Director of Development (College of Engineering)

Be a trusted, strategic, fundraising partner to enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives.

• Do you have a passion for UNL and the transformative impact of higher education?
• Do your strong interpersonal skills allow you to uncover the visions and dreams of donors?
• Do you possess the emotional intelligence and authenticity that it takes to meaningfully connect with people and build long-term relationships on behalf of the University?
• Do you want to be a world-class fundraising professional?
• Are you inspired by the mission of the University of Nebraska Foundation and looking to make a difference in the lives of others?

If so, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity!

At the University of Nebraska Foundation, we grow relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. We believe that our strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is essential to accomplishing this mission through our values of teamwork, integrity, and passion for mission. We invite, explore, and celebrate differences to increase productivity, spark innovation and most importantly, accomplish our mission.

You will join the foundation at an exciting time, with the opportunity to make a transformational impact. The foundation is in the public phase of a historic campaign to raise $3 billion to build a better future for Nebraska. The campaign is being led by many enthusiastic volunteers representing all areas of the University of Nebraska System. UNL anchors the campaign, with a goal of $1.5 billion from enthusiastic donors. This position will work in our Lincoln office. We offer flexibility for hybrid work.

Ways you will make an impact:

• Build relationships and partnerships with supportive alumni and friends to support a university that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals, families, schools, and surrounding communities. This position has the unique opportunity to work with the College of Engineering on both our UNL and UNO campuses.
• Plan and implement major gift fundraising strategies including identification, cultivation, and stewardship of major gift donors.
• Collaborate with campus leadership on merging their priorities and donor intent to truly maximize impact for the College of Engineering to change lives and save lives.

Who we want:

• Positive and analytical learners who are humble, inquisitive, and open-minded.
• Compassionate communicators who are driven and energized by the opportunity to build trusted partnerships.
• Self-motivated and collaborative individuals who want to make a difference.
• Relationally talented individuals who make authentic connections, facilitate meaningful conversations, and provide customized solutions to help generous donors fulfill their philanthropic goals.
• Responsible and trusted advisors who understand the STEM field, fundraising, philanthropy, who can work effectively with diverse constituents, including world-class engineering and technology professionals and leaders in higher education.
• Strategic professionals who can help craft philanthropic solutions to today’s challenges.

What you need:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred Education: Masters’ degree.
• Minimum Experience: 1-5 years of experience in development or a related field with relevant, transferrable skills. Preferred Experience: Fundraising, business development and/or sales.

• Demonstrated success in the solicitation of philanthropic gifts, or transferrable experience.
• Ability to effectively coordinate and manage a variety of projects and programs simultaneously.

• The ability to travel locally and nationally.

• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
• Discretion in handling and navigating confidential matters.

• Candidates will also be evaluated on our core values of passion for mission, integrity, and teamwork.

What we offer:

• Mission-driven work that changes lives and saves lives.
• A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities that celebrate diversity and encourage your career growth.
• An award-winning wellness program.
• 12 weeks of paid medical leave, including maternity and paternity leave.
• 12 paid holidays and generous vacation time.
• A generous retirement match and multiple incentive compensation programs.
• University of Nebraska tuition reimbursement for you and your dependents.

Who we are:

• Recognition by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as one of America’s Favorite Charities.
• Founded in 1936, the University of Nebraska Foundation provides support for the campuses in the university system — the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine.
• Among public universities, the University of Nebraska ranks in the top 25 nationally for both funds raised and endowed assets under management.
• The foundation has a reputation for efficiency and effectiveness, raising more than $7 for every $1 spent.
• Winner of Gallup’s Don Clifton Strengths-Based Culture Award.
• Winner of the Governor’s Harvester Wellness Award, the highest honor for corporate wellness.

The University of Nebraska Foundation is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity and inclusion. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

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