Assistant Director - Planned Giving

Summary Of Responsibilities

Serve as project manager for the planning, execution, and tracking of fundraising appeals, retirement webinars, the Business & Economic Forum, and donor events.

Maintain project management systems and calendars, coordinate with division and campus partners, and manage appeal content across platforms, including NXT, Crescendo, newsletters, social media, and university publications.

Ensure all communications, assets, KPIs, and results are archived and tracked.

Monitor marketing and event budgets, evaluate ROI, and compile annual strategy and performance reports.

Relationship Management, Stewardship & Outreach

Lead strategic engagement efforts with Wilson Sorensen Society members, planned giving prospects, and financial professionals.

Cultivate relationships with CPAs, financial planners, and estate planning attorneys to promote UVU and encourage participation in the Business & Economic Forum.

Manage donor outreach, including estate planning guide follow-up, stewardship events, and collaboration with development officers to support pipeline development.

Engage with individuals who have self-identified an interest in planned giving, with the goal of qualifying them for a current or planned gift.

Records, Data & Gift Stewardship

Maintain accurate donor records in Raisers Edge, manage gift documentation, and ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

Analyze data to identify planned giving prospects and manage a portfolio of financial advisors, seminar attendees, and guide requestors.

Support scholarship stewardship through Elder Quest events, donor recognition, and customized communications.

Ensure all touches, acknowledgments, and reporting are completed for gifts under management.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

• Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: Accounting, Finance, Financial Planning, Business, Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, or a closely related discipline;
• One year of experience related to the summary of duties.
• Alternatively, an associate degree in a related field plus three years of relevant professional experience may be considered.
• A background in finance, financial services, or a related field, with a practical understanding of tax considerations in charitable giving.
• Familiarity with philanthropic vehicles and giving strategies, including IRA qualified charitable distributions, donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities, bequests, and beneficiary gifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with asset-based donations such as real estate, securities, or business interests.

Skills

• Skilled in creating and managing direct and digital fundraising campaigns with measurable outcomes.
• Strategic and innovative thinker with strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Experienced in Microsoft Excel, or equivalent, including data manipulation, mid-range formulas, and pivot tables, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Proficient in project management software, such as JIRA, ClickUp, Asana, Monday, etc., project mapping tools, such as Lucidchart, and visual design tools such as Canva or Adobe Illustrator.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills for engaging donors, financial advisors, and seminar participants.

Abilities

• Self-motivated and results-driven with a proactive approach to identifying and pursuing opportunities.
• Able to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Capable of working independently, managing multiple priorities, and aligning efforts with organizational goals.
• Professional and empathetic communicator, skilled in building trust and fostering collaboration with donors and financial professionals.