Executive Director of Gift and Estate Planning

Overview

Hillsdale College seeks a full-time Executive Director to lead in coordinating and overseeing the College’s planned giving program that is aligned with the institution’s overall fundraising strategy and goals. This individual should have experience in non-profit fundraising, with a primary focus on planned giving.     Experience should include operational management skills, team leadership and working with the concepts of philanthropy. This role will manage and oversee all daily office activities, provide guidance to other regional directors, produce departmental reporting, assist with marketing efforts and presentational events.  Knowledge of CRM nonprofit software, donor databases and other fundraising and financial functions a plus.  This position is based on campus in Hillsdale, Michigan. Some travel will be required.

Responsibilities

 Working closely with Department and College leaders to determine and execute the mission, purpose, and priorities of the Gift & Estate Planning office.

• Managing the overall daily office functions and maintain oversight on upcoming events, programs, and marketing efforts to ensure officers, staff, and materials are prepared and consistent.
• Supervise support staff members and give guidance and assistance to officers when needed; assist with annual goal setting and quarterly goal reviews.   Maintain office moral and structure.

• Training staff to communicate about and successfully complete planned gifts.
• Have the knowledge to prepare gift illustrations and corresponding cover letters for donors using third-party Crescendo software; assist and oversee other members of the team in processes and execution of this task.
• Assisting with creation and managing the distribution of solicitation materials which incudes, but is not limited to, print material, websites, publications, and newsletters.
• Remaining up to date about Hillsdale’s many special programs and priorities to help donors direct their giving.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in all planned giving activities.
• Occasionally attending evening/weekend activities, meetings, events, seminars, workshops, etc.
• This description may be ever-changing through departmental growth and institutional changes.

Required/Desired Qualities

 A Bachelor's degree is preferred.

• A Law degree or Professional Certifications/Trainings in Finance, Estate Planning, Tax Law, Fundraising, or similar areas a plus.
• Fundraising development, accomplished history of management and team leadership experience in a nonprofit setting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with bequests, annuities, unitrusts, giving through retirement plans, and other pertinent future giving options is desired.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with all age groups.
• Outstanding time management and a willingness to be flexible.
• Organizational skills, particularly planning, managing deadlines, and evaluating progress.
• Knowledge of fundraising software and tools, Microsoft Office, Blackbaud CRM, and Crescendo planned giving software.
• Creative, self-directed, takes initiative, and willing to learn.
• Organized and inspiring team leader.
• A strategic mindset and a solid understanding of how to craft processes that are complementary to a variety of work styles.

 Personal Characteristics & Physical Requirements

The Gift and Estate Planning Office interacts with College leaders, faculty, staff, students, parents, subscribers, donors, and speakers. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary.  A clean and neat appearance and a pleasant relationship that is supportive of the College mission is essential. This relationship needs to be pleasant, supportive, and professional, while maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Ability to read, write, hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively. Ability to operate basic office equipment. Occasional lifting of office supplies, booklets, files, and heavy packages, as necessary.

 Code of Commitment

Be a good representative of Hillsdale College to promote the liberal arts, the College’s original Articles of Association, and operating principles stated in the Staff Code of Commitment. The Mission Statement should be considered in all aspects of the position. The teaching of the Christian faith shall remain a conspicuous aim of the College.