Director, Gift Policy - Remote Leadership in Philanthropy

University of California; Berkeley (CA); Remote; USD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Director, Gift Policy to lead complex gift agreements, risk management, and policy development within UDAR. This role oversees donor proposals, compliance with laws, and cross-functional coordination with campus counsel, finance, and research units. Strong contract law knowledge and leadership are essential.

Applicants will contribute to shaping Berkeley's fundraising strategy while guiding a high-volume workflow and a diverse team.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience within advancement operations, and 5+ years of progressively responsible experience applying contract administration principles and practices to complex agreements.
• Advanced experience with charitable gift agreements, tax-exempt organizations, higher education advancement, and writing or preparing complex gift agreements that comply with applicable federal and state conflict-of-interest laws, regulations and policies.
• Expert knowledge of charitable gift and fund agreement structures, including restricted and endowed funds, pledges, complex assets, private benefit and quid pro quo considerations, and long-term institutional obligations.
• Expert ability to analyze, draft, interpret and administer complex contractual terms; identify legal, financial, operational and reputational risk; and develop compliant alternatives that preserve donor intent and University interests.

Responsibilities

• Complex Gift Agreement Development and Administration - Leads intake, analysis, structuring, drafting, review, approval and completion of legally binding charitable gift agreements.
• Develops original and alternative language for complex gifts, endowments, pledges, capital projects, research-related philanthropy and other nonstandard arrangements.
• Translates donor intent and University commitments into precise terms governing purpose, use restrictions, payment schedules, stewardship, reporting, amendment and termination.
• Ensures agreements are complete, internally consistent, executable by authorized signatories and capable of long-term administration by campus units.
• Contract Compliance, Legal Analysis and Institutional Risk - Analyzes gift agreements for compliance with laws, tax-exempt requirements, ethics standards and campus policies.
• Evaluates provisions involving private benefit, quid pro quo, donor-advised funds, intellectual property, naming, academic freedom and related requirements.
• Assesses consequences of nonstandard terms; documents risk-based decisions; coordinates escalation to legal, compliance or executive authorities.
• Donor Intent Consultation and Agreement-Term Resolution - Advises on honoring donor objectives within constraints; leads consultative exchanges to clarify terms and develop compliant alternatives.
• Portfolio Leadership, Quality Assurance and Work Direction - Provides leadership for high-volume portfolio management, quality review and timely completion.
• People Leadership and Supervisory Accountability - Provides strategic leadership and supervision to gift policy professionals; ensures alignment with institutional priorities.
• Cross-Functional and UC Systemwide Coordination - Serves as liaison among UDAR, campus counsel, UCOP and other partners; coordinates cross-jurisdictional reviews.
• Agreement Standards, Templates, Guidance and Education - Develops standards, templates, procedures and guidance for gift contracting processes.
• Professional Development - Maintains expert knowledge and participates in networks to apply best practices in gift agreements and risk management.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. (Required)

Job description

The University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Director, Gift Policy to lead complex gift agreements, risk management, and policy development within UDAR. This role oversees donor proposals, compliance with laws, and cross-functional coordination with campus counsel, finance, and research units. Strong contract law knowledge and leadership are essential.

Applicants will contribute to shaping Berkeley's fundraising strategy while guiding a high-volume workflow and a diverse team.