Job Details

Associate Director of Gift Planning - University Advancement (4517)
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Position Number: 2553761
Location: DeKalb, IL
Position Type: Development and Fund Raising

Associate Director of Gift Planning - University Advancement (4517)

Primary Function:
The Associate Director of Gift Planning works within the Gift and Estate Planning Team to coordinate, with the Director of Gift Planning the development, review, assessment, and coordination of planned giving initiatives.
The primary goal of the position is to market, solicit and steward current planned and deferred gifts (bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, real estate, appreciated securities, IRA and whole-life insurance designations, etc.). These gift vehicles will provide donors the opportunity to leave a legacy to NIU and to further its overall mission of providing a high quality, affordable and accessible education to all who desire one. A secondary goal is to provide ongoing support relative to the marketing and branding of the gift planning program to various university constituencies.
A high degree of confidentiality and discretion is mandatory, as well as superior personal initiative and communication skills. The Associate Director of Gift Planning reports to the Executive Director of Advancement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward planned and deferred gift prospects. Manage a portfolio of 100-125 prospects. Conduct prospect research and forge deeper relationships with various campus constituencies, such as the seven university colleges, annual fund donors, Northern Public Radio donors, NIU Annuitants Association and the Alumni Association. Coordinate with the Executive Director of Advancement and the Director of Gift Planning to develop the overall marketing and branding strategy for the planned giving program, assist in the development of collateral materials, and ensure that the planned giving portion of the NIU Foundation website is up-to-date, compelling and relevant. Assist in coordinating the bi-annual stewardship program to honor and thank planned giving donors who have enrolled in the Foundations Cornerstone Society. Work with major gift officers to ensure that each college and other university programs have the necessary, appropriate and customized planned giving marketing materials. Assist in developing an annual report on marketing efforts to ascertain return on investment and program impact. Assure that all estates are settled in a professional, timely and efficient manner and funds are used to fulfill the donors specific philanthropic intent. Maintain an annual schedule of professional training in the areas of estate planning, planned giving marketing and not-for-profit management.

Minimum Required Qualifications:
1. Bachelors degree.2. Three (3) years of experience with successful major donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, with at least two years in planned giving fundraising, including work with complex gifts and investment vehicles.3. Two (2) years of professional experience in not-for-profit higher education. 4. Two (2) years of demonstrated experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.

Education and Experience Preferred:
1. Juris doctorate degree.2. Five (5) years of experience in gift planning.3. Advanced degree and/or professional designation (CFRE).4. Capital campaign experience in higher education is highly desirable.

Working Hours: While established University office hours are 8:00 am 4:30 pm, major donor work is professionally conducted at times and places consistent with prospect and donor availability. Oftentimes this work includes nights and weekends, and trips outside the Uni
Hiring Rate/Range:
Posting Date: 09/20/2021
Closing Date:
Priority Review Date: 10/04/2021
Open Until Filled:

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Application Materials and Process: Resume/Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter that speaks to the following aspects of experience, as listed in the education and experience requirements:a. experience with successful major donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, with at least two years in planned giving fundraising, including work with complex gifts and investment vehicles.b. professional experience in not-for-profit higher education. c. demonstrated experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions. List of three references Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire) Please submit application and documents through NIU online employment system at https://employment.niu.edu/postings/59334 by October 4, 2021. Applications will continue to be received until the position has been filled. However, to ensure full consideration, applications must be received by October 4, 2021. For questions, contact Melissa Nigro, mnigro@niu.edu.

To apply, visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/59424

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560