Planned Giving Officer

Kentucky State University; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a Planned Giving Officer to manage a portfolio of 75-90 top donors, cultivate relationships, and secure planned gifts. The role requires strong communication skills, database management experience, and a Bachelor’s degree. Ideal candidates should have knowledge of planned giving techniques and be able to work collaboratively with various departments. This is a full-time, on-site position in Frankfort, KY, with no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least two years experience in higher education or the nonprofit sector.
• Strong understanding of planned giving techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 75-90 planned gift donors.
• Educate donors about planned giving options.
• Collaborate with legal professionals for planned gift arrangements.

Skills

Donor database management

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree in philanthropy or nonprofit management

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Fundraising databases

Job description

TITLE: Planned Giving Officer

DEPARTMENT: Office of Institutional Advancement and External Relations

REPORTS TO: VP of Institutional Advancement

CLASSIFICATION: Staff -12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus | Frankfort, KY

Kentucky State University is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Planned Giving Officer to join the Office of Institutional Advancement team. The Planned Giving Officer will be responsible for curating and managing a portfolio comprising 75‑90 top current and potential planned gift donors. This position plays a key role in building lasting relationships with donors, securing planned gifts, and advancing the university's mission.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Portfolio Management

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 75‑90 top current and potential planned gift donors.
• Develop and implement personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor within the portfolio.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of interactions with donors using the university's database system.

Planned Giving Strategies

• Educate donors about various planned giving options, including bequests, charitable remainder trusts, and charitable gift annuities.
• Collaborate with legal and financial professionals to facilitate planned gift arrangements.
• Stay updated on tax laws and regulations related to planned giving and effectively communicate these changes to donors.

Relationship Building

• Build and nurture relationships with alumni, friends, and other potential donors to increase planned giving commitments.
• Organize and attend events to engage donors and promote planned giving opportunities.
• Provide excellent customer service to donors, ensuring their philanthropic goals align with the university's priorities.

Collaboration and Reporting

• Collaborate with colleagues within the Office of Institutional Advancement and other university departments to identify and prioritize planned giving prospects.
• Prepare regular reports on planned giving activities, including donor visits, proposals, and commitments, for the university leadership.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Experience with management of a donor database. Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software programs quickly.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and inspire donors and colleagues.
• A passion for accuracy and sharp attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Valid driver’s license.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES

• Assist with other fundraising initiatives and events as assigned by the VP of Institutional Advancement and External Relations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in philanthropy, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.
• At least two years of experience in higher education or the non‑profit sector. Previous experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or IT is a plus.
• Strong understanding of planned giving techniques and tax implications.
• Proficiency in using fundraising databases and software.
• Knowledge and understanding of Kentucky State University’s history, mission, and values is an asset.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work could involve some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Requires some standing or walking.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Some travel required.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.