Director of Development

Company Description

United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska is dedicated to being an indispensable resource for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, as well as their families and communities. The organization focuses on advancing independence, productivity, and full citizenship for people with disabilities. Through a strong affiliate network, United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska supports thousands of individuals each year with programs, services, and advocacy.

Team members collaborate closely with community partners to promote inclusion and improve quality of life for those they serve.

The Development Director leads development and marketing efforts for United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Nebraska, driving fundraising and brand strategies that advance the organization’s goals, increase awareness, and strengthen donor support. The Development Director works closely with the Executive Director to develop and execute strategies that advance fund development, enhance the organization’s reputation, and build and maintain strong community and corporate partnerships.

Additional duties may be assigned by the Executive Director as needed.

• Plan, coordinate, and implement strategies to cultivate donors and secure philanthropic support in alignment with UCP of Nebraska’s mission and vision.
• Develop a diversified mix of donor sources and solicitation strategies designed to attract, retain, and engage donors and key partners.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of key donors.
• Develop, implement, and monitor business processes necessary to maintain an effective donor pipeline.
• Evaluate internal and external factors affecting the organization and its fund development efforts; recommend short- and long-term development plans and strategies.
• Evaluate current fundraising activities and events and recommend improvements to increase revenue, engagement, and donor retention. Prepare income and expense budgets for each activity.
• Research, develop, recommend, and implement new fundraising activities and events. Prepare income and expense budgets for each activity.
• Research and write grant proposals that support the organization’s fundraising priorities and strategies. Complete required follow-up reports and grant requirements.
• Report to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on fundraising trends, issues, challenges, and activities. Establish performance measures, monitor results, and provide reports to evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising and engagement efforts.
• Implement donor engagement and stewardship strategies that maximize the involvement and effectiveness of Board members and staff.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends and developments in philanthropy, fund development, management, and nonprofit engagement.

• Lead and implement a broad, innovative, and creative external engagement and social media strategy that advances UCP of Nebraska’s mission and supports the development of strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations.
• Utilize print, digital, social media, events, and other communication channels to position UCP of Nebraska as an exceptional organization worthy of investment and partnership.
• Serve as a key spokesperson and ambassador for UCP of Nebraska with a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
• Ensure Board members and primary organizational spokespeople are appropriately trained, briefed, and prepared for media interviews, public panels, and other speaking engagements that promote the organization.
• Strengthen the capacity of Board leadership to serve as effective ambassadors and stewards by developing key messages and providing training and support as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences, donors, and stakeholders and build long-term relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in professional writing and editing across a variety of print and digital communications.
• Proven experience and leadership in developing and managing an effective donor pipeline.
• Strong networking, relationship-building, and communication skills, with experience collaborating with diverse individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated professionalism, dependability, initiative, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work on-site in Omaha, NE, attend events outside standard business hours as needed, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.