About Beckman Development Solutions

Jeff began his nonprofit career in 1986 at Briar Cliff University.  Since then, the organizations, departments and boards led by him have raised hundreds of millions of dollars for program, capital, endowment, and special initiative support. His leadership success has occurred through customized strategic planning and intensive execution, both rooted in best practices, data, creativity, and strong relationship building within donor communities, boards of directors and affinity groups.  ​​

A lifelong Christian, Jeff's underlying philosophical approach to development and stewardship are ideal for Christian organizations.  Yet, the majority of Jeff's professional experience occurred within secular institutions, including higher education, healthcare, public broadcasting and human services. ​Because of his broad background in various nonprofit sectors, several of which have national footprints, Jeff can offer insights into how successful organizations of all sizes and types can operate more profitably.  ​

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Today, while still serving full-time with The Salvation Army, Jeff is finding time to serve an advisor, teacher, coach and trainer to a limited number of clients.  

Journey to Development Excellence Book

Jeff's book, Journey to Development Excellence, offers insights to his approach to building and sustaining strong nonprofits and development programs. This quick read offers clients and prospects an inside view of how he works with his clients.

Order Journey to Development Excellence Here

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Accomplishments  

• Nearly 40 years of best-in-class nonprofit and development leadership experience in education, healthcare, public broadcasting, human services and faith-based organizations.

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• Led numerous record-setting capital campaigns, serving as lead strategist and fundraiser, and served in key support roles for several others.

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• Built/rebuilt four boards of directors, three of which ultimately led capital campaigns following upgrades. Enhanced boards through recruitment of diverse leaders with mission passion, excellent credentials, and the ability to financially support, or influence support, within the philanthropic community.

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• Led organizations and/or departments that raised over $500 million through various forms philanthropic support.

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• Received national recognition for numerous programs and projects over the years. 

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• Helped dozens of donors create legacy gifts, including bequests, charitable trusts, charitable annuities, bargain sale gifts, charitable lead trusts, life insurance and outright gifts of cash and appreciated assets such as stocks.

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• Produced and hosted approximately 100 major television campaigns during tenure with NET Television.

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• Served as Executive Producer and host of Philanthropy in Nebraska: Investing in Your Future on NET Television.

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• Led marketing program that increased college FTE enrollment 50% (2,000 to 3,000 over a five-year period).

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• Leads, has led, eight nonprofit/development teams and organizations with budgets that ranged from over $60 million (today) to under $1 million (early in his career).

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• Created or upgraded special events that set national revenue records and/or were considered best in class 

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Organizations Served (1986 to Present) 

The Salvation Army Western Division

Executive Director of Development (Present)

United Way of the Midlands

Senior Vice President for Development

University of Nebraska, Nebraska Public Media Foundation – PBS/NPR

Executive Director

(Formerly NET Foundation for Television & Radio)

March of Dimes

State Executive Director, Nebraska  

Nebraska Children’s Home Society Foundation 

Executive Director

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Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Foundation

Director of Planned Giving

University of Wisconsin – La Crosse 

Director of University Relations

Wayne State College 

Director of College Relations

Briar Cliff University 

Director of Communications​