Director of Planned Giving

Yeshiva University•New York, NY

1d•$125,000 - $135,000

About The Position

Yeshiva University’s Institutional Advancement department seeks a Director of Planned Giving to lead and grow a comprehensive planned giving program that supports the university’s long-term philanthropic priorities. The Director will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of making deferred, blended, and complex gifts, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, retirement plan assets, and other tax-advantaged gift vehicles. This role emphasizes relationship-building, stewardship, and collaboration, working closely with colleagues across Institutional Advancement to integrate planned giving into broader fundraising strategies. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator who approaches gift planning with sensitivity, integrity, and a deep appreciation for the donor’s connection to Yeshiva University.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with significant experience in planned giving, major gifts, or a related area of advancement.
Demonstrated success in cultivating and closing planned gifts and/or blended gifts.
Familiarity with charitable gift planning vehicles, estate planning concepts, and donor stewardship strategies required.
Knowledge of planned giving vehicles, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, retained life estate arrangements, and beneficiary designations.
Ability to communicate complex gift planning concepts clearly and effectively to donors, colleagues, and advisors.
Strong fundraising and relationship management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders.
Sound judgment and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through in a timely and professional manner.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor database/CRM systems.
Comfort with data analysis, prospect tracking, and report preparation.
Professional presence and excellent interpersonal skills.
Self-motivation, initiative, and a donor-centered approach.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with high-net-worth individuals, professional advisors, and complex donor conversations preferred.
Experience in higher education, healthcare, or other nonprofit institutional fundraising environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive planned giving strategy that reflects Yeshiva University's mission and fundraising priorities.
Expand awareness and participation in legacy giving, with a focus on increasing documented bequest intentions and other deferred gifts.
Cultivate and steward relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University, engaging them in meaningful discussions about their long-term philanthropic goals.
Conduct personal visits and maintain consistent communication with a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors.
Partner with frontline fundraisers to identify blended gift opportunities and support major gift conversations involving planned giving components.
Provide training, coaching, and strategic guidance to colleagues on incorporating gift planning into donor strategies.
Oversee planned giving marketing initiatives, including print and digital content, donor stories, website updates, brochures, and targeted outreach campaigns.
Develop messaging that educates donors on the benefits and impact of planned gifts and enhances visibility of the planned giving program.
Manage stewardship for planned giving donors, including legacy society recognition, personalized communications, and engagement opportunities.
Ensure donors with documented planned gifts are appropriately acknowledged and cultivated for ongoing involvement.
Work in collaboration with Advancement Services, Finance, and legal and external professionals as needed to ensure proper documentation, recording, and administration of planned gifts and gift expectancies.
Maintain accurate records of donor intentions, gift vehicles, and supporting documentation.
Use donor data, analytics, and wealth/affinity indicators to identify likely planned giving prospects, including alumni, parents, retirees, loyal annual donors, and long-term supporters.
Build and manage a healthy pipeline of prospects at all stages.
Ensure all planned giving activities are conducted in accordance with institutional policies, legal and ethical standards, and accepted gift planning practices.
Remain informed on current trends, tax law implications, and best practices relevant to charitable gift planning.
Plan and support seminars, webinars, small gatherings, and other outreach opportunities designed to educate and engage prospective planned giving donors and professional advisors.
Represent the institution at internal and external events as needed.
Prepare regular reports on activity, pipeline movement, documented intentions, estimated future value, and realized gifts.
Track progress toward annual goals and contribute forecasting and strategic planning insights for leadership.