Executive Director of Development

University of Nevada, Reno Executive Director of Development

The University of Nevada, Reno is seeking a dynamic, results‑driven Executive Director of Development to serve as a senior fundraising leader within University Advancement. The Executive Director of Development is responsible for advancing the University's philanthropic priorities through strategic leadership, organizational partnership and frontline fundraising excellence. Serving as a key member of University Advancement, this role provides vision, direction and oversight for a team of Directors of Development, fostering a high‑performance culture through coaching, talent development and data‑informed management.

Working closely with Deans, academic leaders, and University Advancement leadership, the Executive Director aligns fundraising strategy across colleges and units, strengthens development operations and ensures effective portfolio management, prospect strategy and campaign execution in support of institutional goals.

In addition to leading and positioning a team of fundraisers for sustained success, the Executive Director is expected to perform at the highest level as an individual fundraiser. The role manages a select portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, cultivating transformational philanthropic investments while serving as a trusted strategic advisor on complex fundraising initiatives. By balancing executive leadership with exemplary personal fundraising performance, the Executive Director drives immediate fundraising results, provides continuity during leadership transitions and plays a critical role in the success of the University's comprehensive campaign and long‑term advancement strategy.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and six years of related professional experience or a Master's degree and four years of related professional experience, including progressively responsible work in development, prospect management and research, strategic planning and data management, with at least one year of supervisory experience. They are a proven leader and mentor, skilled at coaching fundraisers to accountability and results, and equally comfortable managing complex donor relationships of their own.

The position may require weekend and evening work and travel to cultivate, solicit and steward donors independently and in partnership with Deans, University leadership and development staff.

Inspiring excellence since 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno was established as Nevada’s land‑grant institution. Today, the University is recognized as a Carnegie® Engaged University, a top research institution by the Carnegie® Classification and a top National University by U.S. News & World Report. Opportunity is everywhere you look beginning on the central 290‑acre campus filled with nearly 150 years of history and stretches to the Wayne L.

Prim Campus, just minutes from the shores of Lake Tahoe, America's most renowned alpine lake. With more than 250 student organizations, students can connect with peers, mentors and faculty and pursue their personal interests and future career goals on a technologically advanced and welcoming campus.