University of Michigan

Director of Gift Planning

Gift Planning, Office of University Development

Posting Number

: 

56044

Job Category

: 

Fundraising - Planned Giving

Salary

: 

$100,000.00 - $115,000.00

Reports To

: 

Assistant Vice President for Development, Office of University Development

Date Posted

: 

2011-03-22

Experience Range

: 

7 to 10 Years + Management Experience

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site.

If you are unable to apply via the U-M Jobs site, please submit your cover letter and resume to dev.careers@umich.edu. In the subject line, please type in the Job ID# for which you are applying.

For questions about the U-M application process, please refer to the FAQ page

Position Description

The Director of Gift Planning is a senior development professional that sets the strategic direction for the Office of Gift Planning and is responsible for managing the university’s planned giving program and staff, including the identification, qualification, solicitation and stewardship of individuals making deferred and other specially structured gifts to the University of Michigan.  The Director manages a national pool of individual planned giving prospects and acts as a general resource and advisor for all planned giving activities within the University.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

75% Leadership of U-M Planned Giving Program

• Develop and administer long-range objectives for the Office of Gift Planning and oversee the implementation of “best practices” for the planning giving program to ensure the proper management and stewardship of planned giving donors.
• Consults with other professional fundraisers across the university in the best practices for planned gift cultivation and solicitation, and develops a compelling marketing plan to encourage planned giving among the University’s broad range of constituents.
• Personally maintain and staff a portfolio of 100-150 key major/planned giving prospects having an interest in a planned gift.  Provide technical expertise and gift planning assistance to donors and their financial/legal advisors who are capable of making a major/planned gift of $100,000 or more.
• Work with deans, faculty, senior administrators and development staff to articulate fundraising priorities that integrate planned giving as a part of the University’s fundraising objectives.

• Lead a team of major/ planned giving officers and staff.  Work with this team to implement university-wide development strategies, setting fundraising goals, evaluating program progress, setting institutional deferred giving guidelines, overseeing budget development, and setting annual performance standards.
• Develop and conduct continuing education seminars for development staff as well as donors and advisors on planned giving tools, estate planning tools and techniques.
• Assist key development teams in identification of planned giving prospects, in concert with other colleagues and in coordination with school/unit teams across the university.
• Develop the appropriate level of internal communication, reporting and tracking of results.  Maintain strong lines of communication with colleagues in the schools, colleges, and units and within OUD to ensure effective collaboration and synergy in achieving the University’s key fundraising goals and objectives.
• Maintain best-practice expertise in field of gift planning with a special emphasis on acquiring and staying current with technical expertise in the tax and legal aspects of charitable giving; apply this expertise clearly and effectively in discussing with prospective donors (and their counsel) the ways in which gifts of all types can be made to Michigan with maximum benefits to both the donor and the University.
• Participate in regional and national networks and industry related associations.

25%Staff Management

• Provide leadership and supervision to the staff of the Office of Gift Planning, including hiring and performance evaluation and coaching.
• Ensure appropriate delegation of responsibilities and projects to other staff.
• Assist in the skill and career development of Office of Gift Planning staff.

 

Required Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree with advanced degree desirable

• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible development experience in planned giving in an academic fundraising setting with a comprehensive development program.

 

• Highest level of technical expertise in planned giving and the tax economics of charitable giving.  Experience with preparation of proposals, calculations for agreements and illustrations for charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities, and other planned gifts.

• Demonstrated leadership ability to develop strategic plans, implement programs, organize, initiate, and motivate.

 

• Strong management skills and proven ability to lead a team of individuals towards a common goal.

• Sound organizational ability, a high degree of energy, creativity and initiative; the ability to project the unique aims and values of the University of Michigan to its donors and alumni.

 

• Proven success in gift closure at the six- and seven-figure level.

• Excellent communications skills, coupled with strong writing and presentation skills, as well as the ability to present before a group.

 

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.

• Discretion and an ability to interact with high-level donors.

 

• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

• Comfort with personal computers and software programs.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in law, financial services, trust or investments, or educational administration.
• Law degree and/or educational emphasis in taxation or estate planning

 

Mission Statement

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan through high-quality collaboration with the development programs of schools, colleges, and units. We also provide fundraising leadership through the stimulation and facilitation of healthy, productive and life-long relationships with our colleagues, alumni, friends, foundations and corporations.

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.