Director of Development, Gift Planning

Summary

The Director of Development, Gift Planning is a full-time professional fund-raising position responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting individuals for blended and planned gifts; provides stewardship of planned giving donors; assists with marketing planned gifts; provides technical support on gift planning matters; and manages gift planning programs as assigned by the Senior Director. The position will work closely with colleagues from Principal Giving, Campaigns and Strategy, Major Gifts, Stewardship, Donor Relations, Corporate, Foundation and Research Relations, Advancement Information Services, Research, Advancement Communications and Marketing, Annual Giving, Alumni Relations and other offices throughout the university.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to write and speak in a clear, sincere, and compelling manner, and to articulate and represent the mission and vision of Tulane University.
• Experience in prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation, preferably in higher education.
• Ability to travel substantially (50%), as well as attend events on evenings and weekends.
• Excellent organization skills, including the ability to manage multiple activities, demands, and/or projects simultaneously, while maintaining a high degree of effectiveness, a spirit of collaboration, and a sense of humor.
• Demonstrated initiative and self-starting capacity.
• Ability and professional style to work with university leadership, trustees, volunteers, and top donors in an effective and sophisticated manner.
• Experience working with sensitive information and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  
  

Required Education And/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years’ direct fund-raising experience in the solicitation and closing of gifts of at least $25K; law, marketing, consultative sales, customer-focused financial or investment services, trust officer, or sales experience may be considered.
  
  

OR

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 11 years direct fund-raising experience in the solicitation and closing of gifts of at least $25K; law, marketing, consultative sales, customer-focused financial or investment services, trust officer, or sales experience may be considered.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• JD; CPA or CFP certification.
• Experience closing gifts of $100,000 or more
• Experience in gift planning.
• Experience working in a university setting.
• Experience working with trusts and estates, investments.
• Commitment to the values of an institution of higher education.
• Knowledge of various software systems, such as Word, Excel, and a prospect management database.
• Experience managing volunteers or coordinating a volunteer committee