Director of Development

About the Heartland Workers Center (HWC)

The Heartland Workers Center (HWC) develops and organizes leaders, promotes workers’ rights, and fosters civic engagement to build power and create change with immigrant and underrepresented communities in Nebraska. We are committed to empowering workers and families to advocate for just policies and equitable opportunities.

Position Overview

The Development Manager is responsible for designing and implementing fundraising strategies that advance HWC’s mission and financial sustainability. This role will focus on expanding and diversifying funding sources, building relationships with donors, managing grant proposals, and ensuring strong donor stewardship. The HWC Director of Development will collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and program teams to secure resources that fuel our work in leadership development, human rights, and civic engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet annual revenue goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic partners.
• Oversee donor engagement efforts, including donor communications, appreciation events, and impact reporting.
• Maintain donor databases and ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting.

Grant Management & Institutional Fundraising

• Research and identify new grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
• Write and submit compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding reports.
• Track and manage grant deliverables, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
• Work with program staff to align grant proposals with HWC’s mission and strategic goals.

Event Planning & Campaigns

• Plan and coordinate fundraising events, donor receptions, and campaigns.
• Lead the execution of major fundraising initiatives, including annual giving and capital campaigns.
• Develop digital fundraising strategies, including crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising.

Strategic Development & Communications

• Work with leadership to develop long-term sustainability strategies.
• Support the creation of compelling storytelling and marketing materials that showcase HWC’s impact.
• Collaborate with the communications team to integrate fundraising messages into HWC’s outreach efforts.

Qualifications & Skills

• Passion for social justice, immigrant rights, and worker empowerment.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or related field.
• Proven success in donor cultivation, grant writing, and event planning.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with donor databases and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Bloomerang, or similar).
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample (grant proposal or donor appeal preferred). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Join us in building a stronger, more just Nebraska!

Heartland Workers Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, individuals with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Heartland Workers Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000 - $95,000