What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Gift Planning position at NDSU Foundation?
The North Dakota State University Foundation seeks mission-driven individuals interested in joining a growing team dedicated to connecting people, developing partnerships, teamwork, accountability, transparency, stewardship, communication, and service. The Foundation invites candidates for a Director of Gift Planning, full-time exempt position.
The North Dakota State University Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) organization which exists to maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support NDSU. We connect people who are passionate about NDSU and improving the lives and outcomes of North Dakotans and the world. We are an organization of sixty team members and growing. If you enjoy non-profit work, are inspired by our mission, love to collaborate with your colleagues, and are ambitious to develop as a professional, we welcome you to apply.
Our team members enjoy a highly competitive total compensation package including company paid health insurance, a defined contribution account funded at 9.5%, generous paid time off, abundant professional development opportunities, plus elective dental and vision plans.
This position will remain open until filled. To be considered, applicants must apply online through the NDSU Foundation employment site (https://www.ndsufoundation.com/employment) and include a cover letter and resume.
The North Dakota State University Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) organization which exists to maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support NDSU. We connect people who are passionate about NDSU and improving the lives and outcomes of North Dakotans and the world. We are an organization of sixty team members and growing. If you enjoy non-profit work, are inspired by our mission, love to collaborate with your colleagues, and are ambitious to develop as a professional, we welcome you to apply.
Our team members enjoy a highly competitive total compensation package including company paid health insurance, a defined contribution account funded at 9.5%, generous paid time off, abundant professional development opportunities, plus elective dental and vision plans.
This position will remain open until filled. To be considered, applicants must apply online through the NDSU Foundation employment site (https://www.ndsufoundation.com/employment) and include a cover letter and resume.
Position Summary:
Responsible for identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of an assigned portfolio of leadership ($1M ) and major planned gift prospects and donors ($25K ). Will also participate in select outright major gift solicitation as appropriate. Utilize a comprehensive prospect management and research system to develop strategic plans for these prospects and document efforts related to strategic plans in the database. Partner with NDSU campus leaders and other development directors to assist in execution of these priorities in an ultimate effort to meet the goals of the university’s strategic vision and mission. Increase donor base exposure to gift planning opportunities through increased marketing efforts both online and in person.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for development, implementation and evaluation of strategic plans focused on securing leadership ($1M ) and major ($25k ) planned gifts along with some outright gifts that may accompany these as a blended gift strategy.
- Responsible for utilization of comprehensive prospect management and research system to assist in implementation of strategic plans and other actions.
- Manage an evolving assigned portfolio of 75-100 constituents including, alumni and friends. This includes: Initiating contacts with potential leadership and major planned gift donors; Developing appropriate cultivation strategies for them, including working with volunteers, campus partners and other development officers; Moving potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; Stewarding donors.
- Work collaboratively with College and Unit Directors of Development and train them on basic gift planning vehicles such as bequests and ways to recognize additional opportunities for other gift planning vehicles. Be a resource for development and advancement staff by maintaining appropriate knowledge of planned giving vehicles and applicable estate and tax law as it relates to charitable giving.
- Focus on securing support for campus wide priorities that include academic programs, endowed chairs, scholarships, unrestricted support, facility renovations, new facilities and other campus and foundation priorities.
- Assist in directing the Foundation’s planned/defined giving marketing program.
- Job requires overnight travel and weekend commitments.
Essential Functions:
- Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
- Efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
- Maintain files accurately, in paper and in software programs
- Maintain records and prepare reports
- Handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Plan, prioritize and meet deadlines
- Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.
- Interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, internal staff, University community and the public
- Work cooperatively and effectively with others to resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Maintain confidentiality of records and information
- Display excellent judgment and decision making
- Follow through on projects with little supervision
- Spot problems
- Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
- Prompt and reliable attendance
- Demonstrate support of the Foundation’s mission and beliefs
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum two years in major gift/planned gift/leadership gift development or comparable professional experience with similar transferrable skills
- Experience in creating and executing strategic plans
- Strong analytical skills and sound judgment
- High level of integrity and dependability
- Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Ability to lead and motivate volunteers
- Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach to building teams and fostering a best place to work culture
- Excellent communication skills
- Proficiency with technology
- Willingness and ability to travel overnights and weekends
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s or other advanced degree
- Higher education major gift/planned gift fundraising experience
- Strong background in a higher education environment from an institutionally-related foundation setting
- Professional certification (CFRE, CFP, JD or similar designation
Physical and Mental Demands:
Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office, determine what others have said or written, critical thinking and converse with others and exchange accurate information. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and within the community. May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving objects. Occasionally required to move, raise, reach and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds. Ability to travel locally and nationally.
The position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities, duties and requirements: but to describe the standard level of work being performed. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned or as required by the needs of the business. The NDSU Foundation reserves the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time.
The NDSU Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, or participation in lawful activity off the employer's premises, as applicable
Salary : $25,000
