Senior Director of Stewardship and Donor Services

TWB Fundraising is conducting this search on behalf of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

Position Overview

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation seeks a Senior Director of Stewardship and Donor Services to join our mission-centered, collaborative team during an exciting period of growth as we steward our donors and funds and continue to grow the financial assets and community impact of the Foundation.

As the Senior Director, you will have both internal and donor-facing leadership responsibilities, ensuring the Foundation provides exceptional donor services and stewardship, managing a dedicated team of Philanthropic Advisers, actively engaging with a personal portfolio of high-level donors and prospects, and overseeing high-profile signature events.

This role is a blend of management, strategy, collaboration, and hands-on implementation, combining oversight of operations and processes with motivating and inspiring team members and donors—all in a complex community foundation space.

The Senior Director reports to the Vice President, Development & Philanthropic Services.

About Us

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin's largest community foundation. Since 1915, the Foundation has been at the heart of the civic community, helping donors achieve their greatest philanthropic impact, elevating the work of changemakers across neighborhoods, and bringing people and organizations together to help the region thrive.

Deep commitment to our community

Leveraging generations of community knowledge, cross-sector partnerships and with more than $1 billion in financial assets, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is committed to reimagining philanthropy, catalyzing systems change, convening and following community voices, and building inclusive culture to transform the region into a Milwaukee for all.

Our team

The Foundation's dedicated and experienced donor services team helps donors establish and manage philanthropic funds, navigates complex giving methods, and provides expert guidance in making grant recommendations. The team also helps donors connect with community needs and manage their charitable giving.

Core values

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s work and decision-making is guided by the core values of integrity, service, effectiveness and inclusion, and advancing a Milwaukee for all.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and motivate a six-person team of Philanthropic Advisers, establishing and monitoring department and individual qualitative and quantitative performance goals and coaching and mentoring team members to excel in their individual roles and collaborate as a team.
• Design, implement, and evaluate annual philanthropic advising team strategies and strategic goals for the department in partnership with the Vice President, Development & Philanthropic Services and DPS team directors, including work with portfolios of individuals, agencies and supporting organizations and strategies that advance the Foundation’s commitment to racial equity and inclusion.
• Serves as a trusted fundraising partner, managing and deepening relationships with a personal portfolio of 50-75 current and prospective high-touch donors, helping them to realize their philanthropic goals. This includes facilitating the donor engagement process of qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, resulting in establishing and building funds, meaningful grantmaking and co-investing that align with the Foundation’s priorities, and legacy commitments, including partnership with the DPS team, Community Impact, and Milwaukee Succeeds.
• Update and oversee organization of department policies, processes, and procedures, ensuring staff are trained and consistently follow protocols and standards.
• With attention to detail, collaborate with DPS team directors, and across Marketing and Communications, Operations, and Finance Departments to ensure creative, impactful, and engaging donor stewardship and exemplary fund holder services; includes timely and personalized donor communications, preparing and presenting fund / gift proposals and agreements, and accurate fund documentation.
• Oversee planning and execution of large-scale signature events and ongoing donor engagement opportunities that advance donor and adviser stewardship and the Foundation’s strategic vision.
• Enhance the Foundation's visibility in the Milwaukee community by participating in community events, active networking, and speaking to boards of directors and community groups about leadership activities and co-investment opportunities.
• Actively demonstrate a passion for the mission, vision, and values of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

Essential Qualifications

Why You Should Join Us

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation offers an extraordinary opportunity to join one of the most respected and trusted organizations in Milwaukee at an important moment in our lifecycle : having completed a record-breaking fundraising campaign and in the midst of developing a new strategic plan, the Foundation is a catalyst for transformational change, reshaping Milwaukee as a region where everyone thrives.

Under the leadership of our visionary CEO, whose commitment and connection to people is palpable, the Foundation’s internal culture is evolving and flourishing, with renewed vigor around honoring our past and the freedom to reimagine how we work and interact with each other.

When you join our dedicated staff, you will enjoy a supportive and stimulating work environment that encourages learning and professional growth, access to organizational leadership, and dedicated colleagues who share your commitment to creating change and positive impact in our community.

Location

Milwaukeeans love our city and know this “Fresh Coast” community is becoming a destination for professionals seeking a family-friendly, accessible lifestyle with all the amenities of a large city.

Known for its unique blend of historic charm and modern design, Milwaukee has great neighborhoods, a variety of ethnic festivals, a thriving local music and performing arts scene, outstanding museums, an award-winning culinary landscape, and a wealth of outdoor activities such as bike and hiking trails—and an amazing lakefront—with an affordable cost of living and friendly flair.

Compensation and Benefits

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package that includes health, dental, vision, flexible spending, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, an inclusive dress code, and free parking. A hybrid work schedule may be possible.

The salary for this position is $130,525.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages candidates of all backgrounds, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

Instructions for Applicants

To apply, please submit the following merged into one PDF :

Inquiries and questions will be held confidentially and may be directed to Anne Summers at asummers@twbfundraising.com. No phone calls or applications submitted by mail. Apply early for best consideration.

Recruitment will continue until the position is filled.