Join Our Team
The Willa Cather Foundation—formerly the Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial—is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather and preserving the historical settings and archival material associated with her life and writings. Since its founding in 1955, the Foundation has been headquartered in Cather's hometown of rural Red Cloud, Nebraska.
Our purpose is to promote and encourage increased understanding and appreciation of the life, times, settings, and work of Willa Cather. Our core programs directly serve more than 90,000 people each year. We actively seek team members at all experience levels who share our values of Connection, Creativity, Inclusiveness, Learning, Professionalism, and Stewardship. Please see detailed job descriptions below.
Development Manager
Job Title: Development Manager
Classification: Exempt
Type: Full-time
Reports To: Executive Director
Position: The Development Manager is charged with primary responsibility for managing and implementing the organization’s new development plan. The position is responsible for stewardship and relationship management; grant writing and reporting; development communications; and event support. The Development Manager works closely with the ED and the Board of Governors to support the mission of the organization and ensure that ample unrestricted and program funds are generated. The role is responsible for fund development for operating support, programming, future capital campaigns, and endowment (via major gifts and planned giving). As envisioned, the position will become a director-level role within 12-18 months based on outstanding performance.
About Us: The National Willa Cather Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that advances the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather through education, preservation, and the arts. While the Center is located in Red Cloud—a small and vibrant community in Nebraska—its programs reach a national and international audience.
Stewardship and Relationship Management (25%)
- Conduct donor and prospect research
- Hold 8-10 donor meetings each month and keep accurate call notes
- Oversee invitations to join the Cather Legacy Society (planned giving)
Grant Writing and Reporting (25%)
- Identify grant opportunities
- Assist with management of funder relationships
- Write proposals and reports
Development Communications and Administration (25%)
- Develop direct mail appeals and acknowledgements
- Create development copy to highlight donor stories and fundraising needs
- Direct board stewardship activities and efforts of the development committee
Event Support (25%)
- Plan and implement donor stewardship gatherings
- Work with the Board to plan and carry out one major development event annually
- Lead donor and sponsor stewardship and recognition efforts at the annual Willa Cather Spring Conference
This job description may evolve over time. Duties and the position status are subject to periodic updating. At management's discretion, the employee may be assigned different and/or additional responsibilities.
To apply, send a resume to:
The Willa Cather Foundation
Attn: Human Resources
413 N. Webster St.
Red Cloud, NE 68970
humanresources@willacather.org | www.WillaCather.org
DEADLINE: This position will remain open until filled.
Open positions at Hotel Garber
Executive Chef/Food & Beverage Director | Full-time
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef / Food & Beverage Director
responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of all food and beverage functions. This role
oversees culinary excellence, restaurant and bar operations, budgeting, staffing, guest satisfaction, and compliance
with health and safety standards. The position balances creative culinary leadership with strong business, financial,
and operational management.
Seasonal Hospitality Associate | Part-time
The Seasonal Hospitality Associate is a cross-functional team member
responsible for supporting daily operations across multiple departments including front desk,
housekeeping and occasional food and beverage service all while delivering an exceptional guest
experience. This role requires a high level of flexibility and attention to detail, with the ability to shift
between responsibilities while maintaining consistent service standards. This position would be ideal
for a high school or college student, or individuals seeking part-time seasonal employment—a great
opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on experience across multiple departments in
hospitality.
Hospitality Specialist | Part-time
The Hospitality Specialist is a cross-functional team member responsible for
supporting daily operations across multiple departments including front desk, housekeeping and
occasional food and beverage service all while delivering an exceptional guest experience. This role
requires a high level of flexibility and attention to detail, with the ability to shift between
responsibilities while maintaining consistent service standards.
Server/Bar Support | Part-time
The server/bar support position is responsible for creating a welcoming and
enjoyable guest experience by assisting with preparing and serving beverages, taking food and drink
orders, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining a clean and organized service area. This
role plays a key part in delivering a welcoming and memorable atmosphere for our guests.