Alumni and Development Specialist

The Development Specialist plays a vital role in advancing the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s missions by helping build and sustain a strong culture of philanthropy and engagement among alumni, students, and supporters. Working collaboratively, this position supports strategic initiatives that strengthen donor relationships, grow the alumni giving pipeline, and foster meaningful connections to the school. The Development Specialist contributes to the planning and execution of high-impact programs and events, uses data and insights to enhance engagement strategies, and serves as a trusted partner to internal and external stakeholders. Through thoughtful coordination, clear communication, and relationship-centered work, this role offers a unique opportunity to be only the second person to shape and grow an evolving position that strengthens philanthropy and alumni engagement for the School of Medicine and Public Health. Ideal for an early‑career professional, this role provides hands‑on experience, meaningful responsibility, and the chance to make a real impact from day one.

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check.  See https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/#become-authorized-driver (click on “Become an authorized driver;” then click on “Required criteria”). 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage a wide range of constituents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and campus partners.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the institution.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Monitors, organizes, and updates donor records, and implements operating policies and procedures
• Schedules logistics and secures resources for event and program activities, facilities, participants, and vendors adhering to established timelines and expectations
• Assists with the development of strategic planning initiatives and objectives, program budgets, and monitors activity to ensure adherence to established guidelines
• Collects, prepares, and analyzes donor information and event data and provides subsequent recommendations for improvement and enhancement
• Serves as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders at meetings and activities to advocate for and promote the interests of the unit
• Assists with the design, development, and delivery of marketing and communication materials and other event publications to promote development events and programs
• Drive student engagement by planning events, coordinating volunteer opportunities, and supporting philanthropy programs that foster leadership and school connection

Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Dean’s Office, Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association

Founded in 1956, the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association is dedicated to serving the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and its network of over 8,000 medical students and alumni.

Compensation:

The expected salary range for this position is $62,144 up to $80,240 for highly experienced candidates and actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications. 

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage. SMPH Academic Staff Benefits Flyer

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing a donor pipeline, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Experience interacting directly with donors, including making or supporting gift asks.
• Proven ability to plan and execute events (in-person and/or virtual) that engage alumni, donors, or students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with alumni donors or within a higher education.
• Experience planning student-facing or community-building programs that foster connection and engagement.
• Comfort using CRM or advancement databases (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar) to track donor activity and outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in closing gifts or moving prospects through the donor lifecycle.
• Familiarity with donor stewardship best practices and annual giving strategies.
• Experience coordinating volunteers or alumni leaders.
• Ability to analyze donor data and use insights to inform outreach and strategy.
• Experience with event budgeting, vendor coordination, and post-event evaluation.
• Comfort representing the organization in one-on-one meetings, small groups, and public settings.

Education:

Bachelor's degree preferred

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, select either “I am a current employee” or “I am not a current employee” under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.

Important: There is only one attachment field. All required documents must be combined into a single file and uploaded in that field.

Required documents:
 • Cover letter
 • Resume
 

Your cover letter should address how your training and experience align with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected.

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.