Executive Director, Gift Planning & Donor Strategy

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NC State University is seeking an Executive Director of Gift Planning to lead a campus-wide program, integrate gift planning with fundraising strategy, and manage complex gifts across colleges. The role requires strategic oversight, collaboration with Advancement, and alignment with institutional priorities.

Reporting to Advancement leadership, the director will build a high-performing team, track metrics, and provide regular reports while traveling as needed to engage donors and advisors in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in institutional advancement.
• Deep knowledge of estate planning vehicles and gift planning strategies.
• Ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Strong relationship-building skills with donors and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Develop a broad strategic plan for an integrated, proactive gift planning program.
• Lead, supervise, and develop the gift planning staff and manage performance.
• Oversee marketing, analytics, and stewardship activities aligned with goals.
• Secure and steward commitments through complex gift discussions.
• Represent Gift Planning in internal and external settings and share best practices.

Skills

Gift planning

Strategic leadership

Donor relations

Team management

Stakeholder collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Donor databases

Gift planning software

Microsoft Office

Job description

NC State University is seeking an Executive Director of Gift Planning to lead a campus-wide program, integrate gift planning with fundraising strategy, and manage complex gifts across colleges. The role requires strategic oversight, collaboration with Advancement, and alignment with institutional priorities.

Reporting to Advancement leadership, the director will build a high-performing team, track metrics, and provide regular reports while traveling as needed to engage donors and advisors in a