DIRECTOR, GIFT PLANNING & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

About Us

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Director, Gift Planning & Estate Administration

Position Summary

The Director of Gift Planning and Estate Administration is a frontline fundraising position, reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Principal & Major Gifts. This role is responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, with a specific focus on cultivating, soliciting, and securing planned gifts. The Director will engage with external prospects, guiding them through the process of making legacy commitments. Additionally, the role includes overseeing the administration of estate gifts, honoring the donor’s intentions while ensuring the timely and accurate receipt of bequests and other deferred gifts.

Responsibilities And Duties

Planned Giving Fundraising & Donor Engagement (80%)

• Manage a portfolio of 100-125 prospects and donors to solicit and document bequests, charitable trusts, beneficiary designations, and other planned gifts.
• Develop and execute personalized cultivation strategies to deepen relationships with donors and secure legacy commitments.
• Collaborate with major/principal gifts officers to integrate planned giving into overall fundraising strategies.
• Partner with financial advisors, attorneys, and other professionals to identify new planned giving prospects and integrate gift planning into overall fundraising efforts.
• Conduct donor visits, attend events, and give presentations on estate planning and legacy giving.
  
  

Estate Gift Administration (20%)

• Oversee the administration of realized estate gifts, working closely with executors, attorneys, and financial institutions to ensure timely distributions.
• Review estate documents (wills, trusts, retirement accounts, insurance policies) to document intentions and confirm compliance with donor intent.
• Work with the Development Services team to ensure accurate documentation of gifts, effective tracking of commitments, and lifetime stewardship of Legacy Circle members.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE/CPA/JD a plus.
• 5 years of experience in planned giving, estate administration, or related fundraising.
• Strong knowledge of charitable gift planning vehicles (bequests, trusts, annuities, beneficiary designations, etc.).
• Exceptional ability to build relationships, negotiate complex gifts, and engage high-net-worth donors.
• Comfort discussing estate planning concepts and working with legal and financial professionals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to donors and prospects.
• Ability to travel as needed for donor meetings and events.
• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.
  
  

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $120,000 to $144,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

Comprehensive Benefits Include

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking
  
  

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.