Senior Director, Gift & Estate Planning Strategy

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Houston seeks a senior development professional to lead the Gift and Estate Planning program for an assigned college, integrating annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate support, and stewardship.

You will manage a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, collaborate with academic and university leadership, and oversee budget and staff while expanding donor relations and alumni engagement across the college and university.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years of professional fundraising or related experience.
• Ability to interact with the public.
• Deep knowledge of gift planning arrangements.
• Ability to develop relationships with donors and leadership.
• Documented success in securing deferred gifts.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Advanced writing skills.
• Education or experience may substitute for each other.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior member of the Gift and Estate Planning team, providing expertise in deferred and complex gift matters.
• Participate in marketing strategies with internal/external partners.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit current and prospective donors.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects.
• Plan and implement planned giving strategies with donors and officers.
• Provide technical guidance to staff on estate planning options.
• Collaborate with finance, legal and advancement teams to enhance gift planning operations.
• Maintain knowledge of gift planning methods and serve as SMEs for internal staff.
• Promote positive donor relations and stewardship.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Communications

Proposal writing

Stakeholder management

Education

Baccalaureate degree

Job description

The University of Houston seeks a senior development professional to lead the Gift and Estate Planning program for an assigned college, integrating annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate support, and stewardship.

You will manage a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, collaborate with academic and university leadership, and oversee budget and staff while expanding donor relations and alumni engagement across the college and university.