Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Emory University seeks an energetic and experienced advancement leader to assume the role of Executive Director of Gift Planning (ED). In alignment with the values and goals of the division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement (AAE), the ED will develop, oversee, and evaluate a comprehensive planned giving program for Emory. This position will serve as the University’s lead planned gift strategist and prioritizes the effort to increase the pipeline for planned gifts as well as the ongoing opportunities to creatively evolve the work, strategies, and tools. This position calls for a strategic visionary who thrives in a complex and fast-paced environment and has a track record of success in principal and planned gift fundraising in an academic institution or other comprehensive nonprofit organization. Experience as an estate attorney and financial planner will also be considered. 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Responsible for managing the Office of Gift Planning.
• Manages a staff comprised of gift planning officers and support staff who ensure that a high level of donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation occurs.
• Evaluates and updates gift planning operations, procedures and marketing and training programs.
• Implements programs and processes that will ensure a high level of gift planning activity which will serve as a major source of gifts in a campaign environment.
• Collaborates with school and unit based development offices in tailoring donor cultivation and solicitation to specific units.
• Maintains a portfolio of gift planning prospects, making a designated number of calls each month.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS:

• In addition to the duties outlined above, the Executive Director may be required to: Meet department metrics for visit preparation, qualification, contact reports, visits, referrals, and accurate coding using the CRM system.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree and ten years experience in gift and estate planning in the private sector, higher education, non-profit, or related with a minimum of five years managing staff.
• A JD is preferred.
• Expertise with various gift and estate planning instruments and technical expertise with various gift planning strategies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful candidates will possess an advanced degree or certification in estate and gift planning (J.D. and/or CFP).
• Experience working with bequests, trusts, taxes, and planned giving with a strong working knowledge of tax, trust, and other laws affecting charitable planning.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills with attention to detail, the ability to work with ambiguity, and navigate a complex work environment.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication effective presentation skills and possess the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience leading teams, working independently as well as collaboratively to achieve goals, with a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• Experience managing projects, budgets, and financial reports, working with various technologies including advanced knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, mass email applications, database and project management software, and CRM systems.
• Prior experience in advancement, fundraising, alumni engagement, non-profit, or a university setting.
• Flexibility to accommodate changing priorities and deadlines.
• Possess a high level of professionalism and commitment to confidentiality with sound judgment and discretion.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department of work. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

To ensure the safety of our campus community, the COVID-19 vaccine is required. For more information on the University and Hospital policies and potential exemptions, please see our website.

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.