Director of Foundation Relations

Grow and strengthen partnerships to help enable the University of Nebraska Foundation to change lives and save lives.

• Do you have the natural curiosity to initiate and facilitate partnerships to create long-lasting impact?
• Do you have the emotional intelligence and authenticity to meaningfully connect with people to build long-term relationships on behalf of the University of Nebraska?
• Do you have a passion for higher education and the difference it can make in people's lives?
• Are you inspired by the mission of the University of Nebraska Foundation and want to make a difference in the lives of others?

At the University of Nebraska Foundation, we grow relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. We believe that our strong commitment to inclusion and respect is essential to accomplishing this mission through our values of teamwork, integrity, and passion for mission. We invite, explore, and celebrate differences to increase productivity, spark innovation and most importantly, accomplish our mission.

You will join the foundation at an exciting time, with the opportunity to make a transformational impact. The foundation is in the public phase of a historic campaign to raise $3 billion to build a better future for Nebraska. The campaign is being led by many enthusiastic volunteers representing all areas of the University of Nebraska System.

Ways you will make an impact:

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with local, regional and national foundations to advance university priorities.
• Collaborate with faculty, academic leaders, and University of Nebraska Foundation colleagues to identify areas of passion.
• Serve as a liaison between campus partners and foundations, identifying areas of shared interest and fostering partnerships that drive meaningful impact.
• Conduct fundraising strategies including identification, proposal development, and stewardship.
• Oversee stewardship and grant reporting processes.

Who we want:

• Collaborative and personable team players who can function independently, as well as cooperatively.
• Detail-oriented individuals who value precision and processes.
• Relationally talented and adaptable individuals who can make authentic connections and facilitate meaningful conversations with a wide variety of people.
• Self-starters who can adjust to changing priorities and prioritize competing demands.
• Driven and organized individuals who can manage their time well to exceed established goals and intended outcomes.
• Strategic problem-solver who can develop innovative ideas and execute plans.

What you need:

• Minimum Experience : 3+ years’ of increasingly responsible foundation relations or comparable experience. Experience in prospecting, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong editing skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to handle confidential material responsibly and interact professionally with a wide spectrum of individuals.
• Candidates will also be evaluated on our core values of passion for mission, integrity, and teamwork.

What we offer:

• This position will work in our Omaha or Lincoln office. We offer flexibility for hybrid work.
• Mission-driven work that changes lives and saves lives.
• A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities for your career growth.
• An award-winning wellness program.
• 12 weeks of paid medical leave, including maternity and paternity leave.
• 12 paid holidays and generous vacation time.
• A generous retirement match and multiple incentive compensation programs.
• University of Nebraska tuition reimbursement for you and your dependents.

Who we are:

• Recognition by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as one of America’s Favorite Charities.
• Founded in 1936, the University of Nebraska Foundation provides support for the campuses in the university system — the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine.
• Among public universities, the University of Nebraska ranks in the top 25 nationally for both funds raised and endowed assets under management.
• An organization with a reputation for efficiency and effectiveness, which, along with our alumni and athletic partners, raises more than $7 for every $1 spent.
• Winner of Gallup’s Don Clifton Strengths-Based Culture Award.
• Winner of the Governor’s Harvester Wellness Award, the highest honor for corporate wellness.

The University of Nebraska Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to a work environment free from discrimination and harassment where all employees feel respected and valued. We will consider all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.

Grow and strengthen partnerships to help enable the University of Nebraska Foundation to change lives and save lives.

• Do you have the natural curiosity to initiate and facilitate partnerships to create long-lasting impact?
• Do you have the emotional intelligence and authenticity to meaningfully connect with people to build long-term relationships on behalf of the University of Nebraska?
• Do you have a passion for higher education and the difference it can make in people's lives?
• Are you inspired by the mission of the University of Nebraska Foundation and want to make a difference in the lives of others?

At the University of Nebraska Foundation, we grow relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. We believe that our strong commitment to inclusion and respect is essential to accomplishing this mission through our values of teamwork, integrity, and passion for mission. We invite, explore, and celebrate differences to increase productivity, spark innovation and most importantly, accomplish our mission.

You will join the foundation at an exciting time, with the opportunity to make a transformational impact. The foundation is in the public phase of a historic campaign to raise $3 billion to build a better future for Nebraska. The campaign is being led by many enthusiastic volunteers representing all areas of the University of Nebraska System.

Ways you will make an impact:

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with local, regional and national foundations to advance university priorities.
• Collaborate with faculty, academic leaders, and University of Nebraska Foundation colleagues to identify areas of passion.
• Serve as a liaison between campus partners and foundations, identifying areas of shared interest and fostering partnerships that drive meaningful impact.
• Conduct fundraising strategies including identification, proposal development, and stewardship.
• Oversee stewardship and grant reporting processes.

Who we want:

• Collaborative and personable team players who can function independently, as well as cooperatively.
• Detail-oriented individuals who value precision and processes.
• Relationally talented and adaptable individuals who can make authentic connections and facilitate meaningful conversations with a wide variety of people.
• Self-starters who can adjust to changing priorities and prioritize competing demands.
• Driven and organized individuals who can manage their time well to exceed established goals and intended outcomes.
• Strategic problem-solver who can develop innovative ideas and execute plans.

What you need:

• Minimum Education : Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum Experience : 3+ years’ of increasingly responsible foundation relations or comparable experience. Experience in prospecting, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong editing skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to handle confidential material responsibly and interact professionally with a wide spectrum of individuals.
• Candidates will also be evaluated on our core values of passion for mission, integrity, and teamwork.

What we offer:

• This position will work in our Omaha or Lincoln office. We offer flexibility for hybrid work.
• Mission-driven work that changes lives and saves lives.
• A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities for your career growth.
• An award-winning wellness program.
• 12 weeks of paid medical leave, including maternity and paternity leave.
• 12 paid holidays and generous vacation time.
• A generous retirement match and multiple incentive compensation programs.
• University of Nebraska tuition reimbursement for you and your dependents.

Who we are:

• Recognition by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as one of America’s Favorite Charities.
• Founded in 1936, the University of Nebraska Foundation provides support for the campuses in the university system — the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine.
• Among public universities, the University of Nebraska ranks in the top 25 nationally for both funds raised and endowed assets under management.
• An organization with a reputation for efficiency and effectiveness, which, along with our alumni and athletic partners, raises more than $7 for every $1 spent.
• Winner of Gallup’s Don Clifton Strengths-Based Culture Award.
• Winner of the Governor’s Harvester Wellness Award, the highest honor for corporate wellness.

The University of Nebraska Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to a work environment free from discrimination and harassment where all employees feel respected and valued. We will consider all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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