Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title
Director of Major Gifts

Nature of Work

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for securing philanthropic support for Wayne State College through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and community partners.

This position manages a portfolio of donors and prospective donors with a focus on annual, major, and planned giving support. The Director of Major Gifts builds meaningful relationships that strengthen donor engagement and advance the mission of Wayne State College and the Wayne State Foundation.

This position requires regular travel, strong communication skills, and collaboration with Foundation and campus leadership.

Examples of Work Performed

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Secure annual, major ($10,000+), and planned gifts.
• Develop and implement donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Conduct donor visits locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Build relationships with alumni, donors, corporations, and community partners.
• Collaborate with campus and Foundation leadership on funding priorities.
• Support donor stewardship, communications, and engagement activities.
• Maintain accurate donor records and contact reports within the Foundation database.
• Assist with alumni1 donor, and campus events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Position Expectations

• Approximately 50-60% of time spent in donor-facing activities.
• Regular travel throughout Nebraska and surrounding states, with occasional national travel.
• Occasional evening and weekend event attendance.
• Goal of approximately:
  • 12-15 meaningful donor visits per month.
  • 5-20 total donor interactions monthly.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to travel and attend occasional evening/weekend events.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, advancement, sales, marketing, or public relations.
• Familiarity with higher education or nonprofit fundraising.
• Experience managing donor or client relationships and achieving measurable goals.

Physical Demands

License and Certification Requirements

Other Requirements

Criminal Background check and DMV Check.

Salary Information
$75,000-$95,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance-based bonus opportunities may be available.

FTE

1.000

FLSA
Exempt

Union Status
Non-Union

Number of Vacancies
1

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
PS1669P

Desired Start Date

Open Date
05/18/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

The Wayne State Foundation is seeking a Director of Major Gifts.

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for securing philanthropic support for Wayne State College through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and community partners.

This position manages a portfolio of donors and prospective donors with a focus on annual, major, and planned giving support. The Director of Major Gifts builds meaningful relationships that strengthen donor engagement and advance the mission of Wayne State College and the Wayne State Foundation.

This position requires regular travel, strong communication skills, and collaboration with Foundation and campus leadership.