What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director of Planned Giving position at University of Arkansas, Fayetteville?
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Closing Date : 03 / 10 / 2025
Type of Position : Major Gifts
Workstudy Position : Job Type :
Regular
Work Shift :
Sponsorship Available :
Institution Name :
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture and climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.
The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.
As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.
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Department : Foundation Relations
Department's Website :
Summary of Job Duties :
The Executive Director of Planned Giving serves as a strategic partner and colleague of the Advancement team and supports the growth and development of philanthropy and engagement at the University of Arkansas. The Executive Director serves as team lead of the Office of Planned Giving to direct and oversee a comprehensive program for planned giving that identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors and prospects.
Working collaboratively across the division, campus, and beyond, the Executive Director builds and maintains collegial relationships and seeks out proactive opportunities with college, school, and unit representatives, to partner in achieving unit major and planned giving fundraising goals. The Executive Director serves as the division’s primary resource for knowledge and education on estate and complex planned giving techniques that maximize a donor’s investment in response to strategic and inspirational opportunities.
The Executive Director will collaborate with the planned giving team as well as the Office of Marketing and Communications, to create a strategic marketing plan that ensures consistent and effective alignment with Division and University messaging including the established Heritage Society.
Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor, Advancement Partnerships & Strategy, the Executive Director of Planned Giving embodies the competencies and values of Advancement – Integrity, Service, Leadership, Inclusion, Teamwork and Continuous Improvement.
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications :
Minimum Qualifications :
Juris Doctor from an accredited institution of higher education
At least seven years of demonstrated success as a planned giving officer, a major gift officer with successful outcomes or in a closely related field such as tax or estate law, or financial planning
Demonstrated record of proposal and stewardship activity
Demonstrated management skills in leading highly successful teams
Demonstrated success in quickly establishing rapport and building trust with prospects
Excellent writing skills with extreme attention to detail and confidence, and strong verbal communication
Experience working and collaborating with volunteers
Willingness to travel on behalf of the University and work irregular hours if needed
Preferred Qualifications :
Successful participation in a major giving campaign (preferably in higher education)
Familiarity with the University of Arkansas campus, the Division of Advancement and the University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc.
Possesses an existing network of estate attorneys, demonstrating strong professional connections and the ability to facilitate comprehensive estate planning discussions
Demonstrated leadership experience, including serving on or leading professional boards and committees
Graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Deep knowledge of the state of Arkansas
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :
Knowledge of the fundraising landscape in higher education
Knowledge of complex and planned gifts
Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, faculty, and University leadership, with an emphasis on tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion
Skill in using Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Skill in in using a database CRM, specifically Salesforce, Workday and any other management tools used by the university
Skill in navigating complex environments with evolving priorities
Ability to display a collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment
Ability to be highly organized and able to manage multiple projects
Ability to be analytical, with adherence to self-guided goals and deadlines
Ability to cultivate and solicit private gifts from high-level prospects
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information
Ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas and be a creative problem solver
Ability to respond to donor needs and concerns in a kind and professional way
Additional Information :
University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas.
The Advancement team is committed to a donor-centric approach to philanthropy and every team member plays a vital role in providing benefactors with the service and attention that ensures an exceptionally positive and fulfilling philanthropic experience.
Salary Information :
Commensurate with education and experience
Required Documents to Apply :
Cover Letter / Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume
Optional Documents :
Proof of Veteran Status
Recruitment Contact Information :
Julia Menke, , Sr. HR partner
Crystal Ellis, HR Recruiter,
Special Instructions to Applicants :
Pre-employment Screening Requirements :
Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry
The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and / or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds inclusion, opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Constant Physical Activity :
N / A
Frequent Physical Activity :
N / A
Occasional Physical Activity :
N / A
Benefits Eligible :
