What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Gift Planning position at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston?
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) seeks a Director of Gift Planning II to lead comprehensive strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned and blended gift prospects. This role is critical to advancing UTHealth Houston's mission by securing philanthropic support for its transformative medical research, education, and patient care programs.
Please ensure you read the below overview and requirements for this employment opportunity completely.
Founded in 1972, UTHealth Houston is a premier academic health university, home to schools of dentistry, medicine, nursing, public health, biomedical sciences, and biomedical informatics. As part of the Texas Medical Center—the world's largest medical complex—UTHealth Houston operates over 60 properties, totaling nearly 5 million square feet, and employs more than 8,000 staff members. Serving over 5,400 students annually, UTHealth Houston is positioned at the forefront of addressing complex health challenges locally and globally.
The Director of Gift Planning will play a pivotal role in enhancing UTHealth Houston's philanthropic efforts, working closely with the Senior Director of Gift Planning, Major Gift Officers, and key stakeholders to foster relationships and expand the pipeline for planned and blended gifts. With an increasing focus on asset-based giving and the growing importance of planned gifts for an aging population, the Director will oversee a portfolio of approximately 70 major planned gift prospects. This individual will also collaborate with colleagues across the Office of Development to help donors envision larger, impactful gifts that support the university's mission.
The Office of Development advances the mission of UTHealth Houston by seeking and securing philanthropic support for its programs in service to students and the community.
As UTHealth Houston continues to build on the success of its 2023 "Many Faces. One Mission." campaign—raising $534.4 million—the Director will contribute to further strengthening the institution's philanthropy programs. Working closely with the Vice President of Principal Gifts will help cultivate high-value opportunities for transformational giving, particularly within the grateful patient community, and advance long-term support through effective stewardship.
The ideal candidate will have at least six years of experience in major gift fundraising and gift planning, preferably within higher education or healthcare settings. This individual will possess strong communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and a proven aptitude for building trust and fostering deep donor relationships. The role requires a high level of professional presence and the ability to collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, and donors. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for cultivating long-term donor support and advancing philanthropic goals.
Please direct all nominations and inquiries to Ashley Buderus and Anissa Conner via email at UTHealthHouston_PlannedGiving@wittkieffer.com.
Candidates should provide a resume and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile. Application materials can be submitted by using the WittKieffer Candidate Portal.
UTHealth Houston is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment-related activities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law or university policy. Reasonable accommodation, based on disability or religious observances, will be considered in accordance with applicable law and UTHealth Houston policy. The University maintains affirmative action programs with respect to women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and eligible veterans in accordance with applicable law.
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