Director of Development – Gift Planning
Location: Houston, TX, United States · Reference: 5638
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, the Director of
Development – Gift Planning is responsible for securing planned gifts and/or
blended gifts; i.e., a combination of annual, outright, revocable and
irrevocable life income gifts. Primary responsibilities include the
identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of alumni, parents
and friends, with particular attention to those capable of gifts of $100,000
or more. The Director of Development – Gift Planning values collaboration and
partners in fundraising activities with a portfolio of school and regional
major gift and annual gift officers. This person assists in providing
technical expertise to development officers and university administrators.
With oversight from the Executive Director of Gift Planning, the Director of
Development – Gift Planning participates actively in the design and
implementation of the gift planning marketing and communications. The Director
of Development – Gift Planning mentors, coaches and participates in formal
training of fellow development professionals and volunteers in blended and
planned gift fundraising to further the fundraising and donor engagement goals
of the organization.
The ideal candidate is either someone who has served in this capacity in a
higher education or other non-profit organization or who has a legal
background in estate and probate work and is interested in utilizing that
knowledge to impact Rice University's mission by securing philanthropic
commitments via estates and other planned gifts.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Rice University has retained Lindauer,
an executive search firm, to assist in this search. Consideration of
candidates will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should
submit, in confidence, a resume and cover letter. Communications, nominations,
applications, and inquiries concerning this search should be directed to
Raegan Harvey, Senior Consultant, [email protected].
Workplace Requirements:
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote
work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440,
work arrangements may be subject to change.
Must possess (or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and
maintain a valid Texas driver's license with no more than three moving
violations and/or at fault accidents within the past 36 months, and no
convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past five years.
Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree
Three or more (3+) years of major gift fundraising experience with a
minimum of three years of demonstrated success in closing complex and
planned gifts.
3+ years of successful experience in the fields of professional financial planning, trust officer, or practicing law, focusing on estate and/or tax planning will also be considered.
Skills:
Strong knowledge of planned gift vehicles and gifts of complex assets
Strong knowledge of charitable tax laws
Working knowledge of estate and tax planning
Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
Advanced problem-solving skills
Strong interpersonal skills and verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work well with quick deadlines and manage multiple projects
simultaneously
Strong organizational and time management skills
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
Strong data analysis skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected
deadlines and schedules
Adept at problem solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues
when necessary
Strong attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember
details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned
Strong client service orientation
Ability to develop new and maintain existing relationships with probate
attorneys, trustees and other professional advisors in the advancement of
receiving charitable gifts that have been designated for Rice through
decedents' estate, retirement assets, life insurance, etc.
Preferences:
Juris Doctor or Master's Degree
6+ years of the experience specified above and prior work in this capacity
in a higher education or other complex non-profit institution
Ability to develop new and maintain existing relationships with probate
attorneys, trustees and other professional advisors in the advancement of
receiving charitable gifts that have been designated for Rice through
decedents' estate, retirement assets, life insurance, etc.
Working knowledge of Blackbaud CRM or other advancement system
Working knowledge of PG Calc or Crescendo Pro
Working knowledge of document management software
Experience in a PC/Windows environment using Microsoft Office tools
Bar admission in a U.S. state; CFA, CFP, CTFA, CFRE, CAP or other advanced
financial planning or fundraising certification
Essential Functions:
Manages a select portfolio of planned, blended and complex asset gift
prospects through qualifying visits, cultivation of prospects, and
prospect solicitations that align with the prospects' passions and
financial capacity, securing the commitment and stewarding current donors
Assists in providing stewardship for endowed assets funded through estates
or life income gifts
Assists in developing gift planning marketing and communications
Collaborates with other development officers regarding soliciting,
securing, and documenting planned gifts
Prepares sample illustrations for all potential gift vehicles and assets,
including, but not limited to, life income gifts, gifts of real estate and
other non-cash assets, lead trusts, bequest intentions through various
vehicles, etc.
Assists in providing stewardship for planned gift donors in conjunction
with team activities around the Captain James A. Baker Society, the Rice
University planned gift recognition society, Golden and Platinum Reunion
prospects, etc.
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions:
Local and national travel to visit with prospects and donors (up to 35%
of the time)
Making cold calls to potential prospects
Occasional weekend and evening events
Maintains and develops ongoing knowledge of all manner of planned gift
vehicles and gifts of complex assets
Stays current with and continues developing knowledge of all existing and
changing charitable tax laws
Has frequent and ongoing contact with colleagues in the Development and
Alumni Relations division, as well as the Treasurer's Office
Has some contact with the General Counsel's Office, deans, faculty and
other university offices
Has extensive contact with alumni, friends and parents, plus attorneys,
financial planners and other affiliated professionals
Comfortable working in an open office environment
Rice University HR Benefits: https: // knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and
welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers
qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin,
genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also
provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If
an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the
application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's
Human Resources Office via email at [email protected] for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank
you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
