Executive Director, Development Gift & Estate Planning

Department & Position Summary

The Executive Director reporting to the VP of Advancement will oversee the operations of UA's Center for Gift and Estate Planning including, maintaining a stewardship cycle for 1870's Society donors, managing a portfolio of donors, directing limited budget resources for highest ROI, marketing the program, and seeking/maintaining partnerships.

• Assist/train development staff on basics and current events/trends in planned giving. Solicit planned gift and major gift prospects for the benefit of the University. Develop relationships with donors to facilitate impactful gifts to UA. Prepare high level written reports, correspondence, and proposals. Use creative thinking and knowledge of complex tax laws to aid donors in better understanding the contribution process and ways to achieve philanthropic goals. Coordinate and oversee special interest funding groups as assigned by the VP of Advancement. Management of the operation of a unit/major function with activities typically coordinated through administrative personnel above the level of first-line supervisors or through persons having mid-to-upper-level management or professional responsibility.

 

 

Required Qualifications

Requires a relevant Master's Degree or Juris Doctorate. Requires a minimum of 4 years' experience in management, sales, or gift planning or estate planning, preferably in higher education development environment. Advanced knowledge of tax laws, investments, gifts and university development preferred. Ability to maintain positive relationships with donors required.
 

Preferred Qualifications

Computer skills to include database management, word processing, and Planned Gift software or other related computer software packages preferred.

 

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation for this position commensurate with experience and qualifications.

 

The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission. All staff, contract professionals, and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions. Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)). Please visit our benefits home page for more information.

 

 

About UA

The University of Akron is a vibrant community driven by collaboration, partnership and a steadfast determination to provide opportunity and success to all learners The University of Akron believes diversity is a vital element of an equitable and thriving workplace. A diverse workforce is essential as we strive to create a dynamic academic environment that prepares students to be citizens of the world around them, and as we deepen the value we place on our connection to the Greater Akron community.

 

We celebrate the power of uniqueness, and the strength that coalesces when unique voices are heard. We seek to empower employees to lead in their colleges, departments, offices and divisions. People of all backgrounds work on our campus every day, and we value the contribution of each individual in their commitment to a better University of Akron.

 

We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders. Bound and determined to meet every challenge, we continue to climb, to forge new paths and reach new heights – and we want you to join us. Bring your voice. Bring your uniqueness. Bring you. We are Akron. We rise together.

 

For more information about The University of Akron or the Akron community please visit our About UA page.

 

 

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach a resume/curriculum vitae and a list of three professional references to your profile. Please include contact information, including email addresses for your professional references.

 

After submission of your application, return to the "My Activities" link and upload the required documents to your profile under the "Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

 

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with reference to the minimum and preferred qualifications.  This is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based.  A resume/curriculum vitae will not be accepted in place of any information requested on the application.  For assistance with your application or attachments please call Judy Casserman, Human Resources at (330) 972-7097.

 

 

Application Deadline
January 15, 2023

For complete position details, visit

 https://www.uakron.edu/hr/job-openings/openings.dot
 

Job ID # 13969

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Akron, as an equal education and employment institution, is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified individuals in its education programs or activities, including applicants for admissions or employment, will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military status, or status as a veteran. To further this commitment, the University complies with state and federal laws which prohibit discrimination. Questions or concerns about the administration of this commitment can be directed to the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office (uakron.edu/hr/eeoaa).

 

The University also strives to provide an environment free from the negative impacts of gender-based discrimination and harassment as prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Questions about Title IX can be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education or both. For more information on Title IX at the University of Akron, including how to contact the Title IX Coordinator, how to file a complaint under Title IX with the University or the Title IX process at the University of Akron, please visit the University’s Title IX page at uakron.edu/title-ix/at-uakron.

               

Ohio is State of Residence

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.