Director of Development, Planned Giving (Administrator II)

CSU Careers•Chico, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Development, Planned Giving serves as the institution’s lead strategist and frontline fundraiser for planned and deferred gifts. This position is responsible for building, growing, and sustaining a comprehensive planned giving program that advances the University’s long-term philanthropic priorities. As a senior member of the Development team, the Director focuses on securing estate commitments and other deferred gifts, generating a minimum of $2 million annually in documented planned gift commitments. The role emphasizes donor education, legacy society stewardship, strategic marketing, and collaboration with development colleagues to integrate planned giving into overall fundraising strategy. While titled Director of Development, this position does not manage a traditional major gift portfolio. Instead, it serves as the subject-matter expert and primary driver of planned giving strategy, cultivation, and execution across the University.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
A minimum of three years of experience in major gift and annual leadership gift fundraising for higher education or an equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or professional credential such as CFRE, CAP, or similar
Experience building or significantly expanding a planned giving program
Experience in higher education advancement or a complex nonprofit organization
Familiarity with planned giving marketing platforms and third-party website vendors
Experience managing legacy societies and structured stewardship programs
Comfort collaborating with legal, financial, and tax professionals

Responsibilities

Serves as the institution’s lead strategist and frontline fundraiser for planned and deferred gifts.
Builds, grows, and sustains a comprehensive planned giving program that advances the University’s long-term philanthropic priorities.
Focuses on securing estate commitments and other deferred gifts, generating a minimum of $2 million annually in documented planned gift commitments.
Emphasizes donor education, legacy society stewardship, strategic marketing, and collaboration with development colleagues to integrate planned giving into overall fundraising strategy.
Serves as the subject-matter expert and primary driver of planned giving strategy, cultivation, and execution across the University.