Director of Gift Planning & Major Gifts Strategy

Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern University in Evanston, IL seeks a Director of Gift Planning to identify, cultivate, and solicit planned gifts, managing a portfolio of prospects and advising major gift officers across the university and its schools.

The role involves supervising up to two fundraisers, developing gift planning strategies, and collaborating with Principal Gifts and Major Gifts teams to maximize donor engagement and dollars raised.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher required; or appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years of development experience, including gift planning.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and confidentiality skills.
• Experience managing fundraising professionals and collaborating across units.

Responsibilities

• Builds and maintains a portfolio of donor/prospect relationships and solicits/ closes major gifts ($100K+) annually.
• Supervises up to 2 fundraisers and coaches their development.
• Provides expertise in planned giving vehicles and supports fundraising strategy.
• Collaborates with various teams to advance Northwestern's gift planning initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with prospect management guidelines and reporting.

Skills

Public speaking

Donor relations

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

J.D. from an accredited law school

Tools

Crescendo

PG Calc

Salesforce

Job description

Northwestern University in Evanston, IL seeks a Director of Gift Planning to identify, cultivate, and solicit planned gifts, managing a portfolio of prospects and advising major gift officers across the university and its schools.

The role involves supervising up to two fundraisers, developing gift planning strategies, and collaborating with Principal Gifts and Major Gifts teams to maximize donor engagement and dollars raised.