Director of Planned Giving - University Advancement (34871) (EXTENDED SEARCH)

Primary Function

Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement, Director of Planned Giving directs and oversees a comprehensive program of planned giving, focused on the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual prospects with the capacity and interest in an estate gift or other planned vehicle to benefit NIU . The Director will shape and grow a model planned giving program that reflects the size and capability of NIU . The Director is him/herself an active fundraiser, and in close collaboration with the Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Directors, manages a portfolio of planned and major gift prospects (prospects with the capacity to make gifts of $500,000 or greater) and is responsible for closing $5m in gifts annually (combination of planned, major and blended gifts). The Director plays an important role in high level strategy and fundraising support to university leadership, especially in campaigns.

The ideal candidate will have progressively significant and relevant development experience and a proven track record in raising planned gifts in the seven-figure range and in successfully managing and marketing planned giving programs in a higher educational environment. The candidate must have the skills and know-how to build and manage a comprehensive planned giving program while also actively and continually contributing to overall major and planned gift efforts and strategies; technical expertise and knowledge of planned giving vehicles, tax law and estate planning; a natural ability to cultivate and sustain relationships; a track record in securing major and planned gifts; and a style that shows a passion for the cause and also one that is professional, down-to-earth, enthusiastic, credible and confident.

Organizational Relationship: The Director of Planned Giving will work closely with the Gift Planning Team, the Campaign Director, the Executive Directors and the Major Gift Officers at the NIF Foundation to facilitate appropriate communication and collaboration with the Northern Illinois University system and NIU Foundation.

Our Values and Professional Commitments

• Northern Illinois University celebrates diversity in all its forms. We believe that diversity in gender, ethnicity, physical ability, religious beliefs, age, and sexuality is what makes the world an interesting place. Creating an environment in which those differences are not only acknowledged but celebrated is our goal. Diversity makes the educational experience richer and makes NIU the ideal place to learn. https://www.niu.edu/diversity/about/index.shtml
• The NIU Foundation and Division of University Advancement, the outward facing engagement and fundraising organization, represents NIU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion to alumni, donors and friends of the university in all interactions. As practitioners and colleagues we infuse our interactions with a spirit that champions our students, faculty and staff who come from a wide range of backgrounds. We confront stereotypes and injustices where they are present and embrace the intrinsic dignity of each individual.
• As practitioners of both the art and science of professional fundraising, we represent demonstrable commitment to the highest standard of ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the CASE Statement of Ethics, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, and The Donor Bill of Rights. (Membership not required.)

Duties and Responsibilities (generally)

The Director of Planned Giving directs and oversees a comprehensive program of planned giving, focused on the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual prospects with the capacity and interest in an estate gift or other planned vehicle to benefit NIU .

The Director will shape and grow a model planned giving program that reflects the size and capability of NIU . The Director is an active fundraiser, and in close collaboration with the Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Directors of Advancement, manages a portfolio of major and planned gift prospects and is responsible for personally closing $5m annually. The Director plays an important role in high-level strategy and fundraising support to university leadership, especially in campaigns. The Director manages the Associate Director of Planned Giving, and an Administrative Assistant/Aide who supports the Planned Giving Program.
Minimum Required Qualifications for this position

1. Bachelor’s Degree.
2. Eight (8) to ten (10) years of successful experience in development with at least five years in planned giving fundraising.
3. Three (3) years of experience in not-for-profit higher education.
4. Three (3) years of experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.
Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)

Education and Experience Preferred

1. Master’s Degree.
2. Juris Doctorate Degree.
3. CFRE and/or Series 65 certification.
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.

1. Demonstrable commitment to the highest standard of ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the CASE Statement of Ethics, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, and The Donor Bill of Rights. (Membership not required.)
2. Deep, personal commitment to diversity in all forms, the recognition of all individuals to mutual respect, and the acceptance of others without biases. Demonstrable commitment to leading by example, modeling diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the university.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills to relate to donors, volunteers, colleagues and university leadership.
4. Self-motivated (a “self-starter”); innovative and ability to work with considerable independence within the context of a team environment and a network of relationships.
5. Superior written and oral communication, negotiating, organizational, analytical and fundraising skills, including the ability to interpret financial information and manage data.
6. Familiarity with financial planning, tax and charitable gift laws and planned giving vehicles and methods.
7. Knowledge of university governance and academic administrative and financial policies and guidelines.
8. Must be able to travel frequently; some international travel may be required.
9. This position requires the handling of highly sensitive and confidential information and requires an exemplary track record of professionalism, maturity and discretion.
10. Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, administrative and managerial skills.
11. Strong sales and closing skills.
12. Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
13. Willingness to commit to the mission and goals of Northern Illinois University and the NIU Foundation.
14. Familiarity with donor databases and gift planning tools (e.g. Millennium, The Raiser’s Edge, PG Calc).
Working Hours
While established University office hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, donor work is professionally conducted at times and places consistent with prospect and donor availability. Oftentimes this work includes nights and weekends, and trips outside the Universit
Minimum Pay Rate (Hourly or Monthly)
$8,750 monthly/$105,000 annually
Hiring Rate Information

Actual hiring rate is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity; position includes a robust benefits package to eligible applicants.

Posting Date
08/03/2021
Closing Date

Priority Review Date
10/17/2021
Special Instructions to Applicants

· Resume/Curriculum Vitae
· Cover Letter that speaks to the following aspects of experience, as listed in the education and experience requirements:
a. Years of experience with successful planned giving fundraising.
b. Years of experience in not-for-profit higher education.
c. Developing diverse engagement strategies, populations and philanthropic planning.
d. Working within a matrixed organizational structure.
· List of three references
· Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
Application Procedures

Link to Department Homepage
www.niufoundation.org
Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. There is a high level of desk related duties, including heavy keyboarding, phone use, heavy filing duties. The employee frequently is required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use fingers and hands to feel, grasp, operate or handle objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and carry 20 lbs regularly. Ability to work outside of normal working hours to complete tasks.
EEO Statement

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560
Is Background Check Required
Yes
Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education ( AAEOE ) at ada@niu.edu .

Clery Act Information

NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy.

Quick Link
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/58010
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. List of References

Optional Documents

1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
2. Transcripts #2 (unofficial with official required at hire)
3. Transcripts #3 (unofficial with official required at hire)