Read the full position profile here.

Ballinger | Leafblad is pleased to partner with the St. Croix Valley Food Bank (SCVFB) in the search for its next Development Director. Founded in 2021 and based in Hudson, Wisconsin, SCVFB is a regional distribution hub serving more than 50 local food pantries and hunger-relief partners across Polk, Pierce, St. Croix, and Burnett counties. Through its warehouse and delivery operations, the organization helps ensure consistent access to high quality, low/no-cost food throughout the St. Croix Valley.

The Development Director is a hybrid position that will work on-site and in communities across the region to raise awareness, grow private and corporate philanthropy, and continue building resources that sustain the food bank’s mission of ending hunger in western Wisconsin. This leader will play an important role in helping SCVFB build the fundraising capacity needed to support its partners, respond to uncertainty, and ensure long-term resilience.

This role reflects a critical investment in visibility, relationships, and philanthropic resources to support this growing organization. The Development Director will oversee the upcoming public phase of a capital campaign to fund its new warehouse and distribution facility, with leadership and support from the Executive Director, Campaign Cabinet, Board, staff and volunteers. As of January 2026, $12.4M has been raised towards the $16M goal to fund construction, and a comprehensive campaign goal will be determined in Q1 2026, to include the costs of operations of the permanent facility in its first three years.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional fundraising experience for a similar-sized or larger nonprofit. 
• Demonstrated success in major gifts, donor relations, grants, sponsorships, events, and capital campaigns.
• Direct experience soliciting and securing major gifts (5+ figures) from individual donors, foundations, family trusts, etc. 
• Experience using CRM and donor management systems to support efficient and well-organized development work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, both in person and across digital platforms.
• Track record of using multiple media channels to build awareness, deepen engagement, and inspire giving.
• Ability to train and collaborate with and guide staff, board members, and volunteers to execute development activities.
• Self-directed and proactive, with a collaborative leadership style and the ability to lead with or without formal authority.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with demonstrated success managing multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
• Builds strong, trusting relationships across diverse stakeholders using diplomacy, tact, and interpersonal skill.
• Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on implementation in a team-based setting.

Compensation: $115,000. Compensation includes participation in a comprehensive and generous benefits package. More details in the full position profile

We strive for a transparent and supportive process, starting with an initial review of applications, followed by exploratory conversations with qualified candidates, in-depth interviews, and open communication throughout. There will be an immediate and ongoing review of candidates, so we encourage and appreciate early applications. All inquiries will remain confidential.

*Cover letters are required for consideration. Strong writing skills are a critical part of this role.

Applications due by February 20, 2026 Review of materials begins immediately. We encourage early application.

Read the full position profile here.

Questions may be directed to Jen Hanlon Ash at jen@ballingerleafblad.com.