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Development Program Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

DISCOVERY WORLD LTD

Director of Development

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Oversee a coordinated development program spanning individual giving, major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, foundation and government grants, and special initiatives ...

DISCOVERY WORLD LTD

Director of Development

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Oversee a coordinated development program spanning individual giving, major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, foundation and government grants, and special initiatives ...

Ametek

Program Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

Lead multiple new product development programs across the full lifecycle, from concept and business case through product launch * Own overall program performance across scope, schedule, cost, and ...

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All JobsDevelopment Program JobsDevelopment Program Jobs in Wisconsin

Development Program information

See Wisconsin salary details

$32.3K

$121.2K

$201.9K

How much do development program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for development program in Wisconsin is $121,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $144,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or rotations can I expect to experience in a Development Program?

Development Programs often include structured rotations or project assignments across multiple departments or functions within the organization. As a participant, you might work on cross-functional teams, contribute to high-visibility projects, and gain hands-on experience in areas such as marketing, operations, finance, or product development. This structure helps you build a well-rounded skill set and understand the broader business, making it easier to identify your long-term career interests. Collaboration with mentors and peers is common, offering strong networking and learning opportunities within the company.

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

To thrive in a Development Program, you need a strong academic background, analytical thinking, and a demonstrated interest in the field or industry. Familiarity with project management tools, data analysis software, or relevant certifications such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma is often valuable. Strong communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills help you excel in rotational assignments and dynamic environments. These capabilities ensure you effectively learn, contribute, and progress within the organization's leadership pipeline.

What is the difference between Development Program vs Software Engineer?

AspectDevelopment ProgramSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; often includes training or internship componentsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; may require coding certifications
Work EnvironmentStructured training environment, often with rotations across teamsProject-based, team-oriented software development setting
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies for onboarding new talentStandard role in software development companies and tech industries
Comparison Search IntentOften searched to understand entry pathways and training programsCompared for experience level and job responsibilities

The Development Program is typically a structured training or rotational initiative designed for early-career professionals, often including internships or onboarding tracks. Software Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, coding, and maintaining software. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Development Programs focus on training and development, whereas Software Engineers focus on delivering software solutions.

What is a Development Program?

A Development Program is a structured initiative offered by organizations to help employees or participants build specific skills, gain experience, and advance their careers. These programs often include training sessions, mentorship, job rotations, and hands-on projects. Development Programs are commonly targeted at recent graduates or early-career professionals, aiming to prepare them for future leadership or specialized roles within the company. Participants benefit from exposure to different departments, on-the-job learning, and networking opportunities. Overall, Development Programs are designed to accelerate professional growth and help organizations develop a strong talent pipeline.
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Development Program jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Development Program job openings:
Development Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Program job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,181 per year, or $58.3 per hour.
Director of Development

Director of Development

DISCOVERY WORLD LTD

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Discovery World rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 27 rated museums

Job description

Job Title/Position: Director of Development
  • Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
  • Schedule: M-F, Full-time Exempt; some evenings, and weekends required.
  • Pay Rate: $90,000-$95,000 commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY
Discovery World is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Director of Development to lead and grow its philanthropic efforts. As the organization prepares its next phase of growth, deepening its community impact, investing in new exhibits, and programming, the Director will design and drive a bold, data-informed fundraising strategy that expands and diversifies revenue.
This is a pivotal leadership role for a proactive fundraiser and strategic thinker who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, understands the unique opportunities in science and education philanthropy, and is motivated by mission and measurable results.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.
Organizational Leadership & Decision Making
  • Serve as a leadership team, contributing to organizational planning, strategy, and decision making.
  • Partner with the President & CEO and executive leaders to establish clear priorities, timelines, and decision-making processes that enable effective fundraising execution.
  • Ensure alignment between organizational strategy and development goals through consistent communication and shared accountability.

Executive Partnership
  • Maintain a collaborative, transparent partnership with the President & CEO, including regular alignment on fundraising strategy, priorities, and execution
  • Provide strategic counsel to the CEO on donor engagement, positioning, and philanthropic opportunities.
  • Support the CEO's role in fundraising, with clear expectations and shared accountability for outcomes.

Fundraising Strategy & Management
  • Lead a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy: Drive the vision, development, and execution of a multi-channel fundraising strategy aligned with Discovery World's short- and long-term goals, incorporating diverse revenue streams and growth opportunities.
  • Build and Implement an Integrated Development Plan: Oversee a coordinated development program spanning individual giving, major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, foundation and government grants, and special initiatives-aligned with clear annual and multi-year plans.
  • Drive Performance Through Data and Accountability: Establish, monitor, and continuously refine measurable goals, benchmarks, and KPIs focused on donor retention, revenue growth, and return on investment to support disciplined, data-driven execution.
  • Anticipate Opportunities and Risks in a Dynamic Landscape: Stay informed on philanthropic trends while proactively identifying risks and opportunities related to shifting priorities, resource constraints, and emerging donor strategies to ensure sustained fundraising success.

Culture of Philanthropy
  • Align Leadership, Board, and Institutional Priorities: Partner closely with the President & CEO, senior leadership, and Board of Directors to ensure fundraising strategy reflects organizational priorities and fosters a strong, organization-wide culture of philanthropy.
  • Establish clear expectations and accountability for the Development team, leadership, and board engagement in fundraising efforts.
  • Provide coaching and tools to support effective participation in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Annual Gala & Signature Fundraising Events
  • Lead strategy and execution for Discovery World fund development events including but not limited to the annual EXPLORE Gala with accountability for revenue, donor experience, and alignment with the organization's mission.
  • Ensure alignment with organizational and board priorities and participation, revenue goals, and donor experience.
  • Conduct post-analysis and implement stewardship strategies to strengthen relationships and outcomes.

Organizational & Board Partnership
  • Serve as the staff lead to the Board Development Committee, and others as needed.
  • Provide tools, strategies, and guidance for peer-to-peer engagement and fundraising participation.
  • Ensure consistent communication and alignment between board and staff strategic goals and contribute revenue efforts.

Development Operations & Team Management
  • Supervise and mentor development team members and external contractors.
  • Oversee CRM/database strategy, donor segmentation, reporting, and stewardship operations.
  • Lead collaborations with departments and teams for communications, campaigns, events, grant applications, impact reports, proposals, and marketing materials.

Organizational Communication & Alignment
  • Foster transparent communication, clear expectations, and consistent feedback loops.
  • Ensure timely access to information necessary for effective donor strategy and relationship management.
  • Identify and address barriers to alignment that impact fundraising success.

Performance Context
  • Success in this role is dependent on strong alignment across senior and executive leadership, clear strategic direction, and shared organizational support for development initiatives.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Required to use motor coordination and finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.): Often.
  • Required to speak to customers via telephone, email, and/or in-person: Often.
  • May be required to lift objects up to 30 pounds: Infrequently.
  • May be exposed to physical occupational risks (cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.): Rarely.
  • May be exposed to a physical environment which involves dirt, odors, and noise, weather extremes, and/or similar elements: Rarely.
  • The normal setting for this position is: This position is in-person. Office and Museum Exhibit settings.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the job.
Education and Experience
  • A minimum of 7 years in nonprofit development with demonstrated success in building and managing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field is required.
  • CRM Experience required, experience with Blackbaud/Altru Platform (preferred).
  • Experience cultivating major gifts and leading cross-functional fundraising initiatives.

Other Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities
  • Strong strategic planning, communication, and data analysis skills.
  • A collaborative leadership style, with experience managing teams and working closely with executives and boards.
  • Familiarity with science, education, or cultural institutions preferred, but not required.
  • Passion for learning and community engagement.

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