Job Description

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) seeks a dynamic and strategic Director of Development for the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources (CABNR). This position plays a key role in advancing the college’s mission by securing private philanthropic support that drives student success, innovative research, and community impact. The Director will partner closely with the Associate Vice President for Development and the Dean to identify funding priorities and lead efforts to secure major gifts. Key responsibilities include proactively managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors; guiding cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies; and expanding the donor base by establishing and strengthening new relationships.



The Director will serve as an ambassador for CABNR, fostering meaningful connections between donors, alumni, business and community partners, faculty, and university leadership. The role includes developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with college priorities, with a primary focus on securing gifts of $25,000 and above.

Required Qualifications

Director of Development, C level:

Bachelor’s Degree and four (4) years of related professional work experience OR

Master’s Degree and two (2) years of related professional work experience

Related Experience: Successful professional experience is required, preferably in higher education fundraising, non-profit or in a related field which requires strong relationship-building and outcome driven components or related experience.

Director of Development, D level:

Bachelor’s Degree and six (6) years of related professional work experience OR

Master’s Degree and four (4) years of related professional work experience

Related Experience:

Substantial fundraising experience which includes demonstrable experience with individuals in either a higher education, athletic development operation, sales team, or other profession that required the candidate to uncover prospects, make outreach, and meet and cultivate and solicit prospects.

Experience with fundraising databases, contact reports, and proposal preparation.

Experience with a metric-driven, results-oriented environment.

Engagement with donors to solicit high level gifts