Director of Gift Planning

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job #
039733

Department Code
50405-7120

Department
Advancement and External Affairs

Job Title
Director of Gift Planning

Location
Syracuse, New York

Pay Range
Commensurate with experience

Staff Level
S5

FLSA Status
Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours:
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type
Full-time

Campus
Syracuse, NY

Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable

Job Description

Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, the Director is responsible for securing gifts to the University and guiding gift conversations with donor and prospective donor relationships. They secure gifts from managed (assigned to staff) and unmanaged (unassigned) prospects, collaborate with other gift officers and academic partners to secure new planned gift commitments, current gifts using non-cash and/or complex assets, blended gift arrangements and works to build the pipeline of future support and raise awareness of strategic philanthropic techniques within the SU community.

Recognizing the importance of legacy giving and current giving through the procurement of non-cash assets in meeting campaign goals, the Director participates in gift strategies and demonstrates leadership in securing resources for fundraising priorities. She/ He creates and executes individual strategies and integrated work plans for top constituencies, trains frontline fundraisers in gift planning vehicles and strategies, and assist with leadership responsibilities. The Director will also work collaboratively with college and unit-based development officers and central services in Alumni Relations, Research, Legal Affairs, Real Estate, Treasurer’s Office, Marketing & Communications and Donor Relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent combination of education and 5+ years practical work experience.
• Measured and proven track-record of success in soliciting and closing substantial planned, deferred and/or blended gifts, or complex financial and legal solutions.
• Must have five or more years of experience working in a higher education development environment, or related profession, in a gift planning, financial planning or tax/legal advisor capacity.
• Must have ability to create gift planning illustrations.
• Experience in gift solicitation and closure is essential.
• Must have strong knowledge of the application and use of charitable trusts, gift annuities, charitable bequests, gifts of real estate and other non-cash assets, and other non-traditional gifts and giving strategies.
• Must possess valid Driver’s License.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Must demonstrate strong management, leadership, personal initiative, and analytical skills.
• Outstanding ability to use data to make and implement strategic decisions.
• Proficiency in database management tools and customer relationships management systems. Strength in Windows-based applications, specifically Microsoft Office suite required.
• Knowledge of CRM /Blackbaud preferred.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, tact, discretion, and the ability to maintain complete confidentiality.
• Must be able to work independently yet collaborate with stakeholders to develop comprehensive and compelling solicitations and gift-funding solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, creativity, and demonstrated success in managing multiple projects. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
• Ability to distill complex topics into conversational dialogue with clarity, fluency and emotional intelligence.
• Exhibit professional composure and effectiveness while respecting diverse perspectives and charitable interests of prospective donors.
• Show effective evaluation of solicitation and stewardship strategies and can think creatively to identify alternative solutions to accomplish donor goals within the framework of meeting institutional priorities.

Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise in asset-based philanthropy and gift planning strategies to current and prospective donors in collaboration with/support of development and academic colleagues across the institution. Provide direction/guidance to donors and fundraising colleagues on various giving methodologies, identifying possible efficiencies to maximize benefit and impact through comprehensive knowledge of the legal and financial aspects and consequences of these tactics to ensure the best interests of both the donor and Syracuse University are met. Collaborate with development officers to develop strategies to solicit major and planned gifts using techniques and strategies requiring advanced knowledge, skills, and techniques to expand the scope of a gift conversation. Assist Executive Director with the creating and execution of training efforts for internal development officers and partners on gift planning and blended gift strategies and vehicles.

Create and implement strategies to identify, cultivate and motivate donors to make significant gifts, assisting them with gift planning strategies rooted in comprehensive understanding of financial planning and estate planning including tax and legal implications. Identify opportunities and develop targeted outreach to expand and improve donor pipeline of prospective donors who may have an interest in planned gifts, blended gifts, non-traditional giving strategies, and complex and/or non-cash asset gifts. Reports results of all gifts/solicitation efforts in the CITRUS / CRM database. Develop and keep updated donor plans and opportunities. Ensure the accuracy and timely entry of all information and records.

Respond to prospective gift inquiries from marketing responses and other incoming expressions of interest. Perform necessary research to properly advise donors and structure gift discussions, presentations and illustrations as appropriate. Assist Executive Director with marketing and communications of the department

Provide stewardship and improve donor relations through personal, digital, and written interactions that engage and deepen donors’ relationship with Syracuse University and any College/Unit/Program/Affinity Group to which they most closely identify.

Obtain and maintain superior understanding of current and deferred giving vehicles and strategies, and regularly update knowledge through professional development seminars. Develop and maintain current understanding of relevant tax, probate, trust and financial/estate planning information.

# HEJ

Physical Requirements

Tools/Equipment

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community

Syracuse University maintains an inclusive learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview. The University community recognizes and values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, military backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. To do so, we commit ourselves to promoting a community that celebrates and models the principles of diversity and inclusivity.

Quick Link
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/99023

Job Posting Date
05/16/2023

Application Deadline

Full Consideration By

Job Category
Staff

Message to Applicants