Director of Planned Giving

Saint Peter's University; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with Roth and Traditional

Tuition remission

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Life & disability insurance

Job summary

Saint Peter’s University seeks a strategic Director of Planned Giving to develop and manage a comprehensive program that secures bequests, trusts, annuities, and other deferred gifts. The role reports to leadership and partners with Advancement colleagues to educate donors and advance the university’s mission.

You will lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and donor satisfaction across a wide portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in planned giving or related fundraising roles.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles, tax and estate concepts, and gift documentation processes.
• Ability to explain complex financial concepts to donors with clarity and empathy.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive planned giving program.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors.
• Collaborate with marketing to create planned giving content and materials.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, reporting accuracy, and donor satisfaction.
• Coordinate with legal and finance teams on gift structuring and documentation.

Skills

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Communication

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Analytical skills

CRM systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree

CFRE preferred

Tools

Raiser's Edge NXT

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Saint Peter’s UniversitySaint Peter’s is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1872, the University blends a unique learning experience shaped by rigorous academics, internships that provide real-world experience, community service, and a genuine, caring community that supports alumni long after graduation. Saint Peter’s offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as master’s level and doctorate program.Saint Peter’s University’s diverse campus community, collegial and inclusive culture, and commitment to excellence, education, innovation and community engagement contribute to our success and ensures our employees flourish. The University merges quality academics, distinguished and exceptional faculty and staff, and modern facilities to engage and challenge its 4,000 students who share in the desire to shape the future through insight, intellectual exploration, discernment, and community service and engagement.Job Summary:The Director of Planned Giving is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive planned giving program to secure deferred and complex gifts in support of the university’s mission and strategic priorities. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Leadership and Planned Giving, the Director plays a critical role in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni and friends who include the university in their estate and financial plans. This position provides leadership for the university’s charitable gift annuity and charitable remainder trust programs, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and donor satisfaction. The Director also oversees planned giving marketing efforts, collaborating with internal and external partners to educate and engage prospective donors on the benefits and impact of planned gifts.Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership and Program OversightDevelop, manage, and grow a comprehensive planned giving program that includes bequests, charitable trusts, gift annuities, beneficiary designations, gifts of property, and other deferred giving vehicles.Partner with the Assistant Vice President for Leadership and Planned Giving to establish annual and long-term goals, strategies, and performance metrics for planned giving.Provide expertise and guidance to advancement colleagues and university leadership regarding planned giving opportunities and donor strategies.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of tax laws, estate planning, and charitable giving trends.Coordinate with the university’s finance and legal teams, external advisors, and vendors to manage the university’s charitable gift annuity program, ensuring regulatory compliance, accurate reporting, and timely payments.Provide donors with clear, accurate illustrations and information regarding charitable gift annuities and other planned giving vehicles.Donor Cultivation, Solicitation & StewardshipIdentify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors.Conduct personalized outreach, including visits, correspondence, and events, to strengthen relationships and encourage planned gifts.Collaborate with colleagues in the Office of Institutional Advancement and Strategic Engagement to integrate planned giving into overall fundraising strategies.Work with legal, financial, and estate advisors to structure and document planned gifts that meet donor objectives and university policies.Marketing & Communications:Oversee the creation and execution of a comprehensive marketing plan for planned giving, including print, digital, and event-based outreach.Collaborate with external vendors and colleagues in Saint Peter’s Communications and Marketing department to produce compelling marketing content (i.e. printed materials, websites, articles in the Saint Peter’s University Magazine, etc.) that highlights donor impact and educates constituents on giving options.Track and evaluate marketing efforts to ensure effectiveness and alignment with fundraising goals.Collaboration & Institutional EngagementServe as an internal resource and subject matter expert for colleagues, faculty, and volunteers regarding planned giving strategies and donor engagement.Support recognition efforts for legacy society members and coordinate stewardship activities for planned giving donors.Participate in advancement and university events to promote planned giving awareness.Contribute to the division’s culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared success.Any other duty or responsibility assigned by the supervisorSalary Range: $100,000 - $135,000Benefits:Along with a competitive salary, we provide a robust benefits package to support your health and future goals.Key Benefits Include:Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, personal days, vacation, and sick leaveHealth Coverage: Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insuranceLife Insurance: Employer-provided life insuranceLife & Disability Insurance: Voluntary life and voluntary disability coverageRetirement Savings: 401(k) plan with Roth and Traditional optionsTuition Remission: An attractive tuition remission policy for employees and their dependentsAdditional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Voluntary Legal plan, FSA and moreThe well-being of our employees is a priority for our University, and we are committed to promoting your success and well-being.Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification (e.g., JD, CFP, CFRE, or CAP) preferred.Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in planned giving, major gifts, or related fundraising roles, preferably in higher education.Demonstrated knowledge of planned giving vehicles, tax and estate planning concepts, and gift documentation processes.Must have a proven track record of securing and managing planned gifts.Ability to explain complex financial concepts to donors in a clear and compassionate manner.Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.Superior written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to draft high-level communications and present persuasively.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain robust relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, board members, donors, and alumni.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced knowledge of CRM/fundraising platforms (e.g. Blackbaud’s The Raisers Edge NXT).Unparalleled personal integrity and respect for confidentiality, prudence and discretion.Commitment to ethical fundraising practices, data integrity, and compliance with relevant standards (e.g., CASE, IRS).Ability to speak clearly and communicate proficiently in English.Must possess a valid driver’s license, and have access to a personal vehicle. Local and national travel is expected, as is a willingness to work outside normal business hours, as needed.Organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.Commitment to community engagement, service, leadership development, or related work.Preferred Qualifications:Experience developing and maintaining community partnerships.Experience working directly with community-based organizations.Familiarity with service-learning, civic engagement, volunteer management, or leadership development programs.