Director, Gift Planning & Major Gifts

University of Illinois Foundation; United States; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Comprehensive benefits package

Pension benefits

Job summary

The University of Illinois Foundation seeks a Director of Gift Planning to serve as a technical expert on planned giving. The role collaborates with campuses across the UI System to guide gift planning, manage a donor portfolio, and ensure compliance with policies and laws.

Occasional travel nationally is required. The position emphasizes strategic fundraising, tax awareness, and leadership in marketing planned gifts while supporting objectives across three universities and UIF.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5–8 years in fundraising, charitable gift planning, or related areas.
• Exemplary integrity, relationship-building skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytic ability, oral and written communication skills, resourcefulness, and strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on outright and deferred gifts, including tax, estate, and financial considerations.
• Liaise with UIF Office of Gift Planning and the three U of I system universities.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors for gift planning.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gift planning prospects and donors.
• Stay current with tax laws and best practices in charitable gift planning.
• Ensure compliance with university and UIF standards and improve processes.
• Deliver training on gift planning techniques and documentation.

Skills

Fundraising

Gift planning

Relationship-building

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctorate (JD)

CFP designation

Advanced degree

Job description

The University of Illinois Foundation seeks a Director of Gift Planning to serve as a technical expert on planned giving. The role collaborates with campuses across the UI System to guide gift planning, manage a donor portfolio, and ensure compliance with policies and laws.

Occasional travel nationally is required. The position emphasizes strategic fundraising, tax awareness, and leadership in marketing planned gifts while supporting objectives across three universities and UIF.