Summary:

The Director of Planned Giving directs and manages the planned giving program at Berea College in the Division of Alumni and College Relations. The Director has primary responsibility for gifts of estates, trusts, and various financial vehicles that are at the major gift level. This position, in consultation with the Associate Vice President for Major and Planned Gifts, sets program goals, manages relationships, and leads the marketing and education efforts internally and externally.  This position is responsible for increasing the awareness of charitable giving techniques among alumni and friends to the College.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develops annual fundraising plan for the planned giving program, including goals, strategies and benchmarks and oversees the implementation of the plan.

• Provides leadership of development assessment strategies and performance indicators for programmatic areas, as well as a cohesive system for tracking planned gifts and major gifts.

• Determines the metrics for planned giving officers, establishing a strong performance management program that monitors their progress and leads to success.

• Actively manages a portfolio of 50-75 prospects, planning and implementing thoughtful strategies for the successful cultivation and solicitation of these individuals and/or organizations.

• Maximizes philanthropic relationships by working with donors to secure philanthropic support through annual and endowed gifts in addition to planned gifts. Supports all College fundraising initiatives.

• Manages the planned giving marketing program that includes a multi-channel approach (print, email, and web) including the Planned Giving newsletter.

• Remains current on laws and regulations governing charitable giving.

• Partners with the Associate Vice President to set goals and develop programmatic solicitation plans.

• Oversees the Great Commitments Society and its recognition events, engaging those with known planned gift intentions through event programming, and conducting face-to-face visits.

• Works with Prospect Development and Research to identify prospects and build prospective donor pools for planned gifts.

• Serve as liaison to Berea College legal counsel and finance department regarding tax laws and the legal implications of planned giving; keep abreast of legal and tax changes. Provide technical support to colleagues in gift planning matters; attend professional conferences as appropriate Prepare and manage budget for the Office of Planned Giving.

Education required to ensure success in this position:

• A bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s or JD, preferred.

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of successful relevant professional experience in a higher education or a complex non-profit setting or as professional with substantive experiences directly related to the position.    

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Understanding and appreciation for the Berea College purpose and Great Commitments, including the tremendous impact philanthropy and planned gifts in particular have on the ability of the College to achieve its mission;

• Extensive knowledge of complex gifts: estates and trusts, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, gifts of real estates, gifts of closely held securities; gifts of life insurance, gifts in kind, tangible and intangible gifts, and charitable distributions of IRAs, 401K and 403b retirement plans;

• Demonstrated success working effectively with donors and prospects as well as their legal and financial advisors.

• Management experience to inspire, educate, and lead a team of fundraising professionals and other team members.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and superior interpersonal skills with demonstrated skill in working well and collaboratively with staff, faculty, and donors and traits of integrity, discretion, patience, persistence, good judgment and strong sense of self;

• Strong project coordination and organizational skills with proven ability to work effectively with a diverse constituency and collaboratively with colleagues from across the institution/organization, while exercising discretion and diplomacy.

• Experience collaborating campus/organization wide with development professionals and other key stakeholders.