Who is Disability Rights Wisconsin?

Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, 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.

A diversity-based approach to disability rights recognizes the intersectional nature of oppression experienced by people with disabilities from marginalized and underserved communities. We work to specifically address disability-related injustices at the intersections of disability and race; disability and gender and gender identity; disability and gender-based violence; and more. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at Disability Rights Wisconsin.

About the role

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. 

What you'll do

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Develop and oversee strategic fundraising and planning 

1. Partner with the Executive Director and Board on donor cultivation and stewardship 

1. Lead all aspects of grant-seeking and institutional giving 

1. Develop and implement communication and messaging related to fundraising efforts 

1. Provide resources for board and staff engagement in development efforts 

1. Key contact for philanthropic partnerships and external relations 

1. Manage systems and infrastructure of fundraising 

Qualifications

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Four years in paid or unpaid work providing advocacy to vulnerable people may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree in an area related to providing advocacy services to people with disabilities.   

1. At least 5 years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience, preferably in a civil rights, legal advocacy, or social justice environment.  

1. Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and institutional funding.  

1. Effective written and oral communication skills. 

1. Experience working with persons of culturally diverse backgrounds.  

1. Effective organizational, planning, and project management skills.  

1. Computer skills include email, word processing, internet use, Microsoft Edge, Teams, SharePoint, donor databases, data-driven fundraising, and Outlook.  

Preferred: 

1. Experience/direct contact with persons with a disability or social justice movements, either in a paid or unpaid capacity. 

1. Supervisory or management experience.  

1. Familiarity with state and federal disability-related funding. 

1. Public speaking or media engagement experience.  

1. Ability to write and/or speak Spanish, Hmong, or ASL as well as English is desired. 

Preferred consideration will be given to applicants who apply between November 20th and January 15th. Initial interviews will take place in the last part of January 2026.