Planned Giving Officer

Job Summary:

Niagara University is seeking a Planned Giving Officer to effectively develop and maintain relationships with key major and planned gift constituencies. This position will report to the Associate Vice President in oversight of the Planned Giving Program. The successful candidate will work with the Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, academic leaders, volunteers, and other development staff to identify, cultivate and solicit current and new planned giving prospects; and integrate stewardship for persons holding current planned giving agreements with the University's stewardship plan. The Planned Giving Officer will provide information to and execute planned giving agreements for individuals who have expressed interest in supporting Niagara University through the Marcus Brown planned giving program.

The Planned Giving Officer is responsible for the cultivation and solicitation of a portfolio of roughly 125 prospects. The Officer assists with the implementation of a comprehensive program to educate alumni and friends of the university about the charitable giving opportunities available through bequests and other deferred giving options. The Planned Giving Officer will assist by increasing the number of deferred gifts in the university's planned gift prospect pool and growing the number of members of the Marcus Brown Heritage Society, NU's planned giving recognition society.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Design and implement an annual fundraising plan based on university objectives, working in conjunction with the Associate Vice President for IA.
• Guide donors in creating estate gifts that support the donor's philanthropic intentions while supporting the university's vision, the strategic plan, ensuring the highest level of stewardship once these commitments are made.
• Working knowledge of planned giving options including charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder and lead trusts, testamentary trusts, bequests, life insurance policies, retirement plan distributions and retained life estates.
• Develop written proposals, illustrations, gift agreements, renewal letters, and other donor communications using Planned Giving software.
• Develop strategies and execute marketing plans to promote planned gifts among Niagara University constituents through mail, surveys, web, e-mail, and print media.
• Participate and lead events for prospective and current planned gift donors; including planning, execution, and speaking roles, as required.
• Document donor contacts in the donor management / CRM system following established protocols.
• Design and implement recognition and stewardship for donors of planned giving contracts, (i.e. newsletters, visits, recognition activities, seminars).
• Participate in assessing progress toward goals and prepare monthly progress reports to the Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures relating to the planned giving program.
• Up-to-date awareness of planned giving vehicles and will seek training necessary to remain up to date in the knowledge of planned giving issues.
• Knowledgeable of estate planning and federal and state tax law as applied to charitable giving.
• Accountable for meeting or exceeding key performance metrics including visits and proposals, as determined by department leadership.
• Responsible for training and educating peers and university staff on the key principles of planned giving best practices
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree, Master's degree preferred
• Five or more years (10 years preferred) of experience in prospect management, donor cultivation, and solicitation (or comparable experience in estate, tax or financial planning or wealth management.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours and travel, including evenings and weekends.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate to diverse constituencies, and deal effectively and discreetly with donors, colleagues, and allied professionals.
• Experience in Crescendo, PG Calc, or related planned gift illustration software.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Must be articulate, high-energy and goal-oriented.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to utilize technological resources to maximum advantage.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A valid New York State driver's license is required that satisfies both University and insurance company underwriting rules and regulations for driving a motor vehicle. Must also be able to operate a motor vehicle in Canada

Niagara University affirms its commitment to equal opportunity and non-discrimination and recognizes its responsibility to provide for all employees an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, pregnancy-related condition, ex-offender status, military status, veteran status, disability or any other category protected by law.

The university also does not tolerate any actual or attempted reprisals or retaliation against an employee who raises a sincere and valid concern regarding harassment, and/or retaliation is, therefore, strictly prohibited. This statement protects and covers the conduct of all employees without regard to job title or status.