Development Director
Salary Range: $70,000+
Job Summary:
For over 14 years, Underdog has been a trusted resource for animals and families across Wisconsin through rescue, adoption, foster care, and veterinary services. As our organization enters an exciting period of growth, we're looking for a strategic fundraising professional to help build the next chapter of our impact.
This is a rare opportunity to create and lead a development program with significant autonomy, direct access to organizational leadership, and the ability to shape the future of a beloved nonprofit.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Development Director will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that increases revenue through major gifts, grants, individual giving, corporate partnerships, and community engagement.
What You'll Do
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy
- Establish systems, processes, and infrastructure to support long-term growth
- Manage donor database and fundraising reporting
- Create annual fundraising plans, goals, and performance metrics
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director and Board
Major Gifts & Donor Relations
- Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors
- Develop personalized donor engagement and recognition strategies
- Partner with board members and leadership on donor outreach
Grants & Foundation Relations
- Research and pursue grant opportunities
- Write compelling grant proposals and reports
- Manage grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and funder relationships
Individual Giving & Community Partnerships
- Grow annual giving and recurring donor programs
- Lead direct mail, email, and digital fundraising campaigns
- Develop corporate sponsorship and partnership opportunities
- Support fundraising events and community engagement initiatives
Team Development
- Build and scale the development function over time
- Recruit and manage development staff and volunteers as needed
- Serve as a visible ambassador for Underdog within the community
How to Apply:
QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor's degree
- 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience
- Demonstrated success securing major gifts, grants, or individual donations
- Experience creating and implementing fundraising strategies
- Strong relationship-building and donor stewardship skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Experience with donor databases or CRM systems
- Passion for animal welfare and nonprofit work
Preferred
- Experience in animal welfare, veterinary services, or related nonprofit sectors
- Familiarity with the Madison-area philanthropic community
- DonorPerfect experience
- CFRE certification or active pursuit of certification
- Experience building or leading fundraising teams
Why Join Underdog?
- Opportunity to build and lead a fundraising program with significant ownership
- Mission-driven work that directly impacts animals and families throughout Wisconsin
- Collaborative and passionate team environment
- Flexible hybrid work arrangement
- Competitive nonprofit compensation based on experience
- Opportunity for professional growth and leadership development
About You
You're a relationship builder who understands that fundraising is about connecting people to a mission they care about. You are strategic, entrepreneurial, and energized by creating systems and programs that drive long-term impact. Most importantly, you believe deeply in the power of animal welfare organizations to change lives.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to lauren@underdogpetrescue.org.
In your cover letter, tell us why Underdog's mission resonates with you and how your experience can help advance our impact.
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Underdog Pet Rescue & Veterinary Services is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
