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.

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

• Bachelors 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 drivers 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.

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

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: PS1669P

Open Date: 05/18/2026

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.

General Information

Wayne State College serves as a model of success for regional public higher education. Investments in infrastructure and facilities, expanded academic programs and partnerships, a whole-campus approach to recruitment and retention, and a commitment to strategic planning position the College as a strong member of the Nebraska State College System. More than 4,500 students rely on Wayne State for access to graduate and undergraduate degree programs in more than 130 programs of study each year, a role the College has proudly filled since its founding in 1891. Our goals are clear: continually improve retention and graduation rates, provide high-quality academic programs and campus facilities, support workforce and economic development in the region, maintain affordability and access, and manage resources for sustainability. We invite qualified applicants to join us in our important work.

EEO Statement

The Nebraska State Colleges are equal opportunity institutions and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment. Each College has designated an individual to coordinate the Colleges non-discrimination efforts to comply with regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies and practices may be directed to the Compliance Coordinators assigned at each College and identified on each College website.

Veteran Statement : This position is subject to Veterans Preference.

Salary/Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000 per year