Director of Development (UNO - College of Business Administration)

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

• Are you passionate about UNO, whether as an alumni, fan, or community member, and appreciate the impact the college has on the community?
• Do you have the drive and desire to partner with professionals and business leaders through the College of Business Administration, as we develop entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals?
• Do you have the emotional intelligence, authenticity, and relationship building skills that allow you to uncover the visions and dreams of donors?
• Do you have the drive and desire to plan and implement higher education fundraising?
• Are you motivated to excel at being a world-class fundraising professional?

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. In this position, you will have the opportunity to make a monumental impact by partnering directly with the Dean of the College of Business Administration relentlessly focusing on donor prospecting to enhance and grow the pool of donors. 

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.

Did you know Only in Nebraska, a Campaign for Our University’s Future…

• Supports our students – In 2021-22, 1,967 UNO students received scholarships supported by donors to the University of Nebraska Foundation. In all, 3,081 scholarships were awarded, totaling 8 million dollars. The UNO campaign seeks to raise 50 million for new scholarships. Nearly 36% of UNO’s students are the first in their families to attend a university. Half of UNO students require financial assistance.
• Enhances faculty and academic excellence – Private philanthropic support of Endowed Professorships attracts and retains bright academic minds who equip students with the skills they need to be critical thinkers in a complex world.
• Supports transformational research – UNO is committed to funding research that makes a direct impact on our community. Current research includes business opportunities in gerontology, actionable programs to assist vulnerable populations and policy studies for the Nebraska Legislature.

Ways you will make an impact:

• Responsible for identifying, engaging, cultivating, solicitating, and stewarding prospects and donors for the College of Business Administration.
• Lead efforts and directly partner with the dean, faculty/staff, volunteers, and Foundation staff to meet fundraising goals, execute events, and build affinity in support of philanthropic priorities.
• Collaborate with the UNO Advancement Team, as well as the university to increase donor engagement and maximize annual, major, and planned gift potential.
• Be responsible for the data management of a portfolio to ensure accurate prospect tracking.

Who we want:

• Purpose driven and engagement focused individuals who are inspired by what they can achieve and understand that their impact is bigger than themselves.
• Knowledgeable, trusted advisors who understand academic fundraising, philanthropy, and business, who can work effectively with diverse constituents, including business executives and leaders in higher education.
• Passionate and relationally talented individuals who are driven by the opportunity to connect with people and understand what motivates donors to invest in the University of Nebraska Omaha and enjoy making the ask for support.
• Self-motivated and resilient professionals who take initiative to move things forward.
• Adaptable and organized multi-taskers who desire to achieve excellence.
• Collaborative professional with interpersonal skills to work with a wide variety of people, including colleagues and university personnel.

What you need:

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred Education: Master’s degree.
• Minimum experience: 1-5 years’ experience in development, fundraising, business, sales, or a related field with transferrable skills.
• Demonstrated success in the solicitation of annual and major gifts, or transferable skills.
• Ability to effectively coordinate and manage a variety of projects and programs simultaneously.
• Discretion in handling and navigating confidential matters.
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
• Candidates will also be evaluated on our core values of passion for mission, integrity, and teamwork.

What we offer:

• This position will work in our Omaha office. We offer flexibility for hybrid work.
• 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.