Foundation Executive Director

Hastings College is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Hastings College Foundation.


The Executive Director of the Hastings College Foundation serves as the chief executive and chief fundraising officer of the Foundation. Reporting directly to the Foundation Chair and Board of Trustees of the Foundation, the Executive Director leads fundraising, donor engagement, alumni relations, endowment stewardship, and Foundation operations in support of Hastings College's mission and strategic priorities.

The Executive Director works closely with the President of Hastings College, the Chief Financial Officer, College leadership, Foundation and College trustees, alumni, donors, and community partners to secure and preserve the resources necessary for the long-term success of Hastings College.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the Foundation in alignment with the mission, priorities, and strategic plan of Hastings College.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising and advancement strategy.
• Serve as the primary staff partner to the Foundation Chair and Board of Trustees.
• Work closely with the College President, CFO, and senior leadership to align philanthropy with institutional needs.
• Provide clear reporting to the Foundation Board on fundraising results, donor activity, endowment support, and Foundation operations.
• Lead the team in meeting or exceeding annual targets for unrestricted giving and student financial aid.

Board Governance & Trustee Engagement

• Support the Foundation Board in fulfilling its fiduciary, governance, fundraising, and ambassadorial responsibilities.
• Partner with the Board Chair on meeting agendas, committee work, board materials, and trustee engagement.
• Help identify, recruit, onboard, and engage Foundation trustees.
• Ensure transparent communication between the Foundation Board, Board of Trustees, College leadership, and key stakeholders.

Alumni, Community, & External Relations

• Oversee alumni engagement and Foundation events.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Hastings College and the Foundation.
• Build relationships with alumni, donors, parents, friends, businesses, foundations, and community leaders.
• Collaborate with College marketing and communications staff on donor and alumni communications.

Operations, Finance, & Team Development

• Manage Foundation staff, budget, systems, policies, and daily operations.
• Work with the CFO and investment advisors on endowment reporting and stewardship.
• Ensure strong internal controls, accurate records, meets College-wide administrative standards, effective donor database use, and ethical fundraising practices.
• Build and lead a high-performing Foundation team with clear goals, accountability, and professional standards.

See the job description for a full list of job duties.


Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree or professional certification in related field preferred.
• Requires 7-10 years of experience working in a non profit related field and/or higher education with at least five years of demonstrated experience working with donor relationships securing four to seven figure gifts.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience managing a team of professionals.

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026


Application deadline of June 1st, but the position will remain open until filed. Include a resume and cover letter in your application.


Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Equal Opportunity Employment


Hastings College is committed to supporting a welcoming academic and employment environment. The College is an Equal Opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws.

About Hastings College

HASTINGS COLLEGE- Founded in 1882, Hastings College is dedicated to the liberal arts educational model that prepares students to be citizens and leaders of their communities. Our education builds the innate talents of each student through impactful real-world experiences and universal curriculum to maximize their personal and career success in an ever-changing world. We have an enrollment of around 900, a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and are housed on 120 beautiful acres. Hastings, Nebraska, population 25,000, is a supportive community with a multitude of amenities.

MISSION- Formed through exceptional teaching, deliberate mentoring, welcoming and participatory community, Hastings College sends forth creative, curious, caring students who thrive as citizens and leaders of their local and global communities.


HASTINGS, NEBRASKA- Hastings, Nebraska is an attractive residential community located in the heart of south central Nebraska in a metro area that includes the cities of Grand Island and Kearney. Hastings is two and a half hours west of Omaha, six hours east of Denver and five hours northwest of Kansas City. The city enjoys excellent public and private schools, offers numerous professional and community services, and serves as a cultural center for a large surrounding area.