Strategic Director, Planned Giving & Legacy Gifts

CASE; Normal (IL); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition waiver

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Illinois State University seeks a Director of Planned Giving to provide strategic leadership for its planned and legacy giving program. The role focuses on growing deferred gift commitments, expanding the Heritage Society, and embedding gift planning strategies across development.

The Director will manage a portfolio of donors and work with advisors to secure long-term commitments. Reporting to the Development-Fundraising division, this role emphasizes marketing, donor education, and performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of five years in planned giving or related field.
• Proven success in soliciting and stewarding major gifts.
• Knowledge of gift planning vehicles and blended gifts.
• Ability to translate complex concepts for donors and advisors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience building strategy and measuring performance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work across departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Illinois State University’s planned giving program and pipeline growth.
• Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors.
• Collaborate with donors, advisors, and university partners to secure commitments.
• Embed planned/ blended gift strategies in major gift proposals.
• Measure performance and continuously improve the program.
• Educate donors and staff about planned gift opportunities.

Skills

Planned giving

Donor cultivation

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Illinois State University seeks a Director of Planned Giving to provide strategic leadership for its planned and legacy giving program. The role focuses on growing deferred gift commitments, expanding the Heritage Society, and embedding gift planning strategies across development.

The Director will manage a portfolio of donors and work with advisors to secure long-term commitments. Reporting to the Development-Fundraising division, this role emphasizes marketing, donor education, and performance