Director of Major Gifts

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

We do not accept references or other application materials from outside credential management organizations. Application materials and references must be submitted through our applicant tracking system.

The Wayne State Foundation is seeking a Director of Major Gifts.

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for securing philanthropic support for Wayne State College through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and community partners.

This position manages a portfolio of donors and prospective donors with a focus on annual, major, and planned giving support. The Director of Major Gifts builds meaningful relationships that strengthen donor engagement and advance the mission of Wayne State College and the Wayne State Foundation.

This position requires regular travel, strong communication skills, and collaboration with Foundation and campus leadership.

Position Information

Job Title

Job Title Director of Major Gifts

Nature of Work

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for securing philanthropic support for Wayne State College through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and community partners.

This position manages a portfolio of donors and prospective donors with a focus on annual, major, and planned giving support. The Director of Major Gifts builds meaningful relationships that strengthen donor engagement and advance the mission of Wayne State College and the Wayne State Foundation.

This position requires regular travel, strong communication skills, and collaboration with Foundation and campus leadership.

• Manage and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Secure annual, major ($10,000+), and planned gifts.
• Develop and implement donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Conduct donor visits locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Build relationships with alumni, donors, corporations, and community partners.
• Collaborate with campus and Foundation leadership on funding priorities.
• Support donor stewardship, communications, and engagement activities.
• Maintain accurate donor records and contact reports within the Foundation database.
• Assist with alumni1 donor, and campus events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO .

• Approximately 50-60% of time spent in donor-facing activities.
• Regular travel throughout Nebraska and surrounding states, with occasional national travel.
• Occasional evening and weekend event attendance.
• Goal of approximately:
  • 12-15 meaningful donor visits per month.
  • 5-20 total donor interactions monthly.

• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to travel and attend occasional evening/weekend events.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Experience in fundraising, advancement, sales, marketing, or public relations.
• Familiarity with higher education or nonprofit fundraising.
• Experience managing donor or client relationships and achieving measurable goals.

Criminal Background check and DMV Check.

Salary Information $75,000-$95,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance-based bonus opportunities may be available.

1.000

FLSA Exempt

Union Status Non-Union

Number of Vacancies 1

Open Date 05/18/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Wayne State College serves as a model of success for regional public higher education. Investments in infrastructure and facilities, expanded academic programs and partnerships, a whole-campus approach to recruitment and retention, and a commitment to strategic planning position the College as a strong member of the Nebraska State College System. More than 4,500 students rely on Wayne State for access to graduate and undergraduate degree programs in more than 130 programs of study each year, a role the College has proudly filled since its founding in 1891.

Our goals are clear: continually improve retention and graduation rates, provide high-quality academic programs and campus facilities, support workforce and economic development in the region, maintain affordability and access, and manage resources for sustainability. We invite qualified applicants to join us in our important work.

The Nebraska State Colleges are equal opportunity institutions and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment. Each College has designated an individual to coordinate the Colleges’ non-discrimination efforts to comply with regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age…