC’s visibility and storytelling across the community

Who You Are

A seasoned development leader who brings both strategic discipline and relational warmth and brings the following Experience & Background:

• A bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or a related field is required; or a master’s degree in the same fields is preferred 
• 10 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience 
• Proven success personally managing major donor relationships and closing five- and six-figure gifts
• Experience leading comprehensive development programs
• Oversight of grants
• Strong partnership experience with CEOs and Boards of Directors 
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation preferred, or pursuit of certification
• Knack for leveraging donor CRM systems to manage relationships, track engagement, and inform data-driven fundraising strategy; familiarity with Bloomerang or similar platforms is a plus 

How You Work 

You Naturally

• Balance data, detail, and clarity with action
• Build systems while staying flexible and responsive
• Move quickly, adapt, and innovate when needed
• Simplify complexity and remove barriers
• Thrive in a role that requires both structure and agility. 

Our Culture & Values

At SFCC, our values aren’t just words – they are lived, reinforced, and expected in how we show up each day. 

We are a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace Award recipient (2025 and 2026) and a team that exhibits our values – 

• You Belong – We foster inclusion, respect, and connection
• Glow & Grow – We invest in development and continuous learning
• Be the Village – We show up for one another and the families we serve
• Lead the Way – We take initiative and move forward with purpose
• Stay Strong – We build sustainability and resilience for the future 

Benefits & Compensation

SFCC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 403(b) with employer match
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition discount for children enrolled in SFCC programs

Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusive Hiring:

St. Francis Children's Center is deeply committed to building an advancement team that reflects the diversity of Milwaukee and the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from candidates of color, candidates with lived experience in our communities, and candidates who bring a demonstrated commitment to equity-centered philanthropic practice.

• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

Join the SFCC Team

This is a unique opportunity to step into a mission-driven leadership role where your work directly impacts children, families, and the future of our community.

If you are energized by building relationships, telling meaningful stories, and leading with values – we would love to connect with you!

Apply / Learn More

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