What are the responsibilities and job description for the Philanthropy Assoc Spec/Gift & Est Plan position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title
Philanthropy Assoc Spec/Gift & Est Plan
Requisition Number
RE53574
Working Title
Gift Planning Operations Manager
Department Name
14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
45
Salary Range
$47,278-78,000/year
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
4 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Must have ability to maneuver through different buildings on and off campus. Be seated for long periods of time and performing repetitive motion work.
Shift
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Monday – Friday; Some nights and weekends
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (PAE), Gift Planning team is seeking a detail-driven, relationship-minded Operations Manager to help ensure legacy gifts are received smoothly, documented accurately, and applied exactly as donors intend, advancing UK’s mission for generations to come.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, this role helps manage trust and estate distributions from initiation through receipt and closeout. You will coordinate with external partners including executors, trustees, attorneys, fund administrators, and investment advisors to facilitate transfers of estate, trust, beneficiary-designated assets (retirement and bank accounts), insurance, and annuity gifts. Internally, you’ll partner across PAE and campus stakeholders to route proceeds efficiently, prepare and manage documentation, and support the implementation of donor intent.
This position blends operational judgment, data fluency, and stewardship communications. You will oversee day-to-day administration of the charitable life insurance pool (premium communications, policy actions, and record keeping), maintain planned giving databases and reporting tools, and produce gift illustrations that support both solicitations and donor stewardship. You’ll also help strengthen planned giving outreach by developing and managing marketing and communications that build awareness, identify new legacy prospects, and steward Limestone Society members. In addition, you will support the full gift agreement life cycle by drafting and coordinating routine and complex agreements serving as a trusted liaison who aligns stakeholders around donor intent, institutional standards, and compliance requirements.
The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement is built on our shared core values CoMMIT– Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation and Transparency.
By applying for a position within UK PAE, you are indicating your commitment and expressing your agreement to our six values. It is important you share these values in order to be part of our committed team!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Expertise with Microsoft Office Suite; Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively and persuasively.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
Juris Doctor (JD) is strongly preferred along with the following certifications: Paralegal Certification; Chartered Life Underwriter (“CLU”)
Deadline To Apply
04/26/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Philanthropy Assoc Spec/Gift & Est Plan
Requisition Number
RE53574
Working Title
Gift Planning Operations Manager
Department Name
14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
45
Salary Range
$47,278-78,000/year
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
4 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Must have ability to maneuver through different buildings on and off campus. Be seated for long periods of time and performing repetitive motion work.
Shift
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Monday – Friday; Some nights and weekends
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (PAE), Gift Planning team is seeking a detail-driven, relationship-minded Operations Manager to help ensure legacy gifts are received smoothly, documented accurately, and applied exactly as donors intend, advancing UK’s mission for generations to come.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, this role helps manage trust and estate distributions from initiation through receipt and closeout. You will coordinate with external partners including executors, trustees, attorneys, fund administrators, and investment advisors to facilitate transfers of estate, trust, beneficiary-designated assets (retirement and bank accounts), insurance, and annuity gifts. Internally, you’ll partner across PAE and campus stakeholders to route proceeds efficiently, prepare and manage documentation, and support the implementation of donor intent.
This position blends operational judgment, data fluency, and stewardship communications. You will oversee day-to-day administration of the charitable life insurance pool (premium communications, policy actions, and record keeping), maintain planned giving databases and reporting tools, and produce gift illustrations that support both solicitations and donor stewardship. You’ll also help strengthen planned giving outreach by developing and managing marketing and communications that build awareness, identify new legacy prospects, and steward Limestone Society members. In addition, you will support the full gift agreement life cycle by drafting and coordinating routine and complex agreements serving as a trusted liaison who aligns stakeholders around donor intent, institutional standards, and compliance requirements.
The culture within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement is built on our shared core values CoMMIT– Collaboration, Communication, Mission Driven, Mutual Respect, Innovation and Transparency.
By applying for a position within UK PAE, you are indicating your commitment and expressing your agreement to our six values. It is important you share these values in order to be part of our committed team!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Expertise with Microsoft Office Suite; Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively and persuasively.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
Juris Doctor (JD) is strongly preferred along with the following certifications: Paralegal Certification; Chartered Life Underwriter (“CLU”)
Deadline To Apply
04/26/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Salary : $47,278 - $78,000