Executive Director of Gift Planning

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Dental Vision

Flexible Spending

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Tuition Assistance

Job summary

NC State University in Raleigh seeks an Executive Director of Gift Planning to lead a campus-wide program for gift planning, estate gifts, and strategic fundraising. You will guide strategy, compliance, and stewardship while collaborating across Advancement to advance priorities.

The role requires proven leadership, expertise in complex gifts, and the ability to grow the donor pipeline. Travel evenings/weekends may be necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of progressive experience in institutional advancement.
• Deep knowledge of estate planning vehicles and gift planning strategies.
• Proven success in securing planned gift commitments.
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Ability to synthesize complex donor, financial, and institutional information.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strategic plan for an integrated gift planning program.
• Lead a proactive program serving all colleges and units with active pipeline growth.
• Oversee estates and complex gifts, partnering with legal and financial advisors.
• Build relationships with volunteers and staff to secure gifts and prepare proposals.
• Provide training and guidance on planned giving concepts to staff.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Analytical

Donor engagement

Team development

Stakeholder management

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Tools

Donor databases

Planned giving software

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Job description

Executive Director of Gift Planning

Location: Raleigh, NC | Department: University Development | Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00 with nights/weekends as needed; flexible work arrangements available.

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 role 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.

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.

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:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• 8 or more years of progressive experience in institutional advancement or a related field.
• 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 and must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

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.

Position Details

• Position Type: EPS/SAAO
• FTE: 1.00
• Appointment: 12‑Month Recurring
• Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non‑Mandatory
• Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non‑Mandatory
• Department ID: 082001 - University Development

EEO Statement

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. 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.