Director, Gift Planning & Estate Administration

Director, Gift Planning & Estate Administration

Join us at Scripps Research, a nonprofit biomedical institute that has been a leader in scientific innovation for over 100 years. Our mission is to cultivate new scientific leaders and advance global health through cutting‑edge research in immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, heart disease, cancer and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top‑ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program.

The Director of Gift Planning & Estate Administration reports directly to the Associate Vice President of Principal & Major Gifts. This frontline fundraising role manages a portfolio of donors and prospects, focusing on cultivating, soliciting, and securing planned gifts. The Director guides prospects through legacy commitments and oversees the administration of estate gifts, ensuring donor intent is honored and bequests are received accurately and on time.

• Planned Giving Fundraising & Donor Engagement (80%)

• Manage a portfolio of 100‑125 prospects and donors to solicit and document bequests, charitable trusts, beneficiary designations, and other planned gifts.
• Develop and execute personalized cultivation strategies to deepen relationships with donors and secure legacy commitments.
• Collaborate with major/principal gifts officers to integrate planned giving into overall fundraising strategies.
• Partner with financial advisors, attorneys, and other professionals to identify new planned giving prospects and integrate gift planning into fundraising efforts.
• Conduct donor visits, attend events, and give presentations on estate planning and legacy giving.

• Estate Gift Administration (20%)
• Oversee the administration of realized estate gifts, working closely with executors, attorneys, and financial institutions to ensure timely distributions.
• Review estate documents (wills, trusts, retirement accounts, insurance policies) to document intentions and confirm compliance with donor intent.
• Work with the Development Services team to ensure accurate documentation of gifts, effective tracking of commitments, and lifetime stewardship of Legacy Circle members.
• Adopt essential functions for this position as discussed during the interview process.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE/CPA/JD a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in planned giving, estate administration, or related fundraising.
• Strong knowledge of charitable gift planning vehicles (bequests, trusts, annuities, beneficiary designations, etc.).
• Exceptional ability to build relationships, negotiate complex gifts, and engage high‑net‑worth donors.
• Comfort discussing estate planning concepts and working with legal and financial professionals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to donors and prospects.
• Ability to travel as needed for donor meetings and events.
• On‑campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week onsite at our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely.

The expected hiring range for this position is $120,000 to $144,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

• Employer‑contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) with optional 403(b) contribution.
• Full suite of health and welfare plans including three medical options, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP, and more.
• Access to flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on‑site parking.

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.