Vice President of Development & Communications

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Vice President of Development & Communications Full Time Senior Management Milwaukee, WI, US 4 days ago Requisition ID: 1184 Salary is commensurate based on experience Be the Village. Lead the Way. Help Children Thrive. At St. Francis Children’s Center (SFCC), we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive no matter their abilities or circumstances. For more than 50 years, SFCC has served children and families across the greater Milwaukee area through early childhood education, therapy services, and community-based programs. Today, we are entering an exciting period of growth, visibility, and impact and we’re seeking a bold, relational, and values-driven leader to guide our next chapter. The Opportunity The Vice President of Development & Communications is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the President/CEO, responsible for shaping and advancing SFCC’s philanthropic strategy, community presence, and voice. This is more than a fundraising role. It is an opportunity to: Build meaningful relationships with donors and community leaders Elevate the organization’s story and impact Help fuel long-term sustainability and mission expansion You will serve as both lead strategist and lead relationship‑builder, personally engaging major donors while building the systems, team, and momentum needed to scale impact. This role brings a strong balance of relationship‑building and performance accountability, with clear goals tied to revenue growth, donor engagement, and long‑term sustainability. With strong financial health and growing community visibility, SFCC is poised to take its fundraising and communications strategy to the next level. What You’ll Lead Serve as lead major gift officer managing 50‑75 high‑capacity donors Grow a comprehensive fundraising program (major gifts, annual fund, corporate, foundation, planned giving, and grants management) Re‑engage lapsed donors and expand a growing pipeline Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors on donor strategy and engagement Communications & Storytelling Oversee brand, messaging, and donor communications strategy Elevate mission‑driven storytelling that connects impact to investment Strengthen audience engagement across events, campaigns, and digital channels Leadership & Team Development Lead and coach an emerging development and communications team of three Build systems, metrics, and processes to support long‑term growth Foster a collaborative, high‑performing, values‑aligned team culture Community Presence Serve as a visible ambassador in Milwaukee’s philanthropic and civic community Build partnerships that strengthen SFCC’s reach and reputation What Success Looks Like (First 12–18 Months) Successfully execute a flagship Gala and key fundraising events Reignite and grow donor relationships following a quieter outreach period Strengthen team performance and cohesion Establish a clear, data‑informed fundraising strategy and pipeline Elevate SFCC’s visibility and storytelling across the community Who You Are A seasoned development leader who brings both strategic discipline and relational warmth and brings the following Experience & Background: A bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or a related field is required; or a master’s degree in the same fields is preferred 10+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience Proven success personally managing major donor relationships and closing five‑ and six‑figure gifts Experience leading comprehensive development programs Oversight of grants Strong partnership experience with CEOs and Boards of Directors Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation preferred, or pursuit of certification Knack for leveraging donor CRM systems to manage relationships, track engagement, and inform data‑driven fundraising strategy; familiarity with Bloomerang or similar platforms is a plus How You Work You Naturally Balance data, detail, and clarity with action Build systems while staying flexible and responsive Move quickly, adapt, and innovate when needed Simplify complexity and remove barriers Thrive in a role that requires both structure and agility. Our Culture & Values At SFCC, our values aren’t just words – they are lived, reinforced, and expected in how we show up each day. We are a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace Award recipient (2025 and 2026) and a team that exhibits our values – You Belong – We foster inclusion, respect, and connection Glow & Grow – We invest in development and continuous learning Be the Village – We show up for one another and the families we serve Lead the Way – We take initiative and move forward with purpose Stay Strong – We build sustainability and resilience for the future Benefits & Compensation Medical, dental, and vision coverage 403(b) with employer match Generous paid time off and paid holidays Employer‑paid short‑and long‑term disability Life insurance Tuition discount for children enrolled in SFCC programs Join the SFCC Team This is a unique opportunity to step into a mission‑driven leadership role where your work directly impacts children, families, and the future of our community. If you are energized by building relationships, telling meaningful stories, and leading with values – we would love to connect with you! Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusive Hiring: St. Francis Children's Center is deeply committed to building an advancement team that reflects the diversity of Milwaukee and the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from candidates of color, candidates with lived experience in our communities, and candidates who bring a demonstrated commitment to equity‑centered philanthropic practice. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. #J-18808-Ljbffr