Senior Director, Major Gifts - Gift Planning

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Individual Giving, the Sr Director of Major Gifts, Gift Planning will develop a broad strategic plan for an integrated, proactive gift planning program that is designed to maximize fundraising potential from prospects and provide stewardship to donors. The Sr Director will be responsible for the execution of this plan including monitoring its success and assessing necessary course corrections to meet its stated goals.

The Sr Director will oversee and manage the current gift planning portfolio, which includes Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Gift Annuities, Pooled Income Funds, Bequests and Life Estates. He/She will act as main point of contact with outside, third party administrators. The Sr Director will work to successfully identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects as a part of the overall University Advancement strategy and as an integral part of a campaign.

The Sr Director will work in collaboration with Northeastern’s colleges, centers, and the central advancement team to cultivate planned giving support for the university. While conducting all duties, the Sr. Director shall adhere to the university’s compliance and internal control guidelines.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically about relationships with prospects, and to articulate mission and core initiatives clearly, and to synthesize these concisely and persuasively to excite and entice prospects.
• A bachelor’s degree is required; additional course or degree work in the areas of Gift planning, financial planning, estate planning, tax planning, legal studies or management.
• At least 10 years of gift planning or equivalent experience in the charitable asset management, legal or financial planning field including gift planning responsibilities in a higher education context; ability to manage a development program and team across a complex structure.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically about relationships with prospects, and to clearly articulate mission and core initiatives and to synthesize these concisely and persuasively to excite and entice prospects.
• A high level of self-confidence, creativity, enthusiasm, self-motivation and energy needed to undertake diverse responsibilities and effectively engage and cultivate key prospects.
• Strong communications and marketing acumen; demonstrated ability to create communications documents for internal and external education.
• Thorough understanding of gift planning concepts: income, gift and estate tax issues; knowledge of financial and estate planning and ability to articulate these concepts to others.
• Proven capacity to work independently on several projects in parallel; strong organizational planning skills, Customer-oriented focus, and high follow-up and responsiveness.
• Experience managing professional staff, as well as the patience and maturity for working with volunteers and enjoyment in meeting and relating to people on an one-to-one basis.
• The desire to work in an entrepreneurial environment; the creativity, energy, and political savvy required to introduce and champion new ideas; the ability to influence, while maintaining the spirit of collaboration.
• Honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, and perspective; a very strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow-through.
• Planning, financial planning, estate planning, tax planning, legal studies or management.
• Experience with Gift Planning software is necessary.

• Responsible for managing full-service comprehensive, pro-active gift planning program that includes service to all of the colleges and programs to maintain and expand the pool of active prospects.
• Develop strategies for identification, cultivation, and solicitation of gift planning prospects.
• Develop and revise policies, procedures, and guidelines designed to increase customer service: ensure that gift planning prospects and donors receive accurate information and high quality service with regard to their gifts, are properly thanked, and feel…