Associate Director, Gift Planning

Associate Director, Gift Planning

The University of Illinois Foundation (Foundation) is the official fundraising and private gift‑receiving organization of the University of Illinois (University). It works closely with alumni and friends, faculty and staff, corporations and foundations, as well as campus development professionals to create fundraising programs and opportunities that benefit the University.

Job Type: Full‑time

Location: The position may be based in Chicago or Champaign, IL.

• Provides accurate and timely guidance, calculations, proposals, documents, and other assistance to development officers, outside advisors, donors, and other inquiring parties with regard to the technical aspects of outright and deferred gifts; including tax, estate, and financial considerations. Serves as a liaison from the UIF Office of Gift Planning and Trust Services to the three universities of the U of I System, including Chicago, Urbana‑Champaign, and Springfield.
• Provides guidance to prospects and donors regarding charitable giving options as well as funding opportunities pertaining to universities, colleges, departments, and programs. Maintains and manages a portfolio of prospects and donors.
• Through donor‑initiated gift planning inquiries, marketing responses, and analytics, identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards gift planning prospects and donors for each university and for its own portfolio of prospects.
• Stays current with and maintains professional knowledge about tax laws, regulatory changes, industry best practices, standards and other technical aspects of charitable gift planning.
• Ensures that all University and UIF administrative standards, procedures and processes are followed, and provides input into improvements and updates of department processes and documentation.
• Assists in the implementation of planned gift marketing strategies to prospects and donors and supports fundraising campaigns.
• Delivers training to internal and external stakeholders on gift planning techniques and administrative guidelines related to planned gift documentation.

• Bachelor's degree
• 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, charitable gift planning, or related areas of law, taxation, trusts, or investments.
• Exemplary integrity, relationship‑building skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytic ability, oral and written communication skills, resourcefulness, and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to travel as needed; occasional work on nights/weekends and a valid driver’s license required.

• A Juris Doctorate (JD), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, and/or similar designation.
• Experience in a higher education institution.
• Related advanced degree.

Salary: $80,000–90,000 per year.

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Generous vacation time (24 days annually)
• Qualified pension benefits

Final date to receive applications:
July 12th, 2026

The University of Illinois Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.