Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin
Development Director jobs in Wisconsin draw steady demand from the state's robust nonprofit sector, higher education institutions, and healthcare systems, with openings at every level from associate director to chief development officer. Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay anchor the market, where employers such as the University of Wisconsin System, Froedtert Health, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee consistently hire development professionals. The most in-demand specialties are major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and annual giving campaign leadership. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 39+ Development Director jobs
Anchor Packaging is seeking a Product Design & Development Director to lead our Product Design team while driving the continuous improvement and transformation of product development capabilities across the organization.
This role is responsible for developing people, improving processes, advancing technical capabilities, and strengthening collaboration across functions to accelerate innovation and commercialization. The Product Design & Development Director will work closely with Product Development, Engineering, Operations, Tooling, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Sustainability, and key customers to ensure products move efficiently from concept to market.
Success in this position requires a leader who is equally comfortable coaching teams, solving complex technical challenges, and influencing cross-functional stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in thermoforming, product design, tooling development, and manufacturing processes, along with a passion for continuous improvement and transforming how work gets done.
If you enjoy building high-performing teams, improving systems and processes, and creating innovative packaging solutions that deliver real value for customers, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing business.
What You Will Do
- Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing Product Design team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Drive transformation initiatives that improve product development processes, tools, communication, and overall organizational effectiveness.
- Partner with Product Development, Engineering, Operations, Tooling, Manufacturing, Sales, and Marketing teams to improve the speed, quality, and effectiveness of product commercialization.
- Champion best practices in product design, product realization, and new product introduction (NPI).
- Lead cross-functional efforts to identify and eliminate barriers that slow innovation, increase complexity, or impact execution.
- Apply expertise in thermoforming, tooling, materials, and manufacturing processes to solve technical challenges and improve product performance.
- Ensure product designs are manufacturable, scalable, cost-effective, and aligned with customer requirements and business objectives.
- Establish and improve technical standards, development methodologies, and design processes that strengthen organizational capability.
- Support product development projects from concept through commercialization, including prototyping, testing, tooling development, trials, and production launch.
- Work directly with customers and commercial teams to understand needs and translate them into innovative packaging solutions.
- Identify opportunities to improve quality, productivity, manufacturability, and speed-to-market.
- Influence and align cross-functional stakeholders to achieve business objectives and deliver successful outcomes.
Who You Are
- A people-focused leader who enjoys coaching, developing, and empowering technical teams.
- A change agent who thrives on improving processes, systems, and organizational effectiveness.
- A collaborative leader who can influence across functions and build alignment without relying solely on organizational authority.
- A creative problem solver who challenges conventional thinking and develops innovative solutions.
- A technically strong professional with expertise in thermoforming, product design, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
- A strategic thinker who can connect customer needs, technical requirements, manufacturing capabilities, and business goals.
- A continuous improvement advocate who seeks better ways of working and drives measurable results.
- An execution-oriented leader who turns ideas into action and delivers outcomes.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging, Materials Science, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of experience in product design, product development, packaging development, engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Leadership experience supervising and developing technical professionals.
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and driving organizational change.
- Experience developing products from concept through commercialization.
- Experience working directly with customers to identify needs and develop solutions.
- Understanding of product realization, manufacturing processes, and commercial product development.
- Ability to travel up to 30%.
What Will Put You Ahead
- Extensive experience in thermoforming design and manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of tooling development, mold design, and part realization.
- Foodservice packaging experience.
- Demonstrated success leading process transformation, continuous improvement, or organizational change initiatives.
- Experience implementing or improving new product introduction (NPI), stage-gate, or product development systems.
- Expertise in Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Performance, and commercialization processes.
- Knowledge of plastics processing, materials science, and packaging performance requirements.
- Experience leading technical teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
#LI-BDS
Anchor Packaging is seeking a Product Design & Development Director to lead our Product Design team while driving the continuous improvement and transformation of product development capabilities across the organization.
This role is responsible for developing people, improving processes, advancing technical capabilities, and strengthening collaboration across functions to accelerate innovation and commercialization. The Product Design & Development Director will work closely with Product Development, Engineering, Operations, Tooling, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Sustainability, and key customers to ensure products move efficiently from concept to market.
Success in this position requires a leader who is equally comfortable coaching teams, solving complex technical challenges, and influencing cross-functional stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in thermoforming, product design, tooling development, and manufacturing processes, along with a passion for continuous improvement and transforming how work gets done.
If you enjoy building high-performing teams, improving systems and processes, and creating innovative packaging solutions that deliver real value for customers, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing business.
What You Will Do
- Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing Product Design team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Drive transformation initiatives that improve product development processes, tools, communication, and overall organizational effectiveness.
