Senior Director of Gift Planning - University Advancement (34871)

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement, the Senior Director of Gift Planning 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 Senior Director will shape and grow a model planned giving program that reflects the size and capability of NIU . The Senior 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 Senior 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 Senior Director of Gift Planning will work closely with the Gift Planning Team, the Campaign Director, the Executive Directors and the Major Gift Officers at the NIU 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.)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Director of Gift Planning 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 Senior Director will shape and grow a model planned giving program that reflects the size and capability of NIU . The Senior 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 Senior Director plays an important role in high-level strategy and fundraising support to university leadership, especially in campaigns. The Senior Director manages the Associate Director of Gift Planning, and an Administrative Assistant/Aide who supports the Planned Giving Program.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

1. Master’s Degree.
2. Juris Doctorate Degree.
3. CFRE and/or Series 65 certification.

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

Additional Requirements (SPS)

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

Physical demands/requirements

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.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

1.00

Standard Hours Per Week

37.50

Salary

$10,416.67 monthly

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

Earn Type

Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Special Instructions

Quick Link to Applicant

https://employment.niu.edu/postings/60106

Is Background Check Required?

Yes

EEO Statement Summary

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

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 and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .

Safety Information

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. List of at least 3 References

Optional Documents

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

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).