Gift Officer, Planned Giving

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Gift Officer, Planned Giving. As a mid-level member of the development team in the University Advancement office, this position is the primary staff member in charge of raising awareness and building relationships with donors through gift and estate planning. This person will be responsible for developing and implementing programs that encourage gift planning and deferred giving for all fundraising team members.  In addition, as a major gift officer, this position will manage, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of donors capable of making more significant gifts (low five-figures) to the University and its programs. This position is located in River Forest, IL and reports to the Assistant Vice President for Development.

Responsibilities/Duties: 

Cultivation, Solicitation and Stewardship of Donors

1. Develop and maintain positive relationships with Addison Society, and assigned portfolio donors through general stewardship.
2. Qualify, cultivate, secure, close and steward gifts through regular donor visits and calls within set timelines, strategies, benchmarks and goals.
3. Work with the Donor Relations Project Manager on individual and general stewardship plans for planned gift donors and major gift prospects, including special events specifically for Addison Society members and endowment contacts.

Program Planning and Implementation

1. Evaluate past programming and recommend development and integration of planned giving activities for Concordia constituents, and more specifically the Addison Society and named endowment contacts.
2. Develop established goals and supporting budget for planned giving activities and publications.
3. Develop, implement and monitor policies and procedures for planned giving vehicles.

Marketing and Promotion

1. Develop materials (communication pieces) that cultivate and promote planned giving at Concordia.
2. Partner with department directors for inclusion of planned giving information in annual and university mailings and publications.

Accountability and Tracking

1. Prepare reports as directed to provide goal progress, activity updates and financial outcomes.
2. Develop and appropriately disseminate donor testimonials and stories for the benefit of prospective planned giving donors.

Management

1. Initiate donor visits and travel arrangements
2. Maintain accurate and timely expense reports according to University and Foundation policy
3. Prepare and monitor annual budget for planned giving and related activities.

Other responsibilities as assigned by the Foundation President and CEO and the AVP of Development.

Skill Sets: 

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a practicing Christian comfortable working in a denominational/non-denominational environment
• Possess a stable temperament and compassionate personality that engenders trust, especially important in working with older donors
• Be an enthusiastic supporter of Concordia-Chicago and Lutheran/Christian Higher Education, and be able to clearly articulate CUC's story including the mission, vision, degrees and programs, and its impact on students/alumni
• Possess a thorough knowledge of planned giving strategy and the various types now available
• Possess the ability to work independently, yet in a team environment

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a related field required; Planned Giving training/experience preferred

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia health, disability and retirement plan enrollment is available to full-time employees and their eligible dependents. Tuition benefits are also available for employees and their qualified dependents.

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age.  As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation. 

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Graduate Studies, and College of Innovative and Professional Programs, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and in 2013 was named to the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth time. For the sixth consecutive year, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.