Associate Director of Gift Planning - University Advancement (4517)

Primary Function

The Associate Director of Gift Planning works within the Gift and Estate Planning Team to coordinate, with the Director of Gift Planning the development, review, assessment, and coordination of planned giving initiatives.

The primary goal of the position is to market, solicit and steward current planned and deferred gifts (bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, real estate, appreciated securities, IRA and whole-life insurance designations, etc.). These gift vehicles will provide donors the opportunity to leave a legacy to NIU and to further its overall mission of providing a high quality, affordable and accessible education to all who desire one. A secondary goal is to provide ongoing support relative to the marketing and branding of the gift planning program to various university constituencies.

A high degree of confidentiality and discretion is mandatory, as well as superior personal initiative and communication skills. The Associate Director of Gift Planning reports to the Executive Director of Advancement.
Duties and Responsibilities (generally)

Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward planned and deferred gift prospects. Manage a portfolio of 100-125 prospects. Conduct prospect research and forge deeper relationships with various campus constituencies, such as the seven university colleges, annual fund donors, Northern Public Radio donors, NIU Annuitants Association and the Alumni Association. Coordinate with the Executive Director of Advancement and the Director of Gift Planning to develop the overall marketing and branding strategy for the planned giving program, assist in the development of collateral materials, and ensure that the planned giving portion of the NIU Foundation website is up-to-date, compelling and relevant. Assist in coordinating the bi-annual stewardship program to honor and thank planned giving donors who have enrolled in the Foundation’s Cornerstone Society. Work with major gift officers to ensure that each college and other university programs have the necessary, appropriate and customized planned giving marketing materials. Assist in developing an annual report on marketing efforts to ascertain return on investment and program impact. Assure that all estates are settled in a professional, timely and efficient manner and funds are used to fulfill the donor’s specific philanthropic intent. Maintain an annual schedule of professional training in the areas of estate planning, planned giving marketing and not-for-profit management.
Minimum Required Qualifications for this position

1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Three (3) years of experience with successful major donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, with at least two years in planned giving fundraising, including work with complex gifts and investment vehicles.
3. Two (2) years of professional experience in not-for-profit higher education.
4. Two (2) years of demonstrated 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. Juris doctorate degree.
2. Five (5) years of experience in gift planning.
3. Advanced degree and/or professional designation ( CFRE ).
4. Capital campaign experience in higher education is highly desirable.
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, major 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 Uni
Minimum Pay Rate (Hourly or Monthly)
$5,833.34/month
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
09/20/2021
Closing Date

Priority Review Date
10/04/2021
Special Instructions to Applicants

Application Materials and Process:

· Resume/Curriculum Vitae
· Cover Letter that speaks to the following aspects of experience, as listed in the education and experience requirements:
a. experience with successful major donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, with at least two years in planned giving fundraising, including work with complex gifts and investment vehicles.
b. professional experience in not-for-profit higher education.
c. demonstrated experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.
· List of three references
· Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

Please submit application and documents through NIU online employment system at https://employment.niu.edu/postings/59334 by October 4, 2021. Applications will continue to be received until the position has been filled. However, to ensure full consideration, applications must be received by October 4, 2021. For questions, contact Melissa Nigro, mnigro@niu.edu .
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/59334
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)