NAELA's CareerCenter

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The primary purpose of the Senior Director of Gift Planning is to successfully manage the planned giving program, which includes the management of an associate director of gift planning and cultivating, soliciting and securing deferred gift commitments of $50,000 or more in support of the University’s mission and strategic objectives. The Senior Director is also responsible for providing advice and support to development team members on all aspects of gift planning associated with donor prospects and gift strategies.
The Senior Director reports to the Associate Vice President for Development and focuses efforts on facilitating high-level relationships with prospects who can provide planned gifts and major ($50,000+) gifts to the University. In this capacity, the Senior Director must have a working knowledge of all key university/school/program initiatives and the corresponding gift opportunities. The Senior Director must also appropriately utilize high-level volunteers, and university/school/program leadership to facilitate further the relationship of the prospect/donor and the university. The Senior Director is responsible for ensuring that the associate director under his/her supervision achieves measurable goals and provides strategic counseling to help the associate director move prospects and donors to successful solicitations. Finally, the Senior Director is responsible for overseeing programs designed to increase the possibility of future planned gifts, such as the Benjamin Savage Society, the Miriam Rooney Society, and the Sister Rose Thering Society, working collaboratively with the Donor Relations team as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1) Actively oversee a gift planning program that generates donor interest and inquiries and translates into current and future planned gifts, including marketing gift-planning opportunities for donors through various channels. Manage staff associated with the planned giving program, providing goal setting, time management, cultivation and solicitation mentorship and advice. The Senior Director’s annual assessment will consider the exemplary management of the Associate Director(s) as a part of their employee appraisal. In addition, provide advice and support to development team members related to all aspects of gift planning associated with donor prospects and gift strategies.
2) Actively identify, cultivate, solicit and provide stewardship to individuals capable of making planned gifts and major gifts ($50,000+)
3) Administer programs that include deferred giving, estate planning, bequest donations, charitable gift annuities as well as current gifts. This includes overseeing and coordinating website content, loyalty-society related mailings and correspondence, and responding to internal and external inquiries concerning deferred gifts, etc. Interact with attorneys, professional advisors, executors, trust officers, general counsel, and outside counsel to ascertain and monitor estates and timely distribute.
4) Work with the Senior Director of Administration to create and provide ongoing professional development training for all members of the division on planned giving updates, best practices, and industry changes. Complete other duties as assigned, such as filling in as unofficial liaison to schools/programs not assigned; working with various committees/groups on campus ; etc..

Required Qualifications:

BA required, JD highly preferred. 8 + years experience in philanthropy with familiarity with estate administration and most important estate planning

Desired Qualifications:

JD preferred, in the absence of a degree, a good understanding of tax law is needed to interact effectively with sophisticated clients and their financial advisors. Background in sales is also helpful. Ability to interact well with and educate people.

Salary Grade:

AD210 - Administrative

Exempt/Nonexempt:

Exempt

Physical Demands:

General Office Environment

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Candidates are asked to supply names and contact information for three professional references.

Seton Hall University is committed to programs of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and the principles of affirmative action.

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About Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University is a major Catholic university. In a diverse and collaborative environment it focuses on academic and ethical development. Seton Hall students are prepared to be leaders in their professional and community lives in a global society and are challenged by outstanding faculty, an evolving technologically advanced setting and values-centered curricula.

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