What are the responsibilities and job description for the AD/Director of Development for Planned Giving position at University of Montana Foundation?
About the Opportunity
The University of Montana Foundation is seeking a development professional to join our team in a Planned Giving role at either the Associate or Director level, depending on experience and qualifications. The position details outline the Associate-level requirements; individuals with a more advanced background in fundraising or planned giving may be considered for the Director level.
Applicants who advance beyond the first round of interviews will be evaluated to determine the appropriate title and level based on their skills, experience, and professional history. We welcome applications from talented development professionals who are passionate about philanthropic gift planning and excited to support the mission of the University of Montana
At the University of Montana Foundation, the lives we change will change the world. We inspire donors to bolster UM’s mission of providing an accessible, affordable, and world-class education.
Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the people and culture of the University we serve, fostering an environment that allows us to inspire each other to our best work. We act with integrity and respect, and work to create a team where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.
Why Work for Us?
- Retirement Planning: 403(b) employer contribution of 11%, no employee match required!
- Flexible Work Arrangement: Opportunity for a part-time remote work arrangement each week
- Generous Time off Benefits: Team members accrue four weeks of vacation and 12 days of sick leave per year, with an additional 11 days of holiday leave
- Family Support: Paid parental leave for new parents
- Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, wellness program, and short-term and long-term disability pay protection benefits
- Career Advancement: Professional development opportunities, including a year-long fundraising training with Plus Delta Partners
- Competitive Pay: Candidates can request the starting pay range by
- emailing humanresources@supportum.org
Position Overview
The Planned Giving professional is responsible for securing long-term, often complex charitable gifts that are typically made as part of a donor's financial or estate planning. The role combines fundraising, relationship management, and knowledge of tax and estate laws.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, cultivate, and steward prospective planned giving donors, with a focus on long-term relationship building.
- Educate donors on planned giving options and help align their philanthropic goals with their financial and estate planning objectives.
- Collaborate with donors and their professional advisors to structure and document complex gift arrangements, including bequests, charitable annuities and trusts, and other legacy gifts.
- Partner with internal teams—development, finance, legal, and marketing—to ensure proper gift processing, recognition, and compliance with donor intent and regulatory requirements.
- Stay informed of current trends, tax laws, and best practices in charitable and estate planning to support effective donor engagement and program growth.
Ideal Candidate
- Proven success in fundraising, with experience in planned or major gifts strongly preferred
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and maintain long-term donor relationships
- Working knowledge of planned giving vehicles, estate planning concepts, and charitable tax strategies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and sensitively
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities
- High degree of professionalism, discretion, and commitment to donor confidentiality and intent
Accessibility and Equal Opportunity
The University of Montana Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process at the University of Montana Foundation, contact humanresources@supportum.org. All hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Additional Information
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
Priority Application Date
- Monday, August 11, 2025. Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration.
- If you do not meet all the qualifications of the position, you are still encouraged to apply.