Position Description:

The Director of Planned Giving will be responsible for overseeing the university’s planned giving initiatives, including bequests, trusts, charitable annuities, and other deferred gifts. The Director of Planned Giving will manage and coordinate all aspects of pending and completed planned gifts, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between the donor, their advisors, and key internal stakeholders. The Director of Planned Giving will serve as the university’s primary resource on charitable estate planning and tax-advantaged giving strategies and will work closely with donors and their advisors to structure gifts that optimize benefits for both the donor and the university. Additionally, the Planned Giving Officer will oversee qualification materials for the Kretzmann Society, which recognizes those individuals who have made estate plans or established life-income gifts to benefit Valparaiso University as well as collaborate with the Stewardship Office on planned giving stewardship efforts. The Director of Planned Giving will build and manage a personal portfolio of planned giving prospects and major donors.

Major Responsibilities:

The Director of Planned Giving will:

• manage the university’s planned giving efforts, including bequests, trusts, charitable annuities, and other deferred gifts;
• manage and coordinate all aspects and details of pending and completed planned gifts, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between the donor, the donor’s advisors, the Advancement Office, General Counsel, and the Finance Office;
• ensure that all steps are completed in a timely manner to facilitate smooth processing and stewardship of gifts;
• serve as the university’s primary resource on charitable estate planning and tax-advantaged giving strategies;
• work with donors and their advisors to structure gifts that maximize benefits for both the donor and the university;
• develop and promote planned giving marketing efforts, including materials, newsletters, and seminars in coordination with the Advancement operations team;
• oversee planned giving materials for qualification for the Kretzman Society, and work with the Donor Relations Office on planned giving stewardship; and
• build and manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and major donors.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least four years of experience in fundraising, including direct experience with planned giving, is preferred for this position. Valparaiso University will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to Valpo, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.

Other Qualifications:

Valparaiso University seeks a Director of Planned Giving with:

• a commitment to the mission and values of Valparaiso University as a community of learning dedicated to excellence and grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom, and faith, preparing students to lead and serve in both church and society;
• deep knowledge of charitable gift planning vehicles, tax laws related to charitable giving, and estate planning principles;
• excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to build and maintain positive relationships with donors, volunteers, and colleagues;
• strong communication and presentation skills, with an ability to persuasively articulate the mission and goals of Valparaiso University;
• an ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic, team-oriented environment;
• a commitment to cultural diversity and an ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds; and
• familiarity with fundraising CRM systems (Slate, Advance, etc.) or similar systems.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

Valparaiso University has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Director of Planned Giving. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/3293.