EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/DIRECTOR, PLANNED GIVING

The incumbent works directly with the Vice President, Associate Vice President, campus leaders and senior volunteers to set Planned Giving policies and priorities. Considers and analyzes the implications of proposed actions and decisions on the organization. Works with the Associate Vice President, leadership team and volunteers to develop policies and procedures for raising, processing, and acknowledging of planned gifts. Works directly with gift officers to further organizational objectives. Plans, directs, and supervises the work of the Planned Giving program in a way that is supportive of a systematic, data-based approach to prospect development. Provides insight and makes recommendations concerning all aspects of assigned function, indicating alternatives and solutions to the Associate Vice President.

SUPERVISION:

This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will represent Ithaca College with professional presence and awareness. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Engage with the President, Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement, trustees, deans, faculty, gift officers, staff, and volunteers to develop and strengthen prospect relationships and involvement with the College.
2. Provide leadership for planned giving, including training and development that aligns with institutional needs.
3. Oversee marketing strategies, using demographics, donor behavior, and other considerations reflecting best practice. From concept to production and in partnership with communications and design teams, oversee creative mailings, advertisements, website, and other communications.
4. Building or re-branding of the existing planned giving recognition society, refine and expand deferred giving recognition and stewardship of planned giving donors.
5. Oversee a comprehensive program while managing a portfolio of planned gift prospects, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. Develop strategies for building successful relationships between prospects and Ithaca College, with the goal of soliciting and closing gifts of $100,000 and above.
6. Establish strategic program and prospect goals for outright and deferred giving in conjunction with the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, including annual, three-year, and campaign goals when appropriate.
7. Facilitate productive relationships between donors, senior administrators, and other College staff to solicit donors and prospects for high-level gifts in support of fund-raising priorities. As appropriate, introduce and involve additional College staff in the fund-raising process.
8. Oversee the marketing effort and volunteer/staff solicitation program and help to create guidelines and policies that ensure success.
9. Oversee the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers for the planned gifts program. Design and implement programs that engage College staff and volunteers in developing strategies for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts prospects among the College’s alumni, parents, and other individuals.
10. In conjunction with the AVP for P&E, develop a plan that includes measurable targets for planned gifts which demonstrate productivity related to personal visits, stewardship activities, solicitations made, and new commitment and dollars raised within each fiscal year.
11. Co-supervise the management of administrative responsibilities including timely completion of proposal, pledge, and commitment documents; documentation of individual prospect strategies and evaluation of new prospects; stewardship reports; and general correspondence. Oversee with Legal Affairs and Financial Services to manage incoming estate-related documents, the gift annuity program, and compliance issues.
12. Correspond with and visit prospects, donors, and their advisors. Travel as appropriate to fulfill duties. Maintain and submit timely reports on visits with prospects and donors.
13. In coordination with the director of donor relations, help to create and execute plans for the appropriate recognition of planned gifts. Participate, as able, in a range of donor recognition activities and events having a strategic impact on the success of Philanthropy and Engagement.
14. Collaborate with the director of donor relations on the successful management of the stewardship program for scholarships, annual and endowed funds, and memorial gifts.
15. Respond to inquiries from senior administrative staff regarding information relating to the planned giving program.
16. Prepare annual and long-range plans and forecasts for administrative review, and coordinate plan revisions and updates.
17. Prepare, execute, and monitor annual budgets for the planned giving program.
18. Other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years direct solicitation experience in raising funds through planned giving. Proven ability to manage prospects, generate high-level strategies for cultivation and solicitation of prospects, and establish goals. Strong attention to detail, interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills; and the ability to travel and attend College functions during and after normal business hours are required. Previous experience working at an institution of higher education preferred. Preferred additional qualifications JD degree or Master's degree.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Most of the work of the incumbent is carried out within a generally accessible, safe, indoor environment. The incumbent will be required to operate a personal computer and associated equipment such as computer printers and other office equipment used in day-to-day operations. The incumbent will be required to travel and may need to make alternative arrangements for transportation.

ABOUT ITHACA COLLEGE

As an employee at Ithaca College, you’ll get much more than a competitive salary and the

traditional advantages. We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with the

most comprehensive benefits possible, including work/life balance, generous paid time off

policies, career-enhancing trainings, employee and dependent tuition assistance, and

opportunities to give back to the community. Beyond benefits, you’ll enjoy the kind of uniquely

rewarding work environment that can only be found in a vibrant college community.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To apply online at https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/prospective-faculty-staff ,

please submit cover letter, resume and list of three professional references.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members

of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is

appreciated

About Us
At Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of 6,500 students, we strive to be at the forefront of the higher education landscape. We offer a distinct integrative learning experience that makes students ready for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age.

We seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and want to be a part of this exciting time in Ithaca College history. We encourage creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements.

We welcome different ways of thinking and look for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.

When reviewing candidates, we are looking for indicators of a number of core competencies. Prospective candidates must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable. They must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and show that they will engage in the college.

Nestled in the heart of New York State’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger’s as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.

To learn more about Ithaca College, visit us at http://ithaca.edu