Planned Giving Assistant

Wayne State University • Detroit, MI

3d • $50,000 - $52,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Planned Giving Assistant at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Job Purpose
Assist the senior director and planned giving officer with marketing strategies, prospect cultivation, donor stewardship and recognition of planned gifts. Responsible for the internal documentation and tracking of planned gifts and the administration of estates. This position reports to the Senior Director, Planned Giving.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, public relations, business administration, communications or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2-4 years of job-related experience in a higher-level administrative role.
• Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations.
• Demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive including presentations to university management and committees.
• Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations.
• Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Maturity, sound judgment and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome.
• Ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members.
• Provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.
• Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferably in the higher education environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams.
• Ability to understand and translate complex concepts into lay terms.
• Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division.
• This position requires a high level of commitment, initiative, willingness and enthusiasm.
• Due to evening/weekend meetings and special events, etc., candidate must be willing to work extended hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in a higher-education, non-profit organization.

Responsibilities

• Assist the planned giving staff in documenting planned/estate gift expectancies for the university; create and maintain planned giving files. Ensure that the respective school/college/unit is informed of all planned gift activity. Responsible for timely processing of gifts received.
• Create and maintain files on estates currently in administration. Maintain existing files including determining and documenting next steps. Follow up with attorneys/trustees and WSU Treasury Department staff as necessary to keep process moving. Archive files once estates are closed.
• Schedule meetings/presentations and coordinate events for Old Main Society members. Organize meeting logistics including room/venue reservations, RSVP lists, ordering refreshments, , arranging for parking access, confirming attendance and other related meeting details.
• Responsible for the oversight of the gifted life insurance policy process; track premiums due to insurance carrier, send notifications to donors, notify Treasury office of gift premiums received and prepare direct payment requests to send premiums to insurance companies. Responsible for mailing annual Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) Form 1099 statements to donors.
• Work with the Advancement Communications team to obtain appropriate pictures for use in web, email, and print marketing materials. Assist in coordinating donor testimonial interviews and attaining written statements to share gift motivations.
• Coordinate and manage travel arrangements for the Senior Director. Act as delegate in TravelWayne for employee travel reimbursement. Manage purchasing and reimbursements for timely processing and compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Request prospect lists for marketing needs and mailings. Review lists to verify appropriate data is included in proper format and send to vendor. Send follow up letters and materials requested to donors and prospects.
• Assist in the stewardship process by proactively suggesting and implementing timely contacts for legacy society members and donors.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level