Disability Rights Wisconsin
Disability Rights Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s Protection and Advocacy system. The agency is charged with protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeping them free from abuse and neglect. Employing a variety of means, our advocates and attorneys use individual casework and systems advocacy to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We are seeking employees who value this work. In turn we treat our employees well, offering a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave.
Disability Rights Wisconsin arose out of a disability civil rights movement demanding that the abuse of people with disabilities end and that people with disabilities be included in life, school, workplaces, and communities. Our core values include: Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation.
Our Programs
Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, and access to services)
Disability Benefits Specialist program (helping people access Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance)
Family Care & IRIS Ombudsman program (supporting people to remain in community-based settings)
Victim Advocacy services for crime victims with disabilities
Education rights, discrimination claims, institutional monitoring, and systemic reform
DRW is committed to a diversity-based approach to disability rights, recognizing intersectional oppression and striving for inclusion, accessibility, and equity in all our work.
Position Information Full Time Equivalent:
1.0 FTE (40 Hours per week), Monday - Friday
Reports to:
Executive Director
Rate:
$90,000 - $110,000 annually
Location:
Madison or Milwaukee hybrid option available. If the employee lives within 45 miles of a Disability Rights Wisconsin office, they will have the option to work fully in-office or under a hybrid work arrangement. Residency outside the 45-mile range qualifies to work fully remote. Must be a Wisconsin resident.
Job Hours:
Work to be completed during core office hours; 8a.m.-5p.m.
Application Instructions:
Submit resume and cover letter, detailing your qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
Application Deadline:
Priority consideration will be given to those who apply between November 20th and January 15th. Initial interviews will take place in the last part of January 2026.
About the role Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) seeks a strategic, experienced, and mission-driven
Development Director
to lead and grow our fundraising, donor engagement, and communications efforts. This role will report to the Executive Director and partner closely with senior leadership, the Board, and program teams to build a sustainable development strategy that advances disability rights across Wisconsin.
The Development Director will play a pivotal role in enabling DRW to defend individual rights, pursue systems change, and expand access to justice, particularly for underrepresented and marginalized communities of people with disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with DRW’s mission and programs.
Establish annual revenue goals across multiple funding streams (major donors, individual giving, institutional grants, corporate support, events).
Monitor performance and report on progress toward fundraising goals.
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
Manage a portfolio of mid-to-major donors and foundations, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Partner with the Executive Director and Board to strengthen relationships with high-level donors and prospects.
Create engagement opportunities and impact reports that prioritize transparency, accessibility, and inclusion.
Grants & Institutional Giving (non-governmental)
Lead all aspects of grant-seeking: prospect research, proposal writing, budgets, reporting, and compliance.
Collaborate with program and legal staff to ensure proposals and reports reflect DRW’s impact and priorities.
Track deadlines and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
Communications & Messaging
Develop and implement a communications plan that elevates DRW’s advocacy work and impact.
Oversee content creation for newsletters, donor communications, annual reports, social media, and the website.
Ensure all communications meet accessibility standards.
Board & Staff Engagement
Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.
Provide tools, reports, and training to strengthen a culture of philanthropy across DRW.
Collaborate across teams to integrate fundraising into programmatic and advocacy work.
Partnerships & External Relations
Represent DRW with donors, funders, coalitions, and advocacy networks.
Build strategic partnerships and explore co-funding opportunities.
Stay informed on trends in philanthropy and disability rights.
Systems & Infrastructure
Oversee donor database and gift processing systems.
Ensure accurate reporting, donor acknowledgment, and privacy compliance.
Maintain development policies and accessibility standards in all operations.
Qualifications Required
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
At least 5 years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience, preferably in civil rights, legal advocacy, or social justice organizations.
Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and institutional funding.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with sensitivity to disability and inclusion.
Strong communications, organizational, planning, and project management skills.
Experience with donor databases and data-driven fundraising.
Commitment to disability justice, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred
Experience in disability rights, advocacy, or legal/public policy organizations.
Supervisory or management experience.
Familiarity with state and federal disability-related funding.
Travel This position requires up to 25% travel throughout the State of Wisconsin. Travel is anticipated to average 3 to 4 days per month, which may include an overnight stay. The travel schedule is expected to vary throughout the calendar year. While travel dates are typically scheduled far in advance, the position could require travel on short notice.
Benefits for Permanent Employees
Generous employer contribution for individual and family health insurance, plus a Health Reimbursement Account for uncovered health care costs.
Employer-provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution
Flex Spending Account
Access to affordable, quality:
Additional Life Insurance for the employee, spouse, and children
Critical Illness Insurance
Identity Theft
Pet Insurance
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods:
27 to 40 or more hours
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another:
13 hours or less
Repetitive motions that may include the wrists, hands, and fingers:
27 to 40 or more hours
Operating motor vehicles:
13 hours or less
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting and standing:
27 to 40 or more hours
Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employment at our organization may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. We do not directly pay for, nor forgive, federal student loans. However, our status as a not-for-profit organization under Section 501 (c) (3), makes us an eligible employer. There may be other determining factors for one to qualify.
Generous Paid Time Off Policies
10 Fixed and 4 Floating Holidays
Leave Time
Medical and Caretaking
Vacation
Personal
Additional benefits include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Choice, and Sabbatical Leave.
Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO) and Affirivative Action (AA) We are an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status, following Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Our organization is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.
