Gift Planning Officer

Kansas State University Foundation

$86K — $94K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of experience in trusts and estate law, financial planning, or trust/wealth management
  • Experience in client/donor relationship management and sales activities
  • Proficient in effective and persuasive communication
  • Strong interpersonal skills with focus on engaged listening
  • Bachelor's degree or relevant certifications (CPA, CFP, CFRE) preferred

Responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio and cultivate gifts of $50,000+
  • Develop and execute tailored strategies for donor engagement
  • Present planned giving options to align with donor goals
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance donor strategies
  • Travel to meet donors and build lasting relationships

Benefits

  • Opportunity for impactful work in a mission-driven environment
  • Engage directly with donors to facilitate meaningful giving
  • High visibility role within the organization
  • Work in a collaborative, team-oriented setting
  • Ongoing professional development related to planned giving strategies
Full Job Description
Job Type

Full-time

Description

Compensation: $86,000-$94,000 annually

Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Manhattan, KS (onsite only)

Turn Financial Expertise into Lasting Impact as a Gift Planning Officer

Step into a role where your expertise meets purpose. As a Gift Planning Officer, you will build meaningful relationships, guide impactful giving strategies, and help donors leave a lasting legacy. This is an opportunity for a driven, relationship-focused professional to translate financial insight into transformational philanthropic support.

As a Gift Planning Officer, you will identify, cultivate, and steward donors while growing a strategic portfolio aligned to ambitious goals. You'll collaborate across teams and confidently present complex gift opportunities in a compelling way. This position is ideal for someone with a background in financial planning, trust or wealth management, or estate-related services who is ready to apply their skills in a mission-driven environment.

In this highly visible role, the Gift Planning Officer will engage directly with alumni, donors, and advisors-building trust, navigating sophisticated giving conversations, and driving results through proactive outreach. A successful Gift Planning Officer brings confidence, curiosity, and a passion for connecting people to purpose.

What You'll Do:
  • Manage a portfolio and qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts of $50,000+
  • Develop and execute tailored strategies for each prospect
  • Present planned giving options aligned to donor goals and financial situations
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to advance donor strategies
  • Travel to meet donors and build lasting, high-impact relationships


Requirements

  • 2+ years of full-time, transferable experience in trusts and estate law, financial planning, or trust/wealth management
  • Experience calling, conducting face-to-face appointments, managing relationships, creating and presenting proposals, and other fundamental elements of client/donor relationship or sales-related activities
  • Proven ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with a diverse audience
  • Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on engaged listening

Bonus Expertise That Sets You Apart:
  • Bachelor's degree or relevant certifications (CPA, CFP, CFRE)
  • Knowledge of real estate transactions or complex assets
  • Understanding of tax implications and charitable estate planning vehicles
  • Familiar with fundraising or donor engagement strategies


As a Gift Planning Officer, you will stay current on planned giving strategies - including real estate, trusts, and estate planning vehicles - allowing you to guide donors and advisors with credibility. This position is built for a go-getter who thrives, on travel, connection, and meaningful results.

If you're ready to grow your impact and elevate your career as a Gift Planning Officer, apply today!

Salary Description

$86,000 - $94,000 annually

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