Director of Gift Planning

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State is currently seeking a seasoned and high-performing gift planning professional in the role of Gift Planning Officer. As a member of the Office of Gift Planning and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, you can play an integral role in Penn State’s future and contribute to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.

The University is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to the success of a world-class research institution. We are dedicated to fostering an institutional culture supporting the University’s core values, with inclusion being a fundamental strength and an essential element of our public service mission: equity.psu.edu/equity-at-penn-state/resources . The University’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is mirrored in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations’ own ongoing work in these spaces: raise.psu.edu/diversity-equity-and-inclusion .

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning, managing one gift planning staff member, and with significant experience in gift planning and fundraising principles this Gift Planning Officer will:

• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals
• Support, partner and educate fundraising colleagues by providing technical expertise, gift planning options, proposal language, and participating in prospect meetings as appropriate
• Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects, working with senior university leadership to secure philanthropic support

• Travel extensively throughout the country to pursue these strategies and build enduring relationships
• Assist with strategy in areas including prospect capacity, review of assets, formulation of gift plans and proposals, providing gift planning illustrations
• Maintain and enhance stewardship for gift planning donors and promote the Atherton Society and its events as recognition for these donors

This position requires a bachelor’s degree or higher (a JD or a master’s degree is strongly preferred), plus a minimum of 5 years of work-related experience. A work history in gift planning or estate planning is preferred. The successful candidate will also have:

• A track record of success in securing planned gifts and meeting fundraising goals
• A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with diverse communities
• Demonstrated knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education
• Subject matter expertise in the planned giving field, with strong understanding and/or training in tax law and estate management practices
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with a particular sensitivity to sophisticated, high-net worth audiences 
• Impeccable writing, presentation skills, and ability to utilize various technologies
• A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions
• A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored

Operation of a motor vehicle as part of the position’s duties and a valid driver's license are required. Successful completion of a motor vehicle records check, in addition to standard background checks, is also required.

Penn State and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR) is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations

As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), the Gift Planning Officer will play an integral role in Penn State’s future and contribute to one of the most successful fundraising operations in the country. DDAR employs leaders who believe in the power of higher education—and philanthropy—to shape the public good. Learn more about the Office of University Development at raise.psu.edu and explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu .

Building a Career and a Life at Penn State

Across twenty-four campuses and an online World Campus, our 100,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities around the world. Penn State consistently ranks among the top academic and research universities globally: psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings

Penn State is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to the success of a world-class research institution. We are uniquely concerned with the institutional commitment required for visioning and realizing a more welcoming University for all: equity.psu.edu/diversity-resources

This position is based at the University Park campus, located in State College, Pennsylvania. State College is ranked among the lowest-stress and safest small cities in the country, with excellent public schools, beautiful parks and other natural assets, and a broad range of cultural and athletic events and venues: statecollegepa.us and statecollege.com

The pay range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$97,100.00 - $145,700.00

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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