The pay range for this role is:
90,000 - 110,000 USD per year (Hybrid (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US))
90,000 - 110,000 USD per year (Hybrid (Madison, Wisconsin, US))
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Disability Rights Wisconsin arose out of a disability civil rights movement demanding that the abuse of people with disabilities end and that people with disabilities be included in life, school, workplaces, and communities. Our core values include: Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation.
Our Programs
Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, and access to services)
Disability Benefits Specialist program (helping people access Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance)
Family Care & IRIS Ombudsman program (supporting people to remain in community-based settings)
Victim Advocacy services for crime victims with disabilities
Education rights, discrimination claims, institutional monitoring, and systemic reform
DRW is committed to a diversity-based approach to disability rights, recognizing intersectional oppression and striving for inclusion, accessibility, and equity in all our work.
Position Information Full Time Equivalent:
1.0 FTE (40 Hours per week), Monday - Friday
Reports to:
Executive Director
Rate:
$90,000 - $110,000 annually
Location:
Madison or Milwaukee hybrid option available. If the employee lives within 45 miles of a Disability Rights Wisconsin office, they will have the option to work fully in-office or under a hybrid work arrangement. Residency outside the 45-mile range qualifies to work fully remote. Must be a Wisconsin resident.
Job Hours:
Work to be completed during core office hours; 8a.m.-5p.m.
Application Instructions:
Submit resume and cover letter, detailing your qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
Application Deadline:
Priority consideration will be given to those who apply between November 20th and January 15th. Initial interviews will take place in the last part of January 2026.
About the role Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) seeks a strategic, experienced, and mission-driven
Development Director
to lead and grow our fundraising, donor engagement, and communications efforts. This role will report to the Executive Director and partner closely with senior leadership, the Board, and program teams to build a sustainable development strategy that advances disability rights across Wisconsin.
The Development Director will play a pivotal role in enabling DRW to defend individual rights, pursue systems change, and expand access to justice, particularly for underrepresented and marginalized communities of people with disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with DRW’s mission and programs.
Establish annual revenue goals across multiple funding streams (major donors, individual giving, institutional grants, corporate support, events).
Monitor performance and report on progress toward fundraising goals.
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
Manage a portfolio of mid-to-major donors and foundations, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Partner with the Executive Director and Board to strengthen relationships with high-level donors and prospects.
Create engagement opportunities and impact reports that prioritize transparency, accessibility, and inclusion.
Grants & Institutional Giving (non-governmental)
Lead all aspects of grant-seeking: prospect research, proposal writing, budgets, reporting, and compliance.
Collaborate with program and legal staff to ensure proposals and reports reflect DRW’s impact and priorities.
Track deadlines and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
Communications & Messaging
Develop and implement a communications plan that elevates DRW’s advocacy work and impact.
Oversee content creation for newsletters, donor communications, annual reports, social media, and the website.
Ensure all communications meet accessibility standards.
Board & Staff Engagement
Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.
Provide tools, reports, and training to strengthen a culture of philanthropy across DRW.
Collaborate across teams to integrate fundraising into programmatic and advocacy work.
Partnerships & External Relations
Represent DRW with donors, funders, coalitions, and advocacy networks.
Build strategic partnerships and explore co-funding opportunities.
Stay informed on trends in philanthropy and disability rights.
Systems & Infrastructure
Oversee donor database and gift processing systems.
Ensure accurate reporting, donor acknowledgment, and privacy compliance.
Maintain development policies and accessibility standards in all operations.
Qualifications Required
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
At least 5 years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience, preferably in civil rights, legal advocacy, or social justice organizations.
Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and institutional funding.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with sensitivity to disability and inclusion.
Strong communications, organizational, planning, and project management skills.
Experience with donor databases and data-driven fundraising.
Commitment to disability justice, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred
Experience in disability rights, advocacy, or legal/public policy organizations.
Supervisory or management experience.
Familiarity with state and federal disability-related funding.
Travel This position requires up to 25% travel throughout the State of Wisconsin. Travel is anticipated to average 3 to 4 days per month, which may include an overnight stay. The travel schedule is expected to vary throughout the calendar year. While travel dates are typically scheduled far in advance, the position could require travel on short notice.
Benefits for Permanent Employees
Generous employer contribution for individual and family health insurance, plus a Health Reimbursement Account for uncovered health care costs.
Employer-provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution
Flex Spending Account
Access to affordable, quality:
Additional Life Insurance for the employee, spouse, and children
Critical Illness Insurance
Identity Theft
Pet Insurance
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods:
27 to 40 or more hours
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another:
13 hours or less
Repetitive motions that may include the wrists, hands, and fingers:
27 to 40 or more hours
Operating motor vehicles:
13 hours or less
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting and standing:
27 to 40 or more hours
Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employment at our organization may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. We do not directly pay for, nor forgive, federal student loans. However, our status as a not-for-profit organization under Section 501 (c) (3), makes us an eligible employer. There may be other determining factors for one to qualify.
Generous Paid Time Off Policies
10 Fixed and 4 Floating Holidays
Leave Time
Medical and Caretaking
Vacation
Personal
Additional benefits include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Choice, and Sabbatical Leave.
Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO) and Affirivative Action (AA) We are an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status, following Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Our organization is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.
The pay range for this role is:
90,000 - 110,000 USD per year (Hybrid (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US))
90,000 - 110,000 USD per year (Hybrid (Madison, Wisconsin, US))
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