What are the responsibilities and job description for the Philanthropy Dir Sr/Gift & Estate Plan position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title
Philanthropy Dir Sr/Gift & Estate Plan
Requisition Number
RE53848
Working Title
Senior Director of Gift Planning
Department Name
14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
51
Salary Range
$93,954-159,744/year
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
MA
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
7 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Sitting and/or standing at a computer workstation for extended periods of time; repetitive motion tasks; required to attend meetings on and off campus; traveling to meet donors; communicating effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds and professional levels.
Shift
Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
As an exempt employee, additional hours may be required to meet the objectives of the position.
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (PAE), Gift Planning team is seeking a goal focused and relationship-minded Sr. Director of Gift Planning who will play a pivotal role in advancing the university’s philanthropic mission by securing complex planned gifts and strengthening the institution’s long term legacy pipeline.
Reporting to the Executive Director for Gift Planning, the Sr. Director of Gift Planning is a senior leadership role within the University’s Gift Planning program. This position is responsible for securing new gifts and commitments from bequests, deferred gifts, and complex outright gifts; managing a portfolio of high capacity donors capable of commitments of at least $500,000; serving as a liaison to select colleges and programs to identify and advance planned giving opportunities; and contributing to training efforts that help Philanthropy colleagues recognize and refer planned gift prospects.
This position includes an emphasis on supervising, coaching, and developing early and mid-career gift officers, providing strategic guidance for frontline planned giving work, and supporting staff in navigating complex gift conversations and leading outreach initiatives that strengthen the planned giving pipeline and increase donor engagement.
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
Proven track record of managing a donor portfolio, closing significant gifts, and direct experience with planned giving vehicles (bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts).
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
Preferred Education: MBA or J.D.
Preferred Experience: Financial and wealth planning concepts, estate planning, tax laws related to charitable giving
Deadline To Apply
04/14/2026
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 Dir Sr/Gift & Estate Plan
Requisition Number
RE53848
Working Title
Senior Director of Gift Planning
Department Name
14000:Office Of Philanthropy
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
51
Salary Range
$93,954-159,744/year
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
MA
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
7 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Sitting and/or standing at a computer workstation for extended periods of time; repetitive motion tasks; required to attend meetings on and off campus; traveling to meet donors; communicating effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds and professional levels.
Shift
Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
As an exempt employee, additional hours may be required to meet the objectives of the position.
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (PAE), Gift Planning team is seeking a goal focused and relationship-minded Sr. Director of Gift Planning who will play a pivotal role in advancing the university’s philanthropic mission by securing complex planned gifts and strengthening the institution’s long term legacy pipeline.
Reporting to the Executive Director for Gift Planning, the Sr. Director of Gift Planning is a senior leadership role within the University’s Gift Planning program. This position is responsible for securing new gifts and commitments from bequests, deferred gifts, and complex outright gifts; managing a portfolio of high capacity donors capable of commitments of at least $500,000; serving as a liaison to select colleges and programs to identify and advance planned giving opportunities; and contributing to training efforts that help Philanthropy colleagues recognize and refer planned gift prospects.
This position includes an emphasis on supervising, coaching, and developing early and mid-career gift officers, providing strategic guidance for frontline planned giving work, and supporting staff in navigating complex gift conversations and leading outreach initiatives that strengthen the planned giving pipeline and increase donor engagement.
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
Proven track record of managing a donor portfolio, closing significant gifts, and direct experience with planned giving vehicles (bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts).
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
Preferred Education: MBA or J.D.
Preferred Experience: Financial and wealth planning concepts, estate planning, tax laws related to charitable giving
Deadline To Apply
04/14/2026
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 : $93,954 - $159,744