Executive Director of Gift Planning

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

NC State University in Raleigh, NC seeks an Executive Director of Gift Planning to provide strategic direction and oversee a campus-wide gift planning program. You will partner across Advancement to integrate gift planning into fundraising strategy and manage complex, deferred gifts.

The role leads a team, develops policies, and ensures donor service quality while tracking performance metrics and reporting to Advancement leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years in institutional advancement or related field.
• Deep knowledge of estate planning vehicles and gift planning strategies; solid understanding of related tax considerations.
• Proven success securing significant planned gift commitments and leading complex discussions
• Ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams and cross‑functional partnerships

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for a campus-wide gift planning program.
• Lead identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gift planning prospects.
• Oversee compliant administration of planned and complex gifts and estates.
• Partner with legal, financial, and internal stakeholders to secure commitments.
• Prepare regular reports to Advancement leadership and college/unit leaders.

Skills

Strategic planning

Donor engagement

Staff leadership

Relationship building

Communication

Estate planning knowledge

Project management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

8+ years advancement experience

Tools

Donor databases

Planned giving software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Executive Director of Gift Planning

Location: Raleigh, NC

Work Schedule: Mon‑Fri 8:00 – 5:00 with nights/weekends as needed; flexible work arrangements available

Responsibilities

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.

• Lead and manage 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 subject‑matter expert on complex and deferred gift strategies and advise on best practices across Advancement

Leadership & Team Development

• 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 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

Awareness & Engagement

• Collaborate with colleges, units, and affiliated foundations to align gift planning with institutional priorities and fundraising initiatives
• Develop and implement 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

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• 8 or more years of progressive experience in institutional advancement or related field
• Proven knowledge of legal and tax regulations governing charitable gift planning

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

Mandatory Licenses and Certifications

• A valid North Carolina Driver’s License must be obtained within 60 days of the start date and must be maintained as a condition of employment

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex‑offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor‑vehicle checks. Degrees must be obtained prior to the 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.