Job Description

Location: Based in Walworth/Williams Bay, WI

Reports To: Executive Director

Compensation Package: $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Application Deadline: September 8th

The Development Director will be the primary architect of GLAS Education’s fundraising efforts. This position is responsible for building and managing a comprehensive development strategy that includes major gifts, grant acquisition, donor engagement, planned giving, events, and strategic campaigns. The Development Director will work closely with the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors to increase community engagement while growing GLAS’s visibility and financial sustainability.

This is a hands-on role ideal for a creative and collaborative professional with strong fundraising experience, excellent storytelling abilities, and a deep commitment to equity and community-driven education.

About GLAS Education

Geneva Lake Astrophysics and STEAM (GLAS Education) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing innovative STEM resources and experiences that empower individuals, foster community engagement, and remove barriers to access in STEM education, outreach, and careers. Now in its seventh year, GLAS has established itself as a national leader in creating multisensory, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) materials that enhance engagement and learning in STEM. Through accessibility initiatives, professional development workshops, skill-building internships, and community outreach in astronomy and STEM, GLAS inspires learners of all ages to explore, question, and create meaningful change through science and discovery.

We are seeking an experienced Development Director to join our team. The ideal candidate will share a genuine personal interest in one or more core areas of our work and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the local community. This role offers an opportunity to help GLAS expand its impact as a national  model for inclusive, effective STEM education and career development. We strongly encourage persons with disabilities to apply, as we believe that diversity of lived experience is essential to our organization’s strength and uniqueness.

Headquartered in Williams Bay, WI, near Geneva Lake, GLAS serves rural and underserved communities across the region. As our programs, research initiatives, and accessibility workshops continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Development Director to help sustain and advance our mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan aligned with GLAS’s mission, programs, and growth trajectory.
• Serve as a senior leader, participating in organizational planning, budgeting, and decision-making.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to shape and drive philanthropic vision.
• Cultivate partnerships with community stakeholders, funders, and organizations.

Fundraising and Donor Development

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Lead the creation of an annual giving program and contribute to the expansion of our grant funding pipeline.
• Oversee all aspects of donor communications, appeals, stewardship, and data systems.
• Plan and execute fundraising events, both community-based and donor-focused.
• Track and analyze fundraising metrics to inform strategies and goals.

Board and Volunteer Engagement

• Work closely with the Board to strengthen Board involvement in fundraising.
• Equip Board members and staff with tools and confidence to support development efforts.
• Manage and support volunteer fundraising initiatives.

Communications and Public Relations

• Demonstrated record of overseeing nonprofit communications/marketing programs.
• Collaborate with staff to tell GLAS’s story through strategic campaigns, reports, and media outreach.
• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across platforms and audiences to build donor trust and program visibility.

Required Qualifications, Skills & Competencies

Required:

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including major gift cultivation and grant writing.
• Excellent financial analysis skills; ability to develop and manage both revenue and expense budgets.
• Strong track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and storytelling abilities.
• Experience working with CRM platforms and fundraising databases.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small, mission-driven team.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with STEM, education, or accessibility initiatives.
• Knowledge of rural and underserved community engagement.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, or related field.
• Comfort with occasional evening/weekend events.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting
• Comfort with pets in the workplace

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $90,000–$110,000
• Flexible work environment (hybrid with in-person expectations)
• Employer-sponsored healthcare option
• Retirement benefits and professional development support
• Paid time off and holidays

To Apply

Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your interest in GLAS Education and how your experience aligns with this position, and three professional references to admin@glaseducation.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with priority given to applications received by September 8th.

GLAS Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees and program participants. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of other historically marginalized groups.

Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your interest in GLAS Education and how your experience aligns with this position, and three professional references to admin@glaseducation.org.