Executive Director of Planned Giving

Job Summary

As the public launch of the most ambitious campaign at West Virginia University approaches, the West Virginia University Foundation seeks an Executive Director of Planned Giving to serve as the subject matter expert and central development leader for a comprehensive planned giving program. The Executive Director leads a team and works collaboratively with development staff across campus to secure planned gift commitments from alumni and friends of West Virginia University.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Develop and implement a systematic program for the identification, cultivation and solicitation of planned giving prospects
• Proactive partner with major gift officers and development staff across colleges, units, and regions to identify planned giving opportunities within existing portfolios
• Oversee an extensive planned giving marketing program to generate leads using print, social media, direct mail, email, advertising, and networking with professional associations to promote deferred gift opportunities
• Supervise and recommend, along with creating and leading, educational and training opportunities for all staff members on the functions of planned giving and deferred gift instruments, along with donor strategies
• Act as a staff liaison with colleges/units across campus providing expertise on deferred gift instruments and prospect strategy
• Personally solicit and close planned and blended gifts, including bequests, beneficiary designations (retirement plans and life insurance), and gifts involving both current and deferred components
• Travel locally, regionally, and nationally for the purpose of advancing the mission of the Planned Giving program, to cultivate, solicit, and steward planned giving prospects and donors
• Document donor contact, strategy, and gift outcomes in the Foundation’s CRM in a timely and accurate manner
• Collaborate with Research and Prospect Management, Technology and Advancement Solutions, and other WVUF staff as appropriate, maintaining the accuracy, thoroughness, and integrity of planned giving records in CRM (soon to be Salesforce)
• Working with Donor Relations, develop and execute planned giving stewardship plans and programs for a one-off planned gift donor, the entire Planned Giving program, or respective segments of planned gift donors. With Donor Relations, plan and execute all pertinent activities of the Irvin Stewart Society, the Foundation’s primary recognition vehicle for planned gift donors
• Hold membership in several associations and formal/informal networks to stay abreast of the latest techniques, tax issues, gift management processes, and other best practices for a proactive planned giving program
• Develop and maintain relations with various professionals in the estate planning field to promote knowledge regarding planned gift vehicles, generally, and opportunities to support the University and all its affiliates through planned giving, specifically
• Establish and maintain relations with advisors in the fields of law, banking, accounting, insurance, financial planning and services, and others as appropriate, for the purpose of assisting donors in accomplishing their personal financial goals, generating specific referrals for new business, and partnering with other charities and non-profit institutions, to promote estate planning and planned giving
• Draft, and deliver where appropriate, articles, speeches, seminar topics, and other written or verbal materials for internal and external uses of all kinds, the purpose of which is to inform constituents about the various planned giving opportunities available through the WVU Foundation 
• Develop annual goals with measurable objectives for the Planned Giving program and team, culminating in annual performance evaluation of the program and team performance
• Assume additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President, Central Development, the Senior Vice President of Development, or President of the Foundation 

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Competencies:

Education and/or Experience                                                   

• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree (Master’s) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) is highly preferred.
• Seven or more years of progressive experience in frontline fundraising, with a demonstrable and successful track record in planned giving, major gifts, or a closely related field (such as estate planning, wealth management, or trust leadership) is required.
• Professional certifications such as CFA, CFP, CTFA, CFRE, or other advanced financial planning or fundraising credentials.
• Strong written, verbal, organization, and interpersonal skills are required.
• Successful candidates will be self-motivated and possess the ability to work as a team member within a complex organization requiring collaboration, teamwork, and communication.

Computer Skills                                               

Must possess the capacity and willingness to fully engage in a technology driven development operation including proficiency in customer relationship management systems, currently CRM/Blackbaud and soon to be Salesforce; Microsoft Office products; external and online research databases.

Physical requirements

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use his/her hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, and possibly at times, climb or balance, stoop or kneel. Vision abilities required to perform this job include close vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position will supervise 3 other planned giving staff.

Other Duties

Work Environment: The position is expected to be in-person primarily, but over time, hybrid may be acceptable in alignment with the WVUF work/telecommuting policy.  Travel is required at times for this position.