Legacy & Planned Giving Director

Illinois State University; Normal, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision

Life insurance

Retirement options

Tuition waiver

Paid holidays

Paid benefit time

Job summary

Illinois State University is seeking a Director of Planned Giving to provide strategic leadership for the university’s planned and legacy giving initiatives. The role focuses on growing the $138+ million planned giving pipeline, engaging Heritage Society donors, and embedding gift planning strategies across development efforts.

The director will manage a portfolio of prospects, work with advisors, and advance strategic campaigns through effective marketing, education, and performance measurement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Five+ years of professional work in planned giving, major gifts, or related field.
• Proven success cultivating and closing major gifts (including $500k+).
• Knowledge of charitable gift planning vehicles (bequests, trusts, annuities).
• Ability to translate complex financial concepts for donors and advisors.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planned giving program and growth of the deferred gifts pipeline.
• Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors.
• Collaborate with development officers, donors, and professional advisors to secure gifts.
• Integrate planned gift strategies into major and principal gift proposals.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Relationship cultivation

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Illinois State University is seeking a Director of Planned Giving to provide strategic leadership for the university’s planned and legacy giving initiatives. The role focuses on growing the $138+ million planned giving pipeline, engaging Heritage Society donors, and embedding gift planning strategies across development efforts.

The director will manage a portfolio of prospects, work with advisors, and advance strategic campaigns through effective marketing, education, and performance measurement.