Director of Development, (Las Vegas)

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 Director of Development leads the Guinn Center’s fundraising and advancement strategy, cultivating and sustaining relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and public partners. This role combines strategic vision with hands-on execution to foster a strong culture of philanthropy, aligning with the Guinn Center’s commitment to nonpartisan integrity, civic engagement, and lasting community impact.

The ideal candidate understands Nevada’s policy and philanthropic landscape and can translate our mission into compelling narratives that inspire investment. The Director will help position the Guinn Center for long-term sustainability by expanding major gifts, planned giving, foundation grants, and endowment initiatives. This position will be employed by the Guinn Center.

Major Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Lead and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain and grow an annual budget from $1 million to $3 million by 2028.  

• Develop strategies for major gifts, planned and legacy giving, and endowment growth.

• Manage annual giving campaigns, donor engagement events, and other fundraising initiatives.

• Oversee the Client Relationship Management System and track fundraising metrics for leadership and the Board.

• Lead the development, writing, and submission of competitive grant proposals at the national, state, and local levels to grow sustainable revenue.

Donor and Partner Relations

• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and research team to align fundraising priorities with programmatic goals.

• Ensure proposals and stewardship materials reflect the Guinn Center’s mission and demonstrate impact.

• Maintain a strong understanding of the Guinn Center’s research to effectively communicate its relevance.

Organizational Leadership and Collaboration

• Partner with the Executive Director to advance sustainability and legacy giving strategies.

• Engage board members, volunteers, and partners in donor cultivation activities. Represent the Guinn Center at community events and philanthropic forums statewide.

• Collaborate with the Assistant Director and communications team to ensure consistent, high-quality donor engagement.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with four (4) years of related experience, or Master’s degree with two (2) years of related experience.

Related Experience: Candidates must demonstrate experience developing and executing successful fundraising strategies, managing donor relationships, and achieving fundraising goals for organizations of similar size and scope.

Additional Qualifications

Strategic, creative thinker with a commitment to mission-driven work. Collaborative leader who works effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Strong attention to detail, organization, and project management.

Proficiency with donor management systems and Microsoft Office applications. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality. 

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience in grant writing, foundation relations, and corporate sponsorships. Proven ability to grow planned giving, legacy giving, and endowment programs. Strong writing, listening, and public speaking skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy work to diverse audiences.

• Familiarity with Nevada’s philanthropic and policy environment.

• Experience in nonprofit, higher