Director of Development, Gift Planning

About the role

Shape the future of philanthropy at Rice University by guiding donors in creating meaningful legacy gifts that advance a bold institutional vision. This role is ideal for a strategic and relationship-driven development professional or a legal expert in estate and tax planning who is motivated to connect donors’ legacy goals with institutional impact. The Director will manage a portfolio of donors capable of significant giving, while also serving as a trusted advisor to colleagues and campus partners on complex gift strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of donors capable of making planned and blended gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends through personalized philanthropic planning.
• Partner with major and principal gift officers to structure and secure complex and high-impact gifts.
• Provide expertise on charitable giving vehicles, estate planning, and tax considerations.
• Contribute to gift planning marketing, training, and pipeline development across the advancement team.

Requirements

• Expertise in planned giving strategies, including complex asset gifts, charitable tax laws, and estate planning.
• Proven ability to develop and manage donor relationships, particularly with individuals capable of $100,000+ commitments.
• Strong collaboration skills, with experience partnering across advancement teams and advising on gift strategy.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational abilities, with attention to detail and capacity to manage multiple priorities.

Qualifications

Advanced credentials or experience preferred, such as a JD or financial/fundraising certifications, along with six or more years in a higher education or nonprofit setting.

Why Rice?

• A top-ranked research university combining academic rigor with a uniquely collaborative and personalized student experience.
• A bold strategic plan, Momentous, positioning Rice for leadership in research, innovation, and societal impact.
• A strong culture of philanthropy and an advancement team preparing for a transformative campaign.

Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Rice University. Consideration of candidates will