Applications have been received and are being reviewed.
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Director of Development
Email your cover letter and resume or mail it to: Humanities Nebraska, ATTN: Office and Grants Coordinator, 215 Centennial Mall South #330, Lincoln, NE 68508.
Are you ready to lead the fund development efforts of a strong, effective nonprofit organization that is enriching lives all across Nebraska? Join Humanities Nebraska’s outstanding team who strive every day to help people explore what connects us and makes us human.
For 50 years, Humanities Nebraska (HN) has been a vital statewide leader in the cultural sector, reaching people of all ages with humanities programs and grants. We are seeking a talented and community-driven team member to join us and lead fundraising efforts as we build on our success to meet the evolving needs of our state.
The Director of Development manages fundraising activities across annual giving, major gifts, grants, and our annual event. This position supervises the Development Associate and works closely with the Executive Director, other staff, and the Board of Directors to develop, implement, and assess fundraising strategies that ensure that HN has the diverse financial resources to carry out our work. The person who is hired will inherit a strong donor base of individuals and entities who currently contribute nearly $600,000 annually out of a $2.2 million budget (HN is also supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, state funding, and
the Nebraska Cultural Endowment).
This is an excellent opportunity for someone mid-career who wishes to grow professionally with an organization that is financially sound, has a strong reputation, and does important work in partnership with many people and organizations all across Nebraska. HN is based in Lincoln and operates statewide; this position works a combination of time in the office, out in the community, and remotely from home.
We are looking for a passionate, organized, leader of our development program who has outstanding communication, organization, and people skills, is experienced with fundraising, and believes in the value of the humanities in our society.
Skills/Qualities:
- Organized and able to manage multiple projects at various stages simultaneously
- Flexible and adaptable
- Good communicator (verbal and written) and responsive relationship-builder
- Takes initiative
- Strategic thinker
- High integrity
- Belief in HN’s mission (Helping people explore what connects us and makes us human)
Work/Education Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum of four years of nonprofit experience centered in fundraising
- Experience with large events (300+ attendance) preferred.
Salary and Benefits:
- Competitive starting salary range of $70,000-$90,000, based on experience.
- Benefits include health, retirement, vacation, dental, and vision.
Director of Development
Reports To: Executive Director
Status: Exempt, Full-Time
Updated: May 2024
The Director of Development (DoD) works closely with the Executive Director, Development Associate, and other staff and Board members to develop, implement, and assess the effectiveness of fundraising strategies that will ensure that Humanities Nebraska has the diverse financial resources and public support to carry out its mission. This position supervises the Development Associate and manages the content of all print and online fundraising appeals, correspondence acknowledging gifts, and contact and strategies related to major gifts and stewardship of all donors. The DoD is responsible for grant requests, engages the full boards of the Council and Foundation in fundraising activities, and oversees all
fundraising and activities related to the Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities. The DoD helps coordinate HN’s fundraising efforts with the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
Specific Job Duties
1. Works with the Development Committee, Development Associate, and Communications Manager to create all Annual Campaign solicitations (mail and electronic): gift renewal appeals to current and lapsed donors, donor acquisition appeals to program attendees and other non- donors, the board-signed Sower Campaign appeals, newsletter appeals, Give To Lincoln Day, etc. This includes creating appeal content, determining prospects and the timeline of campaigns,
assessing campaign results, and directing gift acknowledgement and donor stewardship.
2. Works with the Executive Director, Development Committee, and other board to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual “Patrons Circle” major donors of $1,000 & up. This includes prospect identification, matching prospects with board contacts, determining solicitation strategies, overseeing board and staff contacts with major donor prospects, developing donor cultivation events, and otherwise working with staff and board to move major donor prospects through the gift solicitation process.
3. Primary responsibility for the grant application process, including researching current and potential grant sources, prioritizing grant opportunities, writing and tracking all grant requests, and preparing funding reports to grant funders. Development Associate provides support.
4. Oversees the Governor’s Lecture and works with Governor’s Lecture Committee on all aspects of the Governor’s Lecture: establishing sponsorship levels, coordinating sponsorship solicitation process, assisting with the development of invitations, determining the invite mailing list, and working with the Communications Manager on promotional materials and the event program.
Also seeks out opportunities to engage the public before and after the event through other related activities. The Development Associate provides logistical support.
5. Works with staff and board to cultivate existing relationships between Humanities Nebraska and former board members, including conducting special alumni funding appeals and other alumni communications and events.
6. Works with the Development Associate and other staff to use the HN database to its fullest potential for research and assessment of current donors and donor prospects.
7. Works with the Communications Manager to coordinate HN communications strategies (print and electronic) with HN fundraising activities. Oversees the Development Associate in updating of appropriate web pages based on development strategies.
8. Communicates with the Nebraska Cultural Endowment on fundraising activities, including planned giving efforts through our shared Legacy Donor program.
9. Assists the Executive Director and other staff in determining and implementing new ways to attract younger audiences for HN with the primary emphasis on fund development.
10. Acts as representative of HN at special events.
11. Monitors expenses related to all aforementioned job duties.
12. Other duties as assigned.
HN is located on the 3rd floor of the Lincoln Community Foundation building, Centennial Mall & N St.
Application deadline: May 31, 2024 or until position is filled.
Humanities Nebraska is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
