Director of Major Gifts

(Hiring at Senior / Director / Associate Director level, commensurate with experience)

Chadron, NE (onsite with regular regional travel)

Full-Time

CEO

The Chadron State Foundation is dedicated to enhancing Chadron State College’s ability to meet its primary educational mission in western Nebraska through undertaking fundraising activities that provide resources vital to the mission of Chadron State College in the areas of instruction, research, service, and scholarship programs.

Your role as the Director of Major Gifts will be to increase major gift revenue by transforming interest into investment. You’ll lead a focused portfolio and a steady rhythm of small, purposeful gatherings that surface prospects, deepen relationships, and move proposals to “yes,” while keeping the CEO focused on the very top prospects.

• Proactively build, manage, and own an MG/LAG portfolio, ensuring regular, meaningful interactions and up-to‑date information in the software
• Personalize the Foundation’s story by sharing clear, tailored cases for support that match each donor’s interests and the College’s priorities
• Strategically plan and travel regionally around both donor potential and alumni hotspots, including occasional nights and weekends
• Establish clear funding priorities each semester with academic/athletic partners and College Relations
• Surface planned giving intent for bequests/beneficiaries, document soft commitments, and tee up technical follow‑through with the CEO/Finance
• Accurately document gift activities by preparing proposals and intent notes while collaborating with Stewardship to coordinate donor naming, benefits, and recognition
• Partner with Finance to assess and document the value of athletic and corporate donor benefits, ensuring compliance with sponsorship regulations and tax guidelines
• Additional duties as assigned

• Regular facilitation of meaningful donor engagement activities that lead to new connections and giving opportunities
• Clear identification and documentation of planned giving intentions, ensuring donors’ wishes are understood, and next steps are clear
• Clear handoffs to the CEO for top prospects, with strong preparation and follow‑through
• Timely, accurate reporting that helps leadership track progress and plan strategically

• Experience managing donor relationships and asking for gifts; small‑group facilitation skills are a plus
• Strong communication skills in a variety of settings
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Experience with a fundraising CRM, online giving platforms, and community outreach tools
• Ability to travel regionally 30-40% of the time to meet with prospective donors

• Donor-Driven Impact:
  We prioritize meaningful connections and make giving simple, clear, and rewarding.
• Collaborative Excellence:
  We work as one team, sharing knowledge, aligning efforts, and celebrating success together.
• Purposeful Action:
  We strive to ensure every action leads to a clear next step, ensuring progress and accountability in everything we do.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
  We embrace curiosity, test new ideas, and scale what works to create lasting value.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to foundation. Please use "CSF Director of Major Gifts" in the subject line.