Executive Director of Gift Planning

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

Job summary

North Carolina State University’s University Advancement is seeking an Executive Director for Gift Planning to report to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development. This senior leader will direct a campus-wide gift planning program, aligning strategy with fundraising priorities and best practices to grow the pipeline of active prospects and steward complex gifts.

You will lead a high-performing team, partner with colleges and units, and ensure compliant operations, estates, and

Job description

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.

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