Executive Director, Gift Planning

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Executive Director of Development, Gift Planning is responsible for strategically identifying, engaging, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting and closing major gifts of $100,000 or more and currently manages a full-time Director of Development, a full-time Estates and Trust Administrator, and a Senior Administrative Coordinator. As a centrally-based development professional, this position is also responsible for collaborating with all University Advancement and development colleagues to understand, educate and communicate funding opportunities across all areas of the University that may resonate with planned giving prospects.

Position Specific Responsibilities:

• In consultation with the Vice President of Development, design and execute a comprehensive development plan to increase major- and principal-level philanthropic support from LMU planned giving prospects. Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 80-100 planned giving prospects for the purposes of strategically identifying, engaging, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and closing major gifts of $100,000 or more, to achieve annual and campaign development goals. (50%)

• Manage a minimum of one development officer who focuses on soliciting planned gifts in major gift ($100,000+) range, and a full-time Estates and Trust Administrator. who focuses on estate administration, gifts in kinds and gifts of personal property.

• Oversee and advise the team on the implementation of a marketing program of publications, advertisements, direct mail, educational seminars, donor recognition society and personal visitations to identify and work with prospects to realize planned gifts and maintain their relationship to LMU. Provide strategic oversight for and manage team members to monitor estates in probate where LMU is a beneficiary. Prepare and deliver annual work plans. (20%)

• Develop effective fundraising strategies in coordination and collaboration with other members of the University Advancement team, including unit-based development officers, Annual Giving & Annual Leadership Giving, Principal Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Parent and Family Philanthropy, Advancement Information Services and Special Events to achieve annual and campaign development goals. Support, partner and educate fundraising colleagues by providing technical expertise and options, proposal language, and participating in prospect meetings as appropriate. (20%)

• On an ongoing basis, review and keep abreast of developments in tax laws, as well as estate planning/planned giving materials, and keep development personnel apprised of new information. (5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned to meet University priorities. (5%)

Required Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in development or a related preferably with a focus on gift planning. A track record that demonstrates solid fundraising results and demonstrated success soliciting and closing major gifts. This includes the ability to plan, organize and implement fundraising activities effectively, as well as participate in high-level individual solicitations.

• Demonstrated ability to run a comprehensive planned giving program: set priorities, coordinate multiple projects, personally ask, and close gifts. Willingness to travel and work occasional weekend/evening hours.

• A high energy, goal oriented worker who is well organized and personable. Ability to effectively communicate the vision, values and mission of Loyola Marymount University, while capturing the interest of the prospect.

• Demonstrated successful experience working with boards comprising prominent corporate and community volunteers and alumni.

• Ability to collaborate with colleagues across multiple areas (i.e., academics, communications, business and finance, administration, government and community relations, external partnerships) to bring projects to completion successfully.

• Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral) evidenced by background in preparing comprehensive reports and executive summaries incorporating complex, highly technical information.

Required Education

• Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. Master’s degree/JD/or specific tax law training is preferred. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.