Director of Development

Director of Development

KANEKO is built for people who can't stop asking how ideas become real, curious minds who see creativity everywhere and want to help it thrive. The Director of Development leads the strategy that makes that possible: major gifts, corporate partnerships, grant funding, and in‑kind support, all working together to fuel what KANEKO does next. This is a chance to build that function from where it stands today and shape it as KANEKO's ambitions grow.

Works in direct partnership with organizational leadership on strategy, budget, and board engagement.

Full‑Time, Exempt

$90,000–$100,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

KANEKO invests in the wellbeing of the people who carry out its mission, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and disability insurance, with KANEKO covering the majority of premium costs. Employees also have access to a retirement plan and a generous paid time off policy.

• Design and lead KANEKO's overall fundraising strategy, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsor ships, grants, and special events.

• Research and cultivate relationships with prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis.

• Partner with organizational leadership on development priorities, external representation, and reporting.

• Align fundraising strategy with KANEKO's strategic priorities as they evolve.

• Partner with organizational leadership on diversified revenue strategy, including membership, facility rental, and other earned income, alongside philanthropic giving.

• Oversee grant seeking, including prospect research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.

• Maintain annual fund programs, including mailings and annual fundraising drives.

• Create and maintain membership benefits corresponding to different giving levels.

• Track and steward memberships, including planning and implementing member events.

• Facilitate KANEKO's annual fundraising event, from planning through post‑event stewardship.

• Maintain gift recognition programs.

• Oversee the fundraising database and donor tracking systems.

• Supervise and collaborate with other fundraising partners [note direct reports, if any, once scope is confirmed].

• Partner with the marketing team on the creation, copyediting, and consistency of publications and communications supporting fundraising activities.

• Compile and report on program impact, audience reach, funds raised, and other development metrics.

• Establish a documented major‑donor portfolio with clear cultivation stages.

• Meet an annual fundraising goal set jointly with organizational leadership and the Board.

• Build consistent donor communication and stewardship practices.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

• 3–5 years of nonprofit development experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift cultivation and solicitation.

• Grant writing and reporting experience.

• Ability to work with and motivate staff, board members, and volunteers.

• Experience in an arts, culture, or similarly mission‑driven organization.

• Experience with donor database or CRM systems.

• Experience with membership programs and donor cultivation events.

• Some evening and weekend work required for donor events, board meetings, and cultivation visits.

• Local travel within the Omaha area for donor and client visits, as needed.

• To apply, email a resume and a letter of interest to careers.

• In your cover letter, please address: (1) a specific fundraising result you're proud of and your role in achieving it, and (2) this role offers real ownership in shaping KANEKO's development program as it grows, so tell us about a time you built or significantly grew a program, campaign, or function, and what you learned from it.

• Please use the subject line "Director of Development Application, [Your Name]".

• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

• KANEKO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity of all kinds and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this opportunity. It is our policy to ensure that all individuals applying for jobs are considered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status, and that all are given every opportunity to succeed.