Senior Director of Gift Planning

TheNIUFoundation seeks an accomplished, strategic, and highly collaborative
Senior Director of Gift Planning
to lead and expand a comprehensive gift planning program at Northern Illinois University, a dynamic, public Research 2 (R2) university.

In this leadership role, you will serve as a trusted philanthropic advisor, partnering with donors, their families, professional advisors, andNIUFoundation colleagues to design meaningful charitable giving strategies that align personal values with institutional priorities. You will provide strategic direction for the gift planning program, inspire transformational philanthropy, and cultivate enduring relationships which advance the universitys mission, enhance student success, and strengthen NIUs future.

Working alongside a talented Foundation team, you will drive innovative gift planning initiatives, secure significant planned and blended gifts, and serve as a recognized expert in charitable planning to amplify collective impact. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape a growing program, influence institution-wide fundraising success, and help donors create legacies that will benefit Northern Illinois University for generations to come.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Philanthropy and partnering closely with colleagues across theNIUFoundation and University, the Senior Director of Gift Planning serves as a key leader in advancing the institutions philanthropic mission through strategic gift planning and donor engagement by:

• Providing strategic leadership for a comprehensive and collaborative gift planning program
  , driving growth, innovation, and integration across the Foundations fundraising efforts.
• Developing and executing an ambitious, data-informed strategy
  to expand planned giving opportunities, increase donor participation, and generate long-term philanthropic support for the universitys highest priorities.
• Serving as the Foundations principal gift planning expert and trusted advisor
  , consulting with Foundation colleagues, university leaders, faculty, staff, donors, and professional advisors on charitable planning strategies and complex gift opportunities.
• Overseeing critical operational functions
  , including gift documentation, estate administration, grant administration, policy compliance, and the stewardship and realization of planned gifts, ensuring exceptional donor service and fiduciary responsibility.
• Partnering with donors and their families to create meaningful philanthropic legacies
  , aligning their values and aspirations with opportunities that transform the future of Northern Illinois University.
• Building strong partnerships across the university and within the professional advisor community
  , fostering collaboration that enhances donor engagement, broadens awareness of gift planning opportunities, and advances institutional fundraising success.

We are seeking a self-motivated, metrics-driven professional who thrives in a collaborative, matrixed environment. To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Proven Fundraising Excellence:Demonstrated success in progressive development roles, with a strong track record of securing six- and seven-figure planned, major, and blended gifts in a higher education setting.
• Advanced Gift Planning Expertise:Deep knowledge of charitable gift planning vehicles, estate planning principles, tax-advantaged giving strategies, and gift documentation. Ability to translate complex financial and philanthropic concepts into donor-centered solutions that align personal values with institutional priorities.
• A Collaborative Approach:Exceptional ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and influence outcomes across a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, professional advisors, senior administrators, faculty, volunteers, and Foundation colleagues. A team-oriented leader who contributes meaningfully to division-wide success.
• Strategic & Analytical Thinking:Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information, evaluate opportunities, and develop effective strategies that advance ambitious fundraising goals and long-term institutional priorities.
• Drive & Adaptability:Self-motivated and results-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic environment. Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and flexibility while managing multiple priorities and responding effectively to evolving opportunities and challenges.
• Exceptional Communication and Relationship-Building
  
  Skills:
  
  Outstanding written, presentation, and interpersonal communication abilities. Skilled at engaging diverse audiences, facilitating meaningful conversations about philanthropy, and inspiring confidence among donors, professional advisors, and institutional leaders.
• Commitment to Stewardship and Service:Demonstrated ability to cultivate authentic, long-term donor relationships through thoughtful engagement, exceptional service, and a commitment to honoring donor…