Planned Giving Program Director

Overview

Posting Number: A00959

Campus:

Department: 5501-External Relations

Expected Pay Scale

Minimum: $ Annually

Maximum: $ Annually

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development, the Planned Giving Program Director is vital in Western

U’s efforts to secure resources for its strategic funding initiatives and strengthen connections with alumni, parents, and friends of the University. Aligning with the University’s comprehensive strategic plan, this role operates both independently and collaboratively to craft and execute strategies with current and potential donors who will commit to legacy or planned gifts.

Planned Giving Program Director spearheads donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans to maximize this significant period for Western

U, aiming to meet the objectives of an ambitious campaign plan. As the University intensifies its campaign and ongoing development efforts, planned gifts are anticipated to significantly contribute to the campaign’s success.

The Director of Planned Giving will establish and manage a portfolio that encompasses the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a select portfolio of prospects. Beyond their individual contributions, the Director will help shape and achieve the vision and goals of the Planned Giving program and must collaborate effectively with senior University administrators, other development team members, and various schools, colleges, and centers of distinction to identify funding opportunities and devise strategies for converting prospects to donors.

They will play a crucial role in achieving the University’s development objectives, enhancing the University’s culture, adding value to the Planned Giving program, expanding outreach and engagement with alumni and friends, and increasing the planned gift pipeline, ultimately making a substantial impact on the University’s mission and strategic goals. Successful candidates will have a proven track record and can emphasize the importance of building internal and external relationships as it pertains to Planned Giving or their previous experience.

Individuals must possess the knowledge, as well as the following skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Experience maintaining a rigorous individual moves management process.
• Demonstrated ability to close major and/or principal gifts on a regular basis.
• Proven success at fundraising by developing and implementing strategic plans that incorporate concise goals, targeted audiences, and fundraising strategies in-line with institutional needs.
• Advanced knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, stewardship, communications, public relations, and alumni relations; the ability to apply this knowledge to achieve stated goals.
• Ability to work effectively with deans and directors, academic and university leaders, and volunteers to achieve fundraising goals.
• Advanced written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies. Ability to make persuasive and compelling presentations of goals and objectives for a location to secure gifts.
• Commitment to conveying professional appearance and demeanor that represents the incumbent, the College(s), and the University.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously, while taking direction from multiple individuals; ability to prioritize multiple assignments.
• Must work in team environments and can leverage colleagues’ skills to accomplish a goal.
• Strong organization skills and ability to maintain progress on multiple assignments over a broad spectrum of activities.
• Familiarity with advancement relationship management systems (Raiser’s Edge, RENXT, or Banner), electronic information systems, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and electronic mail software.
• Adhere strictly to Donor Bill of Rights, the ethical guidelines promulgated by…