- Partner with Product Development, Engineering, Operations, Tooling, Manufacturing, Sales, and Marketing teams to improve the speed, quality, and effectiveness of product commercialization.
- Champion best practices in product design, product realization, and new product introduction (NPI).
- Lead cross-functional efforts to identify and eliminate barriers that slow innovation, increase complexity, or impact execution.
- Apply expertise in thermoforming, tooling, materials, and manufacturing processes to solve technical challenges and improve product performance.
- Ensure product designs are manufacturable, scalable, cost-effective, and aligned with customer requirements and business objectives.
- Establish and improve technical standards, development methodologies, and design processes that strengthen organizational capability.
- Support product development projects from concept through commercialization, including prototyping, testing, tooling development, trials, and production launch.
- Work directly with customers and commercial teams to understand needs and translate them into innovative packaging solutions.
- Identify opportunities to improve quality, productivity, manufacturability, and speed-to-market.
- Influence and align cross-functional stakeholders to achieve business objectives and deliver successful outcomes.
Who You Are
- A people-focused leader who enjoys coaching, developing, and empowering technical teams.
- A change agent who thrives on improving processes, systems, and organizational effectiveness.
- A collaborative leader who can influence across functions and build alignment without relying solely on organizational authority.
- A creative problem solver who challenges conventional thinking and develops innovative solutions.
- A technically strong professional with expertise in thermoforming, product design, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
- A strategic thinker who can connect customer needs, technical requirements, manufacturing capabilities, and business goals.
- A continuous improvement advocate who seeks better ways of working and drives measurable results.
- An execution-oriented leader who turns ideas into action and delivers outcomes.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging, Materials Science, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of experience in product design, product development, packaging development, engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Leadership experience supervising and developing technical professionals.
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and driving organizational change.
- Experience developing products from concept through commercialization.
- Experience working directly with customers to identify needs and develop solutions.
- Understanding of product realization, manufacturing processes, and commercial product development.
- Ability to travel up to 30%.
What Will Put You Ahead
- Extensive experience in thermoforming design and manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of tooling development, mold design, and part realization.
- Foodservice packaging experience.
- Demonstrated success leading process transformation, continuous improvement, or organizational change initiatives.
- Experience implementing or improving new product introduction (NPI), stage-gate, or product development systems.
- Expertise in Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Performance, and commercialization processes.
- Knowledge of plastics processing, materials science, and packaging performance requirements.
- Experience leading technical teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
#LI-BDS
See All 39 Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Director JobsDevelopment Director Jobs by City in Wisconsin
Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Development Director Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Automotive
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in development director jobs across Wisconsin.
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated success managing fundraising campaigns and meeting annual revenue goals
- Experience with donor database systems such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce Nonprofit
- Proven ability to cultivate and steward major gift donors and corporate sponsors
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant writing and board presentations
- Familiarity with Wisconsin's philanthropic community, foundations, and corporate giving landscape
Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a development director in Wisconsin?
Most development directors in Wisconsin follow a path that begins with a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, or a related field, often supplemented by the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential offered through CFRE International. Wisconsin employers place strong weight on progressive fundraising experience, typically gained through roles as a development coordinator or major gifts officer at a Wisconsin nonprofit, university, or hospital foundation before moving into a director-level position.
Which companies hire development directors in Wisconsin?
Companies currently hiring development directors in Wisconsin include Marquette University, American Heart Association, and Acolad, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Wisconsin's large nonprofit sector, anchored by hospital foundations, university advancement offices, and social service agencies, means hiring is spread across Milwaukee, Madison, and mid-size cities like Appleton and Racine.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most development director jobs?
Milwaukee, Madison, and Appleton have the most development director openings in Wisconsin. Milwaukee leads because of its concentration of major hospital systems, arts organizations, and social service nonprofits, while Madison's market is driven by the University of Wisconsin System and a dense cluster of advocacy and policy organizations, and Green Bay's openings reflect its growing healthcare and community foundation sector.
Are there remote development director jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields, since development directors spend meaningful time meeting donors, attending events, and building in-person relationships. About 79% of development director openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote flexibility more likely for grant writing, prospect research, and communications-focused roles than for major gifts or community engagement positions.
How can I get hired as a development director in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a development coordinator or annual fund associate role at a Wisconsin university advancement office, hospital foundation, or United Way chapter, where you build donor management and campaign skills directly. Large employers like the University of Wisconsin System and Advocate Aurora Health regularly hire entry-level development staff. Earning the CFRE credential or completing a graduate certificate in nonprofit management at institutions like Marquette University strengthens candidacy significantly for candidates without a long fundraising history.
Where can I find and apply to development director jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to development director jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your background and goals, and apply directly to the ones that match your experience.
See All 39 Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Director Jobs