Director, Gifts and Endowment

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison is hiring a Director, Gifts and Endowment (internal job title: Director of Fund Accounting, Administration, and Compliance Fund Accounting). In this role you will lead comprehensive fund management operations, including gift and endowment accounting, compliance, and administration for the Foundation's portfolio of over 9,000 donor-restricted funds. As of fiscal year-end 2024, the Foundation's investments exceeded $5.4 billion and annual contributions exceeded $470 million. Reporting to the Controller, this role oversees a team of 4-6 individuals responsible for fund-related accounting, reconciliations, reporting, administration, and compliance. This position provides strategic leadership for the integration of previously separate accounting and administrative/compliance teams to create a unified approach to fund management and will be responsible for building a cohesive unit with integrated processes and clear accountability.

The Director ensures proper fund establishment, accurate accounting records, timely fund reporting, and effective compliance and fund utilization monitoring. This position serves as a key liaison across departments and is responsible for managing internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure the accuracy, compliance, and effectiveness of fund operations. We are seeking a transformational leader with strong accounting and compliance expertise, a growth mindset, and the ability to balance strategic goals with operational execution.