Assistant Director of Planned Giving

JOB SUMMARY:   

The Assistant Director of Planned Giving at Fairfield University will report to the Senior Director of Planned Giving, and will be a part of the Major and Planned Giving team, consisting of ten staff. This position will support the Office of Planned in marketing, soliciting, stewarding and administering bequests, life income gifts, deferred gifts, and gifts of unusual assets, from a diverse set of current and prospective donors. The Assistant Director will manage a portfolio as well as liaise with Relationship Managers regarding planned giving opportunities in their portfolios. The Assistant Director, under the supervision of the Senior Director, carries out the day-to-day operations of the Planned Giving program with a goal of nurturing positive relationships with donors and to perform a variety of analytical, marketing, and outreach tasks to accomplish the securing, accounting and administration of planned gifts. This position is 50% frontline fundraising and 50% managing the operations of the Planned Giving Office.

As a member of University Advancement, a 45+ staff person division, you will be given hands on experience in a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional development. Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends throughout the year (e.g. for donor meetings, Reunions, various campus events).

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree plus 3+ years’ experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in higher education fundraising preferred, and/or related field such as sales, marketing, or business development working with transactions of a highly detailed nature. Specific knowledge of planned giving vehicles is not required, but must have an interest in these vehicles and in tax consequences, as well as an eagerness to learn.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:     

• Highly detail-oriented with ability to take initiative, work independently and accept responsibility; adept at setting priorities and managing workflow to fulfill objectives and meet goals within deadlines;
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, as well as the ability to multi-task and function with a high degree of accuracy;
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to draft and edit e-blasts, letters of acknowledgement, reports, proposals and other cultivation and solicitation materials;
• Excellent project management skills, with proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, to set priorities, follow through on projects, and meet deadlines;
• Analytical skills to accurately and thoroughly gather, evaluate and prepare prospect /donor information with ability to track and report on planned giving activities;
• Ability to effectively build and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with internal and external constituents;
• Excellent verbal communication skills to effectively and persuasively express Fairfield’s mission and case for philanthropic support;
• Proven track record in delivering a high standard of customer service;
• Engaged, focused and goal-oriented with a high level of initiative, energy and interest in the field of planned giving and tax-encouraged philanthropy;
• Familiarity with planned giving vehicles and planned giving administration is a plus;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, experience with Raiser’s Edge or other donor management software (or complex database);
• Experience with planned giving software, such as PG Calc, preferred; ability to learn new programs; strong overall computer skills;
• Experience in coordinating special events;
• An aptitude for networking among and soliciting high net worth individuals; and
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of donor files and other information; impeccable integrity and discretion in dealing with donors, alumni, students, administrators and colleagues.

WORK CONDITIONS:       A hybrid work arrangement of up to 2 days home-office per week, work permitting, is available after a monthlong orientation period.  Occasional travel including some overnights. Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as required for meetings and special events. A shared Coordinator provides office administration support. Valid driver’s license required.

REPORTS TO:  Senior Director of Planned Giving

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE LISTED ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE(s).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   

• Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects, including achieving agreed-upon visits and revenue goals; update and maintain donor database with contacts, opportunities, tasks and outcomes;
• Assist the Senior Director in designing marketing strategy and content, and project-manage carrying out the marketing strategy (e.g. primary responsibility for managing the marketing calendar);
• Manage stewardship process for our planned giving donors by managing our legacy society, the Bellarmine Society, including annual outreach, onboarding new Bellarmine Society members; and assisting in planning the annual Bellarmine Society luncheon and other events;
• Work with uncounted Bellarmine Society members to receive documentation such that their planned gifts may be counted in the current campaign;
• Manage estate settlement, ushering estates through probate so that gifts are received in a timely fashion;
• Maintain Planned Giving prospect lists (with prioritized Opportunities) by Relationship Manager and facilitate moving their planned giving prospects through the pipeline;
• Serve as a secondary point of contact for planned giving inquiries;
• Draft proposals, gift annuity and other agreements using PG Calc® software program and other tools and templates;
• Analyze data and prepare reports as needed – with support from Advancement Technology & Info Services.
• Work with Office of Alumni Relations to implement strategies for the 45th reunion through 50th reunion classes, and post-50th reunion classes;
• Organize and maintain physical and online donor and other Planned Giving-related files;
• Learn and continuously enhance knowledge and understanding of Fairfield’s mission, priorities, history, and alumni;
• Participate in the professional development of the department. This involves:
  • Promoting efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community;
  • Participating in departmental/staff meetings as necessary;
  • Serving as a responsible committee representative as requested;
  • Communicating effectively with supervisor concerning pertinent matters;
• Promote safe and secure working conditions. This involves:
  • Promoting the proper utilization of equipment, tools, and materials;
  • Notifying supervisor immediately regarding any unsafe working conditions;
  • Performs other related duties as dictated by responsibilities or directed by supervisor.

Duties may be changed and/or be added at any time.

Disclaimer:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.