Chief Executive Officer at Wayne State Foundation in Wayne, Nebraska

Job Description:

Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with the Wayne State Foundation in their search for a Chief Executive Officer.

The Wayne State Foundation is looking for an individual that has the skills, knowledge, and experience to continue its momentum for successful fundraising, strong leadership, and an impressive record of supporting the mission of Wayne State College in Nebraska. Reporting to the Executive Committee of the Foundation Board of Trustees, the new CEO will plan, organize, and manage the Foundation for growing the support to the College for enrollment growth, new buildings and renovated facilities, and expanded academic programs, partnerships, and regional outreach. Fundraising priorities determined by College leadership for the next five years include expanded freshman, transfer, athletic, and academic program scholarships, academic program support including equipment, and small and large capital projects.

Wayne State College seeks to create an environment of active learning, and meaningful service that engages students on a path to transformational leadership. Wayne State inspires students through access to affordable, high quality academic programs, personalized support services, and a culture committed to diversity, sustainability, and creativity. The College strengthens communities by engaging students in experiential learning and leadership opportunities. Wayne State serves the region through cultural opportunities, strategic partnerships, and innovative economic development programs. Wayne State College is a member of the Nebraska State College System (NSCS) and is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Nebraska.

Wayne State College has become a leading comprehensive college in Northeast Nebraska, with 15 academic departments within four academic schools, Arts and Humanities; Business and Technology; Education and Behavioral Sciences; and Science, Health, and Criminal Justice; and more than 130 career pathways. Wayne State College serves as a model of success for regional public higher education. Investments in infrastructure and facilities, expanded academic programs and partnerships, a campus-wide approach to recruitment and retention, and a commitment to strategic planning have yielded 28% growth in enrollment during the past six years, soaring to more than 4,500 students. With a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive an excellent education in a personalized setting and 86% of faculty hold the highest degrees in their fields.

The Wayne State Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) which provides financial support for the mission of Wayne State College. Since 2015, the Foundation has increased its total assets from $23.7 million to $42 million with institutional support provided to Wayne State College totaling $38.4 million. Major fundraising campaigns have been a team effort, supported by a strong Foundation staff, focused on student scholarships, major campus building renovations, a new instructional building, general operations of the Foundation, and the current campaign for a new athletic and recreation complex. The Chief Executive Officer serves as an active fundraiser in addition to leading and managing the staff and operations of the Foundation. The Chief Executive Officer also works closely with the College President, Vice Presidents, Deans of the four schools, Director of Athletics, and Director of College Relations.

Over the past 10 years, major accomplishments of the Foundation have included very successful fundraising campaigns for the Invest-Empower-Transform Campaign (exceeding a $25M goal by raising $35.1M to support scholarships, capital projects, and general operations of the Foundation, 2019-2023); Peterson Fine and Performing Arts Center ($2.4M of $13M renovation/addition project, 2023); Benthack Hall instructional facility renovation ($1.1M of $9M project, 2022); Center for Applied Technology new instructional building ($2.45M of $15.2M project, 2019); Wayne State Career Scholars Cooperative Education Program (secured grant funding for $2.6M in scholarship support and $300,000 in general operational support, 2024); and Athletic and Recreation Complex (developed and facilitated 2024 launch of current fundraising campaign with $4.4M of the $5.5M goal raised so far for this $30M project).

This position requires a Master's degree in a relevant field; additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a graduate degree as well as a minimum of five years of successful fundraising experience which includes all aspects of fundraising, i.e., planned giving, individual solicitation, and grant writing. Experience in supervising staff is strongly preferred. The Chief Executive Officer should possess demonstrated leadership skills in motivating others, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and turning information into action; excellent writing skills and oral presentation skills for communications with college and community representatives, alumni and friends, and partners om behalf of the Wayne State Foundation; and a record of success in managing diverse teams of employees, partners and stakeholders to accomplish major projects while also meeting milestones and deliverables within agreed-upon timeframes. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and rsum.

The starting salary range for this position is $140,000 to $155,000 with the additional option to participate in a discretionary bonus plan for Wayne State Foundation employees. Preference will be given to applications received by December 16, 2024.

To apply for this position, visit:https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/2435.

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