Senior Director of Planned Giving, Institutional Advancement

Augsburg University • Minneapolis, MN

5h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Planned Giving is a part-time leadership role responsible for developing and leading Augsburg University's planned giving program, securing complex and deferred gifts such as bequests, charitable trusts, and real estate. As the University's planned giving expert, this position provides strategic guidance, technical expertise, and donor engagement strategies while partnering with Institutional Advancement leadership, gift officers, volunteers, and campus colleagues. The Senior Director also supports complex donor conversations, coaches fundraising staff, and strengthens planned giving efforts to grow the University's planned giving pipeline and Oftedal Legacy Society membership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in planned giving, estate planning, trust management, or fundraising.
• Demonstrated proficiency with donor databases, information technology, and fundraising management systems.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and the ability to travel as needed, including by air and other forms of public transportation.
• Strong computer and software skills such as Google Office Suite.
• Must be a self-motivated, self-directed and highly organized individual who will promote a productive, collegial workplace and be a professional ambassador for Augsburg University.
• Belief in the mission and strong ethical conduct is essential.
• Requires excellent oral and written communications skills, a broad-based knowledge of fund development and the ability to work in a complex environment with multi-dimensional points of view.
• Must possess the ability to inspire trust and confidence and communicate effectively with internal and external audiences.
• The ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality is essential.

Nice To Haves

• Juris Doctorate (JD) or other advanced degree.
• Preference given to candidates with higher education experience and more experience in planned giving.
• Familiarity with the Advancement databases, preferably Raisers Edge.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Augsburg University's lead planned giving expert, providing strategic guidance on complex, blended, and deferred gift opportunities.
• Partner with fundraisers and campus stakeholders to identify planned giving opportunities, develop donor strategies and materials, and support complex gift conversations.
• Collaborate with legal, finance, and advancement services to structure, document, and steward planned gifts.
• Grow and strengthen the Oftedal Legacy Society through donor stewardship, training, coaching, and planned giving education.
• Partner with advancement leadership, gift officers, and volunteers to develop donor strategies that integrate principal, major, blended, and planned giving opportunities.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity planned giving prospects, providing technical expertise and participating in donor meetings to advance complex gift opportunities.
• Develop customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that align donor interests with the University's priorities, including preparing gift proposals and illustrations.
• Ensure ethical fundraising practices, exceptional donor stewardship, and collaboration with campus and volunteer leaders throughout the gift process.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor records, contact reports, proposals, and follow up activities in The Raiser's Edge in partnership with Advancement Services.
• Manage proposals through all stages (planning, pending, and funded) in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Provide the Vice President of Institutional Advancement with weekly updates on donor activity and fundraising progress.
• Maintain proficiency in donor database systems and other information management tools to support effective fundraising operations.
• Maintain knowledge of current tax laws, investments and planned giving opportunities; use knowledge in prospect cultivation and solicitation as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with other team members.
• Participate in regular team meetings and division wide meetings, Institution-wide meetings.
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US
• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire
• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior