Executive Director of Gift Planning

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

Posting Information

Posting Number

PG194761EP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

Executive Director of Gift Planning

Anticipated Hiring Range

Commensurate with experience and education

Work Schedule

Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00 with nights/weekends as needed; flexible work arrangements available

Job Location

University Development Department

Department

University Development

About the Department

North Carolina State University was founded in 1887 with the purpose of creating economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today, NC State is the largest university in North Carolina, with more than 40,500 high-performing students, more than 10,000 preeminent faculty and staff and more than 310,000 dedicated alumni. NC State is a Research One (R1) university known for its leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We’re also at the forefront of teaching and discovery in agriculture, business, design, education, humanities and social sciences, natural resources, textiles and veterinary medicine. NC State is consistently named as one of the best values in higher education, and many of our programs are ranked at the top of their respective disciplines. We take a great deal of pride in our collaborative, supportive and collegial team culture. All staff are provided opportunities for training and professional development, with an eye to personalized career growth.

Mission of University Advancement

The mission of University Advancement at NC State is to amplify the university’s local and global impact by nurturing lifelong relationships, championing philanthropy and strengthening the Wolfpack community. The division is composed of six teams — Advancement Services; Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving; Finance, Administration and Talent Management; Principal Gifts Program; University Development; and University Special Events and Experiences — that build relationships across the university and beyond to ensure a best-in-class experience for alumni, friends and donors.

University Development Overview

University Development raises philanthropic support for university goals and priorities that benefit NC State’s students, faculty, campus and, ultimately, the state of North Carolina by working closely and strategically with teams throughout University Advancement and within the university’s colleges, units and programs. The department includes the offices of Central Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Development Communications and Stewardship, Gift Planning and Prospect Development,

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development, the Executive Director for Gift Planning serves as the university’s senior leader for gift planning, providing strategic direction, oversight, and execution of a comprehensive, campus-wide program. The Executive Director partners across Advancement to integrate gift planning into fundraising strategy, supports complex and deferred gifts, and ensures alignment with institutional priorities and industry best practices.

Other Responsibilities

Develop a broad strategic plan for an integrated, proactive gift planning program:

• Lead and manage a comprehensive, proactive gift planning program serving all colleges and units, focused on expanding and sustaining the pipeline of active prospects through effective strategy, operations, and performance metrics
• Develop and implement strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gift planning prospects, including active portfolio management
• Establish and refine policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure high-quality donor service, compliance, and effective administration of planned and complex gifts
• Oversee the full lifecycle of planned gifts, including estates, and partner with legal, financial, and internal stakeholders to secure and steward commitments
• Serve as a subject matter expert on complex and deferred gift strategies and advise on best practices across Advancement

Lead and develop a high-performing gift planning team and drive strategic collaboration across advancement and the university:

• Lead, supervise, and develop gift planning staff, including performance management, recruitment, and professional growth
• Oversee team operations, including marketing, training, analytics, and stewardship activities, ensuring alignment with program goals
• Develop customized proposals and work with advisors as necessary
• Build effective relationships with volunteers and staff to cultivate prospects, write proposals, visit prospects and help to close gifts; ensure that gift planning opportunities are included in all appropriate solicitation strategies
• Provide training and guidance to advancement staff on planned giving concepts and opportunities
• Evaluate program effectiveness, track key performance indicators, and adjust strategies to strengthen outcomes
• Prepare and present regular reports to Advancement leadership, including the Vice Chancellor and college/unit leaders

Based on a clear understanding of the mission of University Advancement, increase awareness of NC State’s gift planning opportunities:

• Collaborate with colleges, units, and affiliated foundations to align gift planning with institutional priorities and fundraising initiatives
• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing, communications, and stewardship strategy to increase awareness and engagement
• Create and deliver educational programming for staff, donors, alumni, and volunteers to expand the pipeline of gift planning prospects
• Prepare and present reports and strategic insights to Advancement leadership to inform decision-making and campaign planning
• Represent Gift Planning and Advancement in internal and external settings and maintain active engagement with industry trends and professional organizations

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• 8 or more years of progressive experience in institutional advancement or a related field.
• A proven track record of excellent knowledge of the legal and tax regulations governing charitable gift planning.

Other Required Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of estate planning vehicles and gift planning strategies, including wills, trusts, life income gifts, and related tax considerations.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant planned gift commitments and participating in complex gift discussions.
• Ability to synthesize complex donor, financial, and institutional information to develop and execute effective gift planning strategies.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams, including coaching, performance management, and staff development.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust-based, effective partnerships across a large, complex organization, including with faculty, administrators, and development colleagues.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage, influence, and steward high-level donors, volunteers, and advisors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex gift planning concepts to varied audiences.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism, with sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented leader with a high level of initiative, creativity, and accountability.
• Ability to effectively utilize donor databases, planned giving software, and Microsoft Office tools to support program goals.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed to support donor engagement and program objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising other personnel.
• Experience in law, accounting, financial planning, or trust/estate administration.
• Knowledge of best practices in charitable gift planning as evidenced by presentations, publications, or experience in a high-performing gift planning office.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• A valid North Carolina Driver’s License is required within 60 days of start date. Must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required

Yes

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date 07/17/2026

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail]. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.