Senior Director of Planned Giving, Institutional Advancement

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Center, model and champion the division’s core values: 

• We value each person. 
• We are enterprising. 
• We are accountable. 
• We are stewards.

Summary of Position

The Senior Director of Planned Giving is a part-time leadership role responsible for developing and leading Augsburg University's planned giving program, securing complex and deferred gifts such as bequests, charitable trusts, and real estate. As the University's planned giving expert, this position provides strategic guidance, technical expertise, and donor engagement strategies while partnering with Institutional Advancement leadership, gift officers, volunteers, and campus colleagues. The Senior Director also supports complex donor conversations, coaches fundraising staff, and strengthens planned giving efforts to grow the University's planned giving pipeline and Oftedal Legacy Society membership. 

Primary Responsibilities

Program Leadership 

• Serve as Augsburg University's lead planned giving expert, providing strategic guidance on complex, blended, and deferred gift opportunities.
• Partner with fundraisers and campus stakeholders to identify planned giving opportunities, develop donor strategies and materials, and support complex gift conversations.
• Collaborate with legal, finance, and advancement services to structure, document, and steward planned gifts.
• Grow and strengthen the Oftedal Legacy Society through donor stewardship, training, coaching, and planned giving education.

Direct Fundraising

• Partner with advancement leadership, gift officers, and volunteers to develop donor strategies that integrate principal, major, blended, and planned giving opportunities.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity planned giving prospects, providing technical expertise and participating in donor meetings to advance complex gift opportunities.
• Develop customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that align donor interests with the University's priorities, including preparing gift proposals and illustrations.
• Ensure ethical fundraising practices, exceptional donor stewardship, and collaboration with campus and volunteer leaders throughout the gift process.

Development and Information Management 

• Maintain accurate and timely donor records, contact reports, proposals, and follow up activities in The Raiser's Edge in partnership with Advancement Services.
• Manage proposals through all stages (planning, pending, and funded) in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Provide the Vice President of Institutional Advancement with weekly updates on donor activity and fundraising progress.
• Maintain proficiency in donor database systems and other information management tools to support effective fundraising operations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of current tax laws, investments and planned giving opportunities; use knowledge in prospect cultivation and solicitation as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with other team members.
• Participate in regular team meetings and division wide meetings, Institution-wide meetings.
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical work environment can range from an office to on-site wherever constituent meetings take place.  
• Working at a desk for long periods of time.
• Regular phone, computer keyboard, mouse and monitor use.  
• Long or irregular hours; must be available for work nights and weekends.
• Intense work environment; busy, demanding professional responsibilities with deadline pressure and performance quotas.
• Occasional intense work environment as it relates to emotional reactions from alumni and donors.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours/days with occasional evening and weekend hours. 
• Some travel may be necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Director: Minimum of six (6) years of professional experience in planned giving, estate planning, trust management, or fundraising.
• Senior Director: Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in planned giving, estate planning, trust management, or fundraising.
• Demonstrated proficiency with donor databases, information technology, and fundraising management systems.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and the ability to travel as needed, including by air and other forms of public transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) or other advanced degree.
• Preference given to candidates with higher education experience and more experience in planned giving. 
• Familiarity with the Advancement databases, preferably Raisers Edge. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Strong computer and software skills such as Google Office Suite. 
• Strong computer and software skills such as Google Office Suite. 
• Must be a self-motivated, self-directed and highly organized individual who will promote a productive, collegial workplace and be a professional ambassador for Augsburg University.
• Belief in the mission and strong ethical conduct is essential. 
• Requires excellent oral and written communications skills, a broad-based knowledge of fund development and the ability to work in a complex environment with multi-dimensional points of view. 
• Must possess the ability to inspire trust and confidence and communicate effectively with internal and external audiences.
• The ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality is essential.

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position please include the following in your application:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required)

Compensation & Benefits at Augsburg

• The compensation range is $70,000 - $75,000 annually, DOQ. 

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US
• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire
• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Equal Opportunity 

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.  

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected].