Sr. Gift Planning Officer

Sr. Gift Planning Officer

As a member of the professional Gift Planning development team, this position participates in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors to increase both the quantity and size of estate, life-income, and other planned and major gifts in support of the University of Minnesota Foundation. In a highly collaborative environment, this individual will be expected to coordinate efforts with unit-based development officers, central development professionals, and other University staff where appropriate.

Responsibilities Planned Gift Cultivation and Solicitation Personally engage transformational and major gift donors capable of making gifts of $50k+ by conducting qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship visits. Manage in varying stages of involvement a portfolio of prospects and donors to ensure that timely steps are taken toward solicitation. Make solo and joint contacts with prospects to counsel and assist them in their charitable gift planning; design and present planned and blended gift strategies and illustrations. File timely electronic contact reports on donors and prospects contacted and participate in team prospecting analysis and strategy meetings.

Planned Gift Unit Partnerships, Gift Planning Expertise, Gift Planning Education and Other Responsibilities Provide gift planning expertise to Foundation staff and regional / campus / collegiate development officers, with assigned units and with individual development officers. Collaborate with department colleagues to develop and present gift planning educational programs for development officers, and enterprise wide. Maintain proficiency in the latest gift planning vehicle features and charitable gift law changes and use PG Calc gift planning software programs to develop gift illustrations for presentation to prospects and donors. Gift Planning Marketing and Prospecting In collaboration with communications and department colleagues, provide input to planned gift marketing materials and strategies, including : developing key educational messages, identifying target audiences, and selecting donors to be featured. In collaboration with gift planning colleagues, prepare and present to alumni, staff and faculty, and other audiences on estate and gift planning related topics. In collaboration with prospect development / research, marketing / communications and department colleagues, develop planned gift prospecting strategies, including identifying key market segments and implementation of targeted strategies. Gift Planning Stewardship and Other Initiatives Initiate and monitor stewardship activities for assigned donors in portfolio, as well as in discovery and stewardship pools. Participate in annual Heritage Society (planned gift donors) event planning and execution. Collaborate with Donor Relations and development colleagues to facilitate stewardship activities for all Heritage Society members. Perform other projects, committees and task forces at the Foundation as assigned by supervisor.

Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time) Continuous learning in diversity, equity and inclusion for oneself and team via training, podcasts, articles, etc. Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging. Develop and employ anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work. Advocate for employees of all ethnicities, genders, ages and backgrounds Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, stakeholders, etc.

Qualifications Required : Bachelor's degree required. Minimum six years' experience in gift planning or a closely previous experience in gift planning or closely related field such as estate planning, trust management, or development / fundraising with strong emphasis on gift planning activities. Ability to work effectively in a complex environment and to collaborate with gift planning team and other teams cross functionally and across the enterprise to meet donor needs. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and build relationships at all organizational levels. Ability to take initiative and function independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated excellent communication skills including writing, editing, research and presentation. Attention to detail and demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred : Juris doctorate or other advanced degree Demonstrated leadership experience in either a professional or volunteer organization setting and campaign-related gift planning or major gift fundraising experience within a higher education environment. Demonstrated intermediate level experience using Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with the University of Minnesota and its alumni.