Position Summary:

The Department of Development and Alumni Engagement at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is seeking applicants for a Senior Gift Officer. The Senior Gift Officer is an experienced fundraising professional responsible for planning, organizing, and executing fundraising programs that align with the institution’s overall development strategies and campaign goals. The individual may also coordinate volunteer staff or committees in support of fundraising activities. Additionally, the role may involve responsibility for a specific solicitation program or the ongoing management of non-administrative operations within a fundraising unit.

This is a full-time, benefit and paid leave eligible position with frequent travel locally and nationally. Salary range for this position is $65,000 - $70,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities:

• Develops measurable major gifts goals in conjunction with the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Engagement that reflect the priorities of academic and institutional leadership.
• Manages and regularly updates a portfolio of major gift prospects, creating individualized strategies for each stage of the fundraising pipeline. Evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies and provides recommendations for improvement to development leadership.
• Conducts personal visits each year with major gift prospects ($25,000+) for the purposes of prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Builds and maintains strong donor relationships and identifies new giving opportunities designed to advance fundraising priorities and meet institutional funding goals.
• Creates and delivers compelling, customized proposals and targeted communication materials that align with institutional strategic initiatives.
• Solicits planned gifts from prospects, demonstrating a sound understanding of different planned giving vehicles.
• Serves as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including donors and university leadership, to provide information, ensure alignment of goals, and represent the interests of the institution.
• Partners with academic leadership to support strategic initiatives, including consistent data tracking, reporting, and alignment of fundraising efforts with institutional priorities.
• Partners with Stewardship and Retention staff to support ongoing donor engagement and recognition efforts.
• Collaborates with Development and Alumni Engagement staff to create briefing materials and ensure effective donor engagement strategies.
• Travels frequently in order to build and maintain donor relationships and represent the University at various events. 

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university.
• 3-5 years of gift/development officer experience. Higher education experience preferred.
  
• Previous experience of Major Gift or relationship management.
  
• Proven track record in fundraising, specifically donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and problem-solving skills.
  
• Ability to set and achieve fundraising goals.
  
• Competency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and donor tracking systems.
  

Why It’s Great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers 47 baccalaureate and 10 master's programs. It possesses institutional strengths in middle level education, engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, criminal justice and business. The campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest and most historic community. The region offers excellent school systems, high quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville is a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Take a virtual tour of our campus!

Application Deadline:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be submitted through our online applicant portal and received by July 14, 2025. Applications will be reviewed until the position has been filled.

How to Apply:

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Letter of application addressing all required qualifications
• A current resume

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is committed to recruiting, supporting and fostering a diverse, inclusive and civil community of outstanding faculty, staff and students, and is an AA/EEO Employer. A criminal background check is required for employment. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the U.S. at time of hire.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.