Assistant or Associate Director of Stewardship and Engagement

Wisconsin Athletics is seeking an accomplished advancement professional to serve as the Assistant or Associate Director of Stewardship and Engagement. With general oversight from the Associate Athletics Director-Development and direct oversight from the Assistant Athletic Director-Development, this position plays a key leadership role in advancing donor engagement, recognition, and stewardship strategies that support the long-term success of Wisconsin Athletics.

The successful candidate will lead strategic initiatives to steward major gift donors, create innovative engagement opportunities, and deliver an exceptional donor experience. This role requires leadership, collaboration, and creativity to design impactful programs, manage high-profile events, and strengthen donor loyalty.

This position is posted at the levels of Assistant Director of Stewardship and Engagement and Associate Director of Stewardship and Engagement. The working title and level will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Key Areas of Focus include:

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive stewardship and engagement strategies for major gift donors.
• Serving as a strategic partner and ambassador for Wisconsin Athletics with Athletics staff, WFAA, The Varsity Collective, the W-Club, and external partners.
• Providing leadership for signature donor events (e.g., Forever Badgers Endowment Luncheon, capital project ceremonies, Badger Desert Classic, VIP receptions).
• Overseeing the Badger Leadership Society program and other high-level donor recognition initiatives.
• Managing premium game-day seating and experiences used for donor stewardship.
• Innovating and evolving stewardship programming to increase donor engagement and loyalty.
• Collaborating with the Major Gifts team on campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and donor communication strategies.
• Ensuring all donor ticketing and parking needs are coordinated with ticketing and premium seating staff.
• Overseeing stewardship reporting, donor communications, and confidential donor records.
• Supervising event-based stewardship efforts and supporting additional campaign-related programming.
• Promoting the importance of the student-athlete experience in all engagement initiatives.
• Working evenings, weekends, and traveling regionally/nationally as needed.

• Leads fundraising and engagement focused signature events and initiatives sponsored by the Athletic Development Office
• Provide general support for all fundraising initiatives including major gifts, annual giving, premium seating, NIL, and other special campaigns/ initiatives.
• Schedules logistics and secures resources for event and program activities, facilities, participants, and vendors adhering to established timelines and expectations

• Assists with the development of strategic planning initiatives and objectives, program budgets, and monitors activity to ensure adherence to established guidelines

• Collects, prepares, and analyzes donor information and event data and provides subsequent recommendations for improvement and enhancement

• Schedules logistics and secures resources for event and program activities, facilities, participants, and vendors adhering to established timelines and expectations

• Assists with the design, development, and delivery of marketing and communication materials and other event publications to promote development events and programs

• Serves as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders at meetings and activities to advocate for and promote the interests of the unit

Wisconsin Athletics, Development Department

The starting salary for the position is $60,000 (but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications).

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as:

- Generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off;

- Competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits;

- Badger gear & season tickets for Badger football, men's basketball and men's hockey, and/or the varsity sports pass.

More Benefits information can be found at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/.

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in development, donor relations, or a related field.
• Strong written, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including colleagues, campus partners, donors, alumni, and community leaders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

• Experience in development or donor relations within higher education, intercollegiate athletics, or a nonprofit organization.
• Familiarity with stewardship best practices, donor recognition programs, and event planning.
• Knowledge of donor management systems or ticketing platforms (e.g., Paciolan, Salesforce, Tableau).
• Understanding of the mission and operations of a major research university and interest in supporting intercollegiate athletics.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, integrity, and ability to thrive in both independent and team settings.

Bachelor's Degree required.

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process.
You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.

Kayla Weisensel at kw4@athletics.wisc.edu or 608-262-6340. Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.