Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, the Executive Director for Gift Planning oversees all aspects and operation of the campus-wide planned giving program, leading the six-person Gift Planning staff, working with senior leadership and chief development officers across the University to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors, and executing a comprehensive marketing program for gift planning. This individual will lead the efforts to integrate planned giving strategy into all university fundraising efforts, manage an individual portfolio of planned giving prospects and raise $5M annually, oversee Gift Planning marketing and communications initiatives, and serve as an information resource for the broader University community about charitable gift planning and related tax, legal, and investment questions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education (include licenses, certifications, etc.):
Bachelor’ degree required.

Experience:
At least ten years of successful major & planned gift fundraising experience, to include at least four years full-time experience working exclusively in planned giving, and at least four years of staff management experience.

Proven history of working effectively and creatively with volunteers and high-capacity donors, with a strong track record of successful solicitations of six- and seven-figure outright gifts and a various types of planned gifts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated high degree of understanding of complex gift options, including familiarity with relevant parts of the law and tax code that relate to charitable giving, and be able to advise as needed the CFO of the foundation and the university’s Legal Office about gift policies (including possible future revisions) and gift planning practices. 
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with donors and conduct development actions in person, over the phone, and through email. 
Excellent writing skills.
Meticulous attention to detail. 
Strong abilities in developing donor strategy and critical thinking. 
Ability to effectively manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. 
Familiarity with and able to follow the Model Standards of Practice for the Charitable Gift Planner.