Director, Gift Planning

Director, Gift Planning

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

This position serves as a fundraising subject‑matter expert in planned giving arrangements and collaborates with colleagues across the three universities of the University of Illinois System. The role provides technical support and guidance related to gift planning, consulting with major gift officers, donors, and advisors on matters such as charitable gift planning, gift documentation, and tax considerations. The director secures major and planned giving commitments, manages a personal portfolio, and travels nationally to seek major gift support.

• 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, gift planning marketing responses, and analytics related to gift planning, identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards gift planning prospects and donors for each university and for the director’s own portfolio.
• 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, both personally and in guidance provided to others. Provides input into improvements and updates of department processes and documentation.
• In collaboration with University units, assists in the implementation of planned gift marketing strategies to prospects and donors and assists with fundraising campaigns.
• As appropriate and in cooperation with Advancement talent management staff, delivers training to internal and external stakeholders on gift planning techniques and administrative guidelines related to planned gift documentation.

• Bachelor's degree
• 5‑8 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 to advance gift planning strategies and stewardship for staff meetings and professional development. Occasional work on nights/ weekends and a valid driver's license are required.

• A Juris Doctorate (JD), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, or similar designation.
• Experience in a Higher Education institution is strongly preferred.
• Related advanced degree preferred.

The starting salary range for this position is projected to be $95,000 – $105,000 per year. Your comprehensive benefits package includes medical, vision, and dental coverage; company‑paid life insurance; generous vacation time (24 days annually); and generous pension benefits.

July 12th, 2026

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER