Director of Planned Giving

Saint Peters University•Jersey City, NJ

About The Position

The Director of Planned Giving develops, implements, and manages a comprehensive planned giving program to secure deferred and complex gifts in support of Saint Peter’s University’s mission and strategic priorities. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Leadership and Planned Giving, the Director cultivates, solicits, and stewards alumni and friends who include the University in their estate and financial plans. The role leads the University’s charitable gift annuity and charitable remainder trust programs, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and donor satisfaction, and oversees planned giving marketing in collaboration with internal and external partners. The Director provides strategic leadership for planned giving, advises advancement colleagues and University leadership, and coordinates with finance and legal teams, external advisors, and vendors. The position manages a portfolio of prospects and donors; works with legal, financial, and estate advisors to structure and document gifts; and oversees marketing and stewardship efforts. The Director also serves as an internal subject matter expert, supports legacy society recognition, participates in University events, and performs other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in planned giving, major gifts, or related fundraising roles; preferably in higher education.
Demonstrated knowledge of planned giving vehicles, tax and estate planning concepts, and gift documentation processes.
Proven track record of securing and managing planned gifts.
Ability to explain complex financial concepts to donors clearly and compassionately.
Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft high-level communications and present persuasively.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with senior leadership, board members, donors, alumni, and other stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced knowledge of CRM or fundraising platforms, such as Blackbaud’s The Raisers Edge NXT.
High personal integrity and respect for confidentiality, prudence, and discretion.
Commitment to ethical fundraising, data integrity, and compliance with relevant standards, such as CASE and IRS requirements.
Ability to speak clearly and communicate proficiently in English.
Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle.
Willingness to travel locally and nationally and to work outside normal business hours as needed.
Organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Commitment to community engagement, service, leadership development, or related work.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or certification, such as JD, CFP, CFRE, or CAP.
Experience developing and maintaining community partnerships.
Experience working directly with community-based organizations.
Familiarity with service-learning, civic engagement, volunteer management, or leadership development programs.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and grow a comprehensive planned giving program covering bequests, charitable trusts, gift annuities, beneficiary designations, gifts of property, and other deferred giving vehicles.
Partner with the Assistant Vice President for Leadership and Planned Giving to establish annual and long-term goals, strategies, and performance metrics.
Provide planned giving expertise and guidance to advancement colleagues and University leadership.
Maintain current knowledge of tax laws, estate planning, and charitable giving trends.
Coordinate with finance and legal teams, external advisors, and vendors to manage the charitable gift annuity program, including regulatory compliance, accurate reporting, and timely payments.
Provide donors with clear and accurate illustrations and information about gift annuities and other planned giving vehicles.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors.
Conduct personalized outreach, including visits, correspondence, and events, to strengthen relationships and encourage planned gifts.
Collaborate with the Office of Institutional Advancement and Strategic Engagement to integrate planned giving into fundraising strategies.
Work with legal, financial, and estate advisors to structure and document planned gifts that meet donor objectives and University policies.
Oversee a comprehensive planned giving marketing plan spanning print, digital, and event-based outreach.
Collaborate with external vendors and the Communications and Marketing department to produce planned giving content, including printed materials, websites, and magazine articles.
Track and evaluate marketing effectiveness and alignment with fundraising goals.
Serve as an internal resource and subject matter expert for colleagues, faculty, and volunteers on planned giving strategies and donor engagement.
Support legacy society recognition and coordinate stewardship activities for planned giving donors.
Participate in advancement and University events to promote planned giving awareness.
Contribute to the division’s culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared success.
Perform any other duty or responsibility assigned by the supervisor.