Chief Philanthropy Officer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Wisconsin Community Services

At WCS , we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive , regardless of their past. We stand at the intersection of justice, compassion, and opportunity , walking alongside individuals who face barriers like mental health challenges, substance use, criminal justice involvement, and systemic inequities .

We're not just offering jobswere building life-changing relationships that empower individuals to reclaim their futures.

Why WCS?

• Youll be part of a mission-driven team changing lives across Milwaukee and beyond.
• Youll receive training, mentorship, and growth opportunities to help you thrive in your role and your career.
• Youll witness the power of transformation and know that you helped make it happen.
• Youll work in a culture that values a culture of belonging, collaboration, and compassion .

J ob Summary

The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) is a senior executive responsible for leading the organizations overall fundraising and philanthropic strategy. This role oversees the design, development, and execution of comprehensive fundraising programs to support organizational mission, sustainability, and growth. The CPO partners closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team to cultivate major donors, expand philanthropic partnerships, and strengthen the organizations culture of giving. The position will have a special focus of developing strategies and leading the efforts to support the first ever Wisconsin Community Services to Capital Campaign to raise at least five million dollars by March of 2027. This position offers an exciting opportunity to build long-term relationships with individual, corporate and foundation donors at varying levels of giving, helping to cultivate them into significant supporters of the mission of WCS.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising and philanthropy strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborate and partner with the WCS Executive and Senior Leadership teams, contributing to overall strategic planning and decision-making.
• Advise the CEO and Board on trends, opportunities, and risks related to fundraising and donor engagement.
• Establish measurable goals and KPIs for fundraising performance.

Fundraising & Revenue Development

• Lead WCS capital campaigns fundraising efforts.
• Design and execute capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives.
• Monitor and report on revenue performance against targets.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities and revenue streams.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations and key stakeholders.
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects.
• Develop stewardship strategies to ensure donor retention and long-term engagement.
• Represent the organization in external events and donor meetings.

Board Engagement

• Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen capital campaign fundraising capacity and engagement.
• Support board members in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the CEO and Board on fundraising performance.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the development/philanthropy team.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on results and accountability.
• Ensure staff have the tools, training, and resources needed to succeed.

Marketing & Communications Collaboration

• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to align messaging with fundraising initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with WCS Development and Communications team on storytelling efforts that inspire giving.

Systems & Operations

• Utilize donor databases (CRM), and reporting tools.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and ethical fundraising standards.
• Optimize processes for efficiency and donor experience.

Required Qualifications
Skills and Knowledge: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage donors, prospects, and colleagues and build trust in a positive, meaningful way. Clear, persuasive verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage donor portfolios and maintain accurate records.
Education: Bachelor's degree bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Experience: Ten+ years experience of progressive fundraising experience, including senior leadership roles. Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and leading large-scale fundraising campaigns. Experience working with nonprofit boards and senior leadership teams.
Needed Proficiency or Levels of Knowledge: Proven strategic thinking and execution ability. Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills. Strong leadership and project management skills. Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and revenue targets. High level of integrity and commitment to ethical fundraising practices.
Technical skills: Must have experience with Client Records Management software (CRM), Microsoft Office tools to track, analyze and manage donor information, and a have a willingness to learn new technologies as needed.
Meet all the employee requirements including references, criminal background check, drug screen, and drivers license check.
Maintenance of a valid Wisconsin drivers license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with company policy. Must have personal vehicle for work-related travel and must comply with all applicable traffic laws and safety regulations. Proof of a valid drivers license and compliance with any required vehicle insurance coverage is required as a condition of employment and continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

Posses Certified Fund Raising Executive certification, active membership with the Association of Fund-Raising Professionals. Must have previous experience leading successful capital campaign(s).

Personal Attributes:

Relate to others with dignity and respect.
Embrace the mission of purpose of WCS.
Embrace service provision to underserved communities.
Serve as a role model for accountability and commitment to excellence.
Adhere to WCS Code of Conduct.
Maintain professional and respectful relationships with staff, people who served and community members.
Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Demonstrate high levels of ethical behavior and integrity at all times.

Abilities:
Communication ability to provide information effectively with a diverse population - the persons we serve.
Leadership-ability to lead projects and people effectively.
Technological Aptitude Ability to use general technological skills throughout daily job i.e., Email, Internet, company specified systems.
Managing Priorities/Deadlines Ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
Problem-Solving Skills Ability to think critically and be solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability Ability to manage change, deal with situations as they arise and work independently or as part of a team.
Teamwork Ability to work as a team participate productively while also managing independent contributing duties and responsibilities.
Interpersonal Skills Ability to work with others and relate to persons we serve. Able to establish rapport and build effective relationships at various levels in a diverse setting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to sit and work on a computer for long periods of time, frequent standing, walking, and ability to lift 10-25 pounds. Must be able to reach and bend as needed throughout the day. Must be able to work in community settings, climb stairs and manage changing weather conditions and extremes.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Noise levels range from low to medium. Work is performed in an office and community environment. Frequent travel is required. Work is performed in the community going to one on one and group meetings. Visits with others to WCS program locations. A flexible work schedule is required to meet the needs of staff and the people being served.

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) is seeking a Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) to lead the organizations overall fundraising and philanthropic strategy. In this senior executive role, you will partner closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to cultivate major donors, expand partnerships, and strengthen the culture of giving. A primary focus of this position will be designing and executing strategies to drive WCSs first-ever capital campaign, with a goal of raising at least five million dollars by March 2027.

As CPO, you will oversee comprehensive fundraising programs, manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, and guide board engagement in donor solicitation and stewardship. You will provide strategic leadership by establishing measurable KPIs, identifying new revenue streams, and mentoring the philanthropy team to foster a high-performance culture. Additionally, you will collaborate with marketing and communications to align messaging and inspire giving, while ensuring all operations comply with legal and ethical fundraising standards.