Executive Director, Major and Principal Gifts - Las Vegas, NV

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or jobs@unr.edu. For UNR Med professional job postings, please contact the Office of Professional Recruitment at (775) 784-6778. 

The University of Nevada, Reno seeks an Executive Director of Major and Principal Gifts based in Las Vegas to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances university-wide initiatives and institutional priorities outlined in the University’s strategic plan. This leadership role is responsible for cultivating relationships, securing transformational gifts, and fostering cross-campus collaboration to strengthen the University’s philanthropic impact. The Executive Director will ensure the University is well-positioned to compete for and secure major and principal gifts that directly support innovative academic programs, research, and key university initiatives. The Executive Director will build and manage a comprehensive principal gifts program to increase philanthropic support from high-net-worth individuals and family foundations. This position develops and implements strategies to enhance giving across the University’s 13 colleges, major academic programs, and institutional priorities.

As a senior fundraising leader, this role serves as a key relationship manager and strategic partner, collaborating with faculty, deans, university leadership, and advancement colleagues to foster lifelong donor engagement and alignment with the University’s teaching and research mission. The position reports to the Associate Vice President for Development and works closely with Advancement staff and campus leadership to strengthen and sustain philanthropic growth across the institution.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and five (5) years of related professional work experience OR

Master’s Degree and three (3) years of year of related professional work experience.

Related Experience: Experience in fundraising and securing major and principal gifts from individuals, corporations and/or foundations preferably in higher education, healthcare or large national non-profit or related experience.

Schedule or Travel Requirements

Flexible in work duties and schedule

Travel and weekend work necessary

Compensation Grade

Administrative Faculty – D

To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules and select Administrative Faculty by Grade. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Remarkable Retirement!

Our retirement plan is beyond compare. Your 19.25% contribution is generously matched by the University.   With the faculty retirement plan, you are 100% vested your first day. Sit back and watch your retirement dollars grow!  All permanent employees on an annual "A" or "B" contract who are employed at least 50% full-time are eligible to participate in the NSHE retirement program unless they are members of PERS of Nevada. 

Perks of Working at UNR

• Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance

• Generous annual, sick leave, long term disability and life insurance – Faculty Benefits

• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options.  E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center

• Reno is proud to be a University town! Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders