Director of Development - College of Law

Be a trusted, strategic, fundraising partner to enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives.

• Do you possess the emotional intelligence, curiosity and authenticity that it takes to meaningfully connect with people and build long-term relationships on behalf of the University of Nebraska?


• Do you enjoy leveraging your interpersonal skills to identify and support the goals and philanthropic dreams of donors?


• Do you have a passion for the University of Nebraska and the transformative impact of higher education?


• Are you inspired by the mission of the University of Nebraska Foundation and looking to make a difference in the lives of others?

If so, we invite you to apply for this exciting role!     

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. UNL anchors the campaign, with a goal of $1.5 billion from enthusiastic donors. This position will work in our Lincoln office.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law’s mission is to “develop inclusive leaders who advance justice, solve problems and serve with integrity.” The College of Law has a strong reputation as a Best Law School for Your Money, ranking nationally with exceptional bar passage and post-graduation employment rates.  

Ways you will make an impact:

• Play a critical role in building a robust community of philanthropic support for law students by partnering with College of Law leadership.


• Build relationships with alumni, community leaders, and donors to align their philanthropy with the College of Law.


• Cultivate donor engagement by actively participating in campus events and fulfilling related responsibilities.


• Plan and implement major gift fundraising strategies including identification, cultivation, and stewardship of donors.


• Strategize complex and impactful gifts with a sophisticated, knowledgeable donor base.

Who we want:

• Relationally talented professionals who can make authentic connections, facilitate meaningful conversations, and provide customized solutions to help donors fulfil their philanthropic goals.


• Intellectually curious individuals who are inquisitive and bring new and out-of-box ideas to the table.


• Relationship-focused and adaptable individuals with interpersonal skills to work with a wide variety of people, including donors, alumni, colleagues and university personnel.

• Self-motivated and proactive individuals who want to make a difference in the College of Law.


• Dynamic communicators who can connect with others by listening and asking the right questions.

What you need:

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred Education: Master’s degree or JD.


• Minimum Experience: 1-3 years’ experience in a development, fundraising, sales, client-facing role or a related field. Preferred Experience: an affinity with the College of Law or legal community.


• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.


• Discretion in handling and navigating confidential matters.


• 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 Lincoln office. We offer flexibility for hybrid work. This position will require travel.


• 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.