Director of Development

A respected, mission-driven organization is seeking a polished and entrepreneurial Director of Development to lead fundraising for high-impact capital, civic, and community initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity for a relationship-driven development professional to build support for transformational projects, work with influential donors and community leaders, and manage complex fundraising efforts from early strategy through successful completion. Reporting directly to the organization’s President, you will carry significant personal ownership of capital initiatives and fundraising.

What You’ll Do

• Lead project-based fundraising campaigns for major capital and community-impact initiatives.
• Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of major-gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and public-sector contacts.
• Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward significant gifts, including six and seven-figure commitments.
• Develop campaign strategies, donor engagement plans, solicitation materials, proposals, presentations, and stewardship plans.
• Research and pursue private grants, corporate giving, philanthropic opportunities, and public funding sources.
• Partner with senior leadership and key stakeholders to prepare for donor meetings and high-level funding conversations.
• Manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, long timelines, and diverse funding sources.
• Serve as a hands-on project manager alongside partner organizations, owner’s representatives, architects, and contractors, including design, budget, and construction coordination.
• Maintain disciplined moves management, timely follow-up, accurate CRM records, and clear pipeline reporting.
• Represent the organization at civic, philanthropic, and community events throughout Nebraska.
• Help strengthen internal processes, reporting, communication, and project-execution tools as the organization continues to grow.

What We’re Looking For

• Five or more years of fundraising, development, capital campaign, major gifts, or closely related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in capital and/or endowment fundraising.
• A track record of personally cultivating, soliciting, and closing six-figure gifts.
• Experience managing complex initiatives from concept through completion.
• Strong executive presence and the ability to build credibility with donors, business leaders, nonprofit partners, and public officials.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and relationship-management skills.
• A strategic yet hands-on approach, with the ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and follow through.
• Existing relationships with donors, philanthropic leaders, civic leaders, or statewide contacts are highly valued.
• Experience using a donor database or CRM system is helpful.

Why This Opportunity

This role is ideal for someone who wants more than a traditional development position. You will have meaningful ownership, visibility, and the chance to help advance initiatives that create lasting community impact. The successful candidate will be comfortable in a discreet, high-trust environment and energized by building relationships, opening doors, and turning ambitious ideas into funded projects.