Disability Rights Wisconsin
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Development Director
role at
Disability Rights Wisconsin
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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 include:
● 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
Job Type:
Permanent Full-time
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE):
1.0 FTE (40 Hours/week) (Exempt)
Reports to:
Executive Director
Starting Range:
$90,000 to $110,000
Location:
Madison or Milwaukee hybrid option available.
Must be a resident of Wisconsin.
Application Instructions:
Submit resume
and
cover letter, detailing your qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
For priority consideration, apply online at our Careers page: www.disabilityrightswi.org/careers
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.
Note:
You can request alternate formats of this position announcement. You can submit your application materials in alternative formats if needed. Contact hr@drwi.org for more information.
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.
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
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.
Disability Rights Wisconsin places an unparalleled value on the well-being of our staff. The following benefits are offered for permanent employees who work 20 or more hours per week:
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
Additional Life Insurance for the employee, spouse, and children
Critical Illness Insurance
Identity Theft Insurance
Pet Insurance
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. For more information: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Generous paid time off policies include:
10 Fixed and 4 Floating Holidays
Leave time for:
Medical and Caretaking
Vacation
Personal
Additional benefits include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Choice, and Sabbatical Leave.
Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO) and
Affirmative 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 status, or disability status following Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans 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.
Date of Job Description:
November 2025
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Other
Industries
Non‑profit Organizations
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Madison, WI .
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Development Director
role at
Disability Rights Wisconsin
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
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 include:
● 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
Job Type:
Permanent Full-time
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE):
1.0 FTE (40 Hours/week) (Exempt)
Reports to:
Executive Director
Starting Range:
$90,000 to $110,000
Location:
Madison or Milwaukee hybrid option available.
Must be a resident of Wisconsin.
Application Instructions:
Submit resume
and
cover letter, detailing your qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
For priority consideration, apply online at our Careers page: www.disabilityrightswi.org/careers
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.
Note:
You can request alternate formats of this position announcement. You can submit your application materials in alternative formats if needed. Contact hr@drwi.org for more information.
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.
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
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.
Disability Rights Wisconsin places an unparalleled value on the well-being of our staff. The following benefits are offered for permanent employees who work 20 or more hours per week:
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
Additional Life Insurance for the employee, spouse, and children
Critical Illness Insurance
Identity Theft Insurance
Pet Insurance
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. For more information: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Generous paid time off policies include:
10 Fixed and 4 Floating Holidays
Leave time for:
Medical and Caretaking
Vacation
Personal
Additional benefits include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Choice, and Sabbatical Leave.
Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO) and
Affirmative 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 status, or disability status following Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans 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.
Date of Job Description:
November 2025
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Other
Industries
Non‑profit Organizations
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Disability Rights Wisconsin by 2x
Get notified about new Director of Development jobs in
Madison, WI .
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr