Posting DetailsPosting Information
Posting Number PG194761EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Executive Director of Gift Planning
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience and education
Work Schedule Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00 with nights/weekends as needed; flexible work arrangements available
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department University Development
Essential Job Duties Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Development, the Executive Director for Gift Planning serves as the university's senior leader for gift planning, providing strategic direction, oversight, and execution of a comprehensive, campus-wide program. The Executive Director partners across Advancement to integrate gift planning into fundraising strategy, supports complex and deferred gifts, and ensures alignment with institutional priorities and industry best practices.
Other Responsibilities Develop a broad strategic plan for an integrated, proactive gift planning program:- Lead and manage a comprehensive, proactive gift planning program serving all colleges and units, focused on expanding and sustaining the pipeline of active prospects through effective strategy, operations, and performance metrics
- Develop and implement strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gift planning prospects, including active portfolio management
- Establish and refine policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure high-quality donor service, compliance, and effective administration of planned and complex gifts
- Oversee the full lifecycle of planned gifts, including estates, and partner with legal, financial, and internal stakeholders to secure and steward commitments
- Serve as a subject matter expert on complex and deferred gift strategies and advise on best practices across Advancement
Lead and develop a high-performing gift planning team and drive strategic collaboration across advancement and the university:- Lead, supervise, and develop gift planning staff, including performance management, recruitment, and professional growth
- Oversee team operations, including marketing, training, analytics, and stewardship activities, ensuring alignment with program goals
- Develop customized proposals and work with advisors as necessary
- Build effective relationships with volunteers and staff to cultivate prospects, write proposals, visit prospects and help to close gifts; ensure that gift planning opportunities are included in all appropriate solicitation strategies
- Provide training and guidance to advancement staff on planned giving concepts and opportunities
- Evaluate program effectiveness, track key performance indicators, and adjust strategies to strengthen outcomes
- Prepare and present regular reports to Advancement leadership, including the Vice Chancellor and college/unit leaders
Based on a clear understanding of the mission of University Advancement, increase awareness of NC State's gift planning opportunities:- Collaborate with colleges, units, and affiliated foundations to align gift planning with institutional priorities and fundraising initiatives
- Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing, communications, and stewardship strategy to increase awareness and engagement
- Create and deliver educational programming for staff, donors, alumni, and volunteers to expand the pipeline of gift planning prospects
- Prepare and present reports and strategic insights to Advancement leadership to inform decision-making and campaign planning
- Represent Gift Planning and Advancement in internal and external settings and maintain active engagement with industry trends and professional organizations
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience - Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- 8 or more years of progressive experience in institutional advancement or a related field.
- A proven track record of excellent knowledge of the legal and tax regulations governing charitable gift planning.
Other Required Qualifications - Deep knowledge of estate planning vehicles and gift planning strategies, including wills, trusts, life income gifts, and related tax considerations.
- Demonstrated success in securing significant planned gift commitments and participating in complex gift discussions.
- Ability to synthesize complex donor, financial, and institutional information to develop and execute effective gift planning strategies.
- Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams, including coaching, performance management, and staff development.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust-based, effective partnerships across a large, complex organization, including with faculty, administrators, and development colleagues.
- Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage, influence, and steward high-level donors, volunteers, and advisors.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex gift planning concepts to varied audiences.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism, with sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Self-motivated, goal-oriented leader with a high level of initiative, creativity, and accountability.
- Ability to effectively utilize donor databases, planned giving software, and Microsoft Office tools to support program goals.
- Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed to support donor engagement and program objectives.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience supervising other personnel.
- Experience in law, accounting, financial planning, or trust/estate administration.
- Knowledge of best practices in charitable gift planning as evidenced by presentations, publications, or experience in a high-performing gift planning office.
Required License(s) or Certification(s) - A valid North Carolina Driver's License is required within 60 days of start date. Must be maintained as a condition of employment.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 07/17/2026
Anticipated Close Date Open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00006024
Position Type EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 082001 - University Development
