1

Development Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Land Development Manager

Windsor, WI · On-site

$85K - $116.70K/yr

Land Development Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders ... Associates throughout their career. Lennar has been recognized as a Fortune 500 company and ...

Land Development Manager

Windsor, WI · On-site

$85K - $116.70K/yr

Land Development Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders ... Associates throughout their career. Lennar has been recognized as a Fortune 500 ® company and ...

Lead Toddler Teacher

Edgerton, WI · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Our daycare centers require additional qualifications, such as completing early childhood education courses or maybe obtaining a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Experience working with ...

Lead Float Teacher

Edgerton, WI · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. * Relevant certifications in CPR and First Aid. * Previous experience working with children in a daycare or educational setting. These qualifications ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Development Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$29.2K

$53.8K

$81.6K

How much do development associate jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for development associate in Madison, WI is $53,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,800.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Development Associate?

A development associate is responsible for overseeing fundraising activities and recording donations, typically for a nonprofit organization. As a development associate, your job duties include generating donations, meeting with potential donors, and developing effective fundraising campaigns. The minimum qualifications to begin a career as a development associate include a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer a bachelor’s degree in business management or public administration. To succeed in this role, you need to possess strong organizational skills, and it helps to have a passion for helping others. Employers prefer candidates who have prior job experience working on fundraising efforts and marketing campaigns for nonprofit groups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Associate, you need strong skills in fundraising, donor relations, and written communication, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with donor management databases (such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce), event planning tools, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and relationship-building skills help you excel in managing multiple tasks and engaging supporters. These abilities are crucial for effectively securing funding, maintaining donor engagement, and supporting the organization's growth.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Development Associate in a nonprofit organization?

Development Associates in nonprofit organizations usually support fundraising activities by managing donor databases, assisting with grant writing, preparing fundraising materials, and coordinating donor communications. They often help organize events, maintain accurate records of contributions, and collaborate closely with senior development staff, program teams, and volunteers. This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple projects while meeting deadlines. As a key team member, a Development Associate contributes to building relationships with donors and supporting the organization’s mission.

What are Development Associates?

Development Associates are professionals who support fundraising and donor relations efforts within nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or similar entities. They typically assist with donor communications, grant writing, event planning, database management, and research on prospective donors. Their work helps secure financial contributions and resources necessary for their organization's mission. Development Associates often collaborate closely with development directors and other team members to implement fundraising strategies. The role is an entry- to mid-level position that offers valuable experience for those interested in nonprofit development or philanthropy.

Why is Gen Z struggling to find jobs?

Development associates and other entry-level job seekers in Gen Z often face challenges such as limited work experience, high competition, and employers' preference for candidates with specific skills or certifications. Additionally, economic factors and changing hiring practices can impact their ability to secure positions quickly.
What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Development jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Development Associate jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Development Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Development Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,825 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Associate Director of Development, College of Engineering

Associate Director of Development, College of Engineering

Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Retirement

Posted yesterday


Job description

Overview
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA)*, the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking a development professional to support the College of Engineering (CoE). The Associate Director of Development will be responsible for qualifying, cultivating and soliciting major gift prospects. This development position is an integral part of a highly collaborative, energetic, and innovative development team for the UW-Madison College of Engineering. This is a hybrid role that will require you to work in Madison, WI office at least two days weekly.
The College of Engineering is one of the University's major units, with more than 4,500 students and over 50,000 alumni. Development efforts strive to involve alumni and friends in the life of the departments and the College, resulting in their increased engagement and philanthropic support.
Who is WFAA?
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is a private, nonprofit corporation that encourages individuals and organizations to make gifts to the university and to connect with the UW. In 2014, the UW Foundation merged with the Wisconsin Alumni Association® to better serve a growing population of UW alumni and donors. We believe that private support grows out of good relationships between campus leaders, faculty and program staff who need support, and the alumni and friends who want to invest in UW-Madison. We provide important engagement opportunities to link UW-Madison alumni to each other and to their alma mater, building a strong community of Badgers.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Just as the university community benefits from differing viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences, inclusion and diversity are imperative for the success of our mission. WFAA values people and the differences that they bring to the organization, and creates an environment in which all staff members and constituents feel respected and have opportunities to thrive.
Essential Functions
Major Gift Development
  • Develop objectives, priorities and strategies for major gift development related to capital campaigns, special programs, and ongoing fund raising in collaboration with dean/faculty/staff, WFAA vice president and colleagues.
  • Implement development strategies with assigned constituencies, managing a portfolio of prospects and donors in varying stages of involvement to advance them strategically through the development process.
  • Work with prospect management, WFAA research and development colleagues to identify and qualify a portfolio of major gift prospects from existing and potential donors.
  • Schedule and conduct initial assessment/exploratory meetings with prospects, following up with correspondence, phone calls and additional visits as appropriate to qualify prospect.
  • Plan and conduct visits/trips, events and other ongoing contact to build relationships with donors, effectively presenting the case for philanthropic support and explaining gift opportunities

Donor Relations/Stewardship/ Recognition
  • Plan and implement recognition for donors, including writing thank you letters, making personal calls, arranging meetings, hosting events, etc.
  • Plan and implement ongoing communication and stewardship with donors.

Campus Relations
  • Communicate, problem solve, and anticipate needs of campus staff regarding accounting for donor created funds and serve as liaison between WFAA accounting department and campus staff.
  • Request data/reports from WFAA staff to meet needs of donors and campus staff.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional work experience
  • 1 + years of professional fundraising/ development experience or related experience.
  • Experience and demonstrated success in fundraising or related activities.
  • Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills required.
  • Ability to meet travel requirements (@25%).

Other Qualifications
  • Post high school training, college degree, or equivalent preferred.
  • Ability to articulate the case for private support with sufficient effectiveness so that individuals understand the vision and strategy of the College and choose to invest in the vision.
  • Ability to work independently, in addition to as a member of an effective development team.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. Click here to learn more about our employee benefits!
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is the "doing business as" name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (advanceuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.