Associate Director, Gift Planning

Dartmouth College; Lebanon (NH); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartmouth College in Lebanon, NH, seeks an Associate Director of Gift Planning to manage probate and estate settlements for the undergraduate college and professional schools. The role oversees life income plan administration and engages donors, alumni and volunteers to promote planned gifts.

Required is a bachelor’s degree with at least five years in paralegal, banking, deferred giving or related fundraising. Strong communication, discretion, and project management are essential for success.

Qualifications

• At least five years’ experience as a paralegal or in banking (trust department), deferred giving, fundraising or a related field
• Knowledge of estate planning, wills, trusts, IRA, gift annuities and beneficiary insurance policies and tax laws
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with appropriate discretion
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and schedule work, set priorities, and manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of the team; strong collaboration skills
• Good judgment and decision-making skills
• Expertise in operating database, spreadsheet, and Web-based software applications in a complex computer information system environment
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Responsible for probate and estate settlement, for the undergraduate college and its professional schools.
• Manages the administration of life income plans, and engages with alumni, parents, friends, and Advancement colleagues to further relationship cultivation.
• Manages marketing, communications, engagement and stewardship strategies to support and raise awareness of planned gift vehicles.
• Responsible for probate and estate settlement trust administration in accordance with Dartmouth’s guidelines, fiduciary standards, trust agreements, wills, powers of attorney and all contracts.
• Communicates directly with attorneys, trustees, and advisors as well as with internal constituents in Finance, Legal Affairs, and Endowment Administration.
• Manages family expectations vs. governing document requirements.
• Advises donors, volunteers and staff officers of the College and its professional schools of the various options and plans for planned giving.
• Prepares written materials about the intricacies of financial, legal, and tax-related aspects of charitable gift planning in order to engage donors.

Skills

Fundraising

Estate planning

Excellent communication

Discretion & confidentiality

Organization & planning

Team collaboration

Judgment & decision making

Analytical skills

Database & software proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

PG Calc

Job description

Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

Position Information

Posting date 06/27/2025

Open Until Filled Yes

Position Number 0040801

Position Title Associate Director, Gift Planning

Hiring Range Minimum $78,700

Hiring Range Maximum $90,000

Union Type Not a Union Position

SEIU Level Not an SEIU Position

FLSA Status Exempt

Employment Category Regular Full Time

Scheduled Months per Year 12

Scheduled Hours per Week 40

Schedule M-F 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location of Position Remote Work Eligibility? Hybrid

Is this a term position? No

Is this a grant funded position? No

Position Purpose

Responsible for probate and estate settlement, for the undergraduate college and its professional schools. Manages the administration of life income plans, and engages with alumni, parents, friends, and Advancement colleagues to further relationship cultivation. Manages marketing, communications, engagement and stewardship strategies to support and raise awareness of planned gift vehicles.

Description

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience

• At least five years’ experience as a paralegal or in banking (trust department), deferred giving, fundraising or a related field
• Knowledge of estate planning, wills, trusts, IRA , gift annuities and beneficiary insurance policies and tax laws
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with appropriate discretion
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and schedule work, set priorities, and manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of the team; strong collaboration skills
• Good judgment and decision-making skills
• Expertise in operating database, spreadsheet, and Web-based software applications in a complex computer information system environment
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of PG Calc planned giving software

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries [e-mail]

Department Contact Phone Number 603-646-3925

Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title Cindy Hodgdon Welch, Associate Director of Advancement Business Operations

Department Contact's Phone Number 603-646-3925

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job? Not an essential function

Additional Instructions

Please note this position is not visa sponsorship eligible.

Responsible for probate and estate settlement trust administration in accordance with Dartmouth’s guidelines, fiduciary standards, trust agreements, wills, powers of attorney and all contracts. Communicates directly with attorneys, trustees, and advisors as well as with internal constituents in Finance, Legal Affairs, and Endowment Administration. Manages family expectations vs. governing document requirements. Acknowledges all estate planned gifts. Advises donors, volunteers and staff officers of the College and its professional schools of the various options and plans for planned giving. Prepares written materials about the intricacies of financial, legal, and tax-related aspects of charitable gift planning in order to engage donors. Supports other staff members working with donors on deferred and planned gifts such as trusts, charitable annuities, life insurance, wills, and bequests.

Percentage Of Time 25

Description

Manages the administration of the College’s life income plans by working closely with donors, beneficiaries, the Endowment Administration and Investment offices, and the program’s outside trust administrator. Develops an expertise in the management and administration of planned gifts. Manages/administers Dartmouth accounts with Kaspick & Company, including termination of trusts and gift annuity contracts, new gift information, and processing donor/beneficiary/advisor tax information. Acts as liaison and serves as an on-campus resource between Dartmouth and beneficiaries and among the offices of Endowment, Investments, General Counsel, and Kaspick & Company (Dartmouth’s current life income plan administrator).

Percentage Of Time 25

Description

Writes, edits, and proofreads gift proposals, solicitation and stewardship materials for donors, based on donors’ interests, resources and philanthropic priorities. Produces customized plan termination documents for estate executors and attorneys.

Percentage Of Time 20

Description

Acquires technical knowledge in tax, investment, and legal aspects of charitable giving and articulates clearly and effectively in discussions with prospective donors, their counsel, colleagues, and volunteers. Develops an expertise in the management and administration of planned gifts.

Percentage Of Time 10

Description

Researches, organizes, and prepares statistical data for donor/beneficiary reports and planned gift activity, monthly reports, special projects, etc.

Percentage Of Time 10

Description

Participates in long-range planning for the department and incorporates the needs of diverse populations in program planning.

Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Performes other duties as assigned.

Documents Needed to Apply

• Cover Letter
• Resume

• Additional Document #1

Dartmouth College Office of Human Resources | 7 Lebanon Street Suite 203 | Hanover, NH 03755 | Ph 603.646.3411 | [e-mail]