Associate Director Gift Planning

Manages the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of planned and major gift donors. Assists in the design, marketing, and administration of the University’s gift planning program while providing technical expertise and strategic support to enhance fundraising effectiveness.

• Develops and promotes relationship strategies for an assigned portfolio of major and planned giving prospects and donors.
• Manages planned gift inquiries received through various communication channels and responds to donor questions regarding estate planning options that include the University.
• Oversees special projects for the University’s gift planning office as assigned.
• Assists in identifying potential planned gift prospects by evaluating donor interest and affiliation with the University.
• Structures lifetime, blended, and deferred gift arrangements with donors in support of the University’s highest priorities.
• Serves as a technical advisor and gift strategist for donors by developing proposals, illustrations, gift agreements, and other donor communications.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends in planned giving and monitors new or pending tax legislation relevant to charitable contributions.
• Cultivates relationships with estate planning professionals, including attorneys, trust officers, accountants, and financial planners, to exchange current information and best practices.
• Provides technical assistance and support to colleagues by offering expertise on tax legislation, estate planning, and philanthropic financial structures.
• Collaborates across advancement, finance and legal teams to enhance gift planning operations.

Minimum qualifications based upon job documentation and industry best practices. Any current employees not meeting these qualifications will be grandfathered until they move to a different job.

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, business, financial planning, wealth management or estate planning.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism.
• Capable of motivating volunteers and donors.
• Strong self-motivation.
• Ability to work as a team member in a complex organization.

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.

Revised: 2025-06-27