Job Title: Development Manager
Affiliate: Museum of Nebraska Art
Reports to: Executive Director
Classification: Full to part-time exempt, benefits eligible
Compensation: $58,000 Annually
Date: 7/2/2026

Job Description or Duties: 

Answering to the Executive Director, this position provides leadership and support for the Museum of Nebraska Art’s fundraising function including considerable involvement with fundraising events (oversite and implementation), donor and membership recognition, and maintaining a donor database. The Development Manager helps the museum secure contributed revenue from Membership and Annual Fund contributions and grants. They are responsible for managing MONA’s efforts to secure funding from annual giving and other special projects.

• Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies to support the mission and long-term sustainability of the museum.
• Manage and grow individual giving programs, including annual fund campaigns, donor cultivation, stewardship, and recognition.
• Design, implement, and coordinate membership recruitment and retention plan for individual and corporate members
• Ensures that all membership applications are processed in accordance with Museum policies, and that weekly and monthly reminders and thank-you letters are appropriately customized and sent in timely manner.
• Working with the Office Coordinator, assists in maintaining accurate donor and prospect data collection and management in Altru database; records revenue and reviews data for accuracy
• Manages preparation of proposals, reports, strategies, special donor correspondence, and donor/prospect meeting briefings, event briefings, and donor mailings
• Works with the Office Coordinator to implement electronic and direct mail appeals; this includes helping draft appeal letters, creating and managing the appeal plan, identifying and creating lists for each scheduled appeal, managing and maintaining appeal donation records and, providing reports of performance for each appeal
• Oversees the gift acknowledgement and donor recognition process for all contributions
• Tracks development department progress towards annual goal, benchmarks and prepares regular reports as requested
• Develops, writes, and submits grant proposals for funds from private foundations, corporations and government agencies; writes and submits acknowledgement letters and reports, and maintains grant and sponsor funding calendar and cycle
• Working in conjunction with Event Planning Contractors (Legacy Events), coordinates implementation of fundraising events and activities, cultivation and stewardship events for MONA, tracking attendance/participation and executing follow-up strategies. This includes but is not limited to the biannual “Spirit Art Auction” fundraiser.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Communications, Public Relations, Nonprofit Financial Management, Marketing, or related field.

• 3 years of experience in development, fundraising, customer service, or relationship-building related position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience with a non-profit organization
• Strong writing and database experience
• Ability to work a flexible schedule; willingness to travel periodically, and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed
• Excellent project management skills
• Entrepreneurial approach to fundraising and grant management, with a keen appreciation for the specific challenges of working with prospects who may lack direct affiliation and/or involvement with the Museum
• Professionalism, maturity, good judgment, and ability to foster and work well in a team environment
• High level of integrity and ability to exercise confidentiality and discretion
• Valid Nebraska Driver’s License 

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in related field and five years of experience

• Experience with Altru platforms or other fundraising donor database is preferred
• Prior work experience with a 501c3 non profit organization based in the arts
• Art museum experience or experience in grant writing and fundraising with a cultural institution.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven and highly organized fundraising professional with a passion for the arts and nonprofit mission-based work. This individual is an effective communicator and strategic thinker who excels at building meaningful relationships with donors, community partners, board members, and stakeholders. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, creativity, and strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple fundraising priorities while working collaboratively within a team-oriented museum environment. A commitment to advancing public access to the arts and supporting the long-term sustainability of the museum is essential.

HOW TO APPLY:   To be considered for the position, please submit all application materials to  UNK Employment Opportunities on or before July 5, 2026. Questions regarding the position can be directed to mona@unk.edu Upon a contingent offer of employment, the University of Nebraska will conduct an investigation of employment records, educational records, criminal records, and other records to verify the information provided in your application and/or any additional information you have provided is accurate.  Salaries at to the University of Nebraska at Kearney are competitive. The University provides a flexible benefits program at minimal cost to the employee. NuFlex benefit choices include a Medical Plan and Prescription Drug Program, Vision Care, Dental Plan, LTD, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, and Reimbursement Accounts for Health and Dependent Care.  The Employee and Dependent Scholarship program is also available to eligible employees.  Basic Retirement Plan options include TIAA and Fidelity.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. This policy is applicable to all University administered programs including educational programs, financial aid, admission policies and employment policies. Veterans and persons with disabilities encouraged to apply. The University affirms a policy of equal educational and employment opportunities and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. University employees, students and others associated with the University who have not received the benefits of these policies, are encouraged to contact the Chief Compliance Officer/ADA Coordinator. For a copy of the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Annual Security Report, you may contact the Office of Police and Parking Services or visit the website: http://www.unk.edu/annual_security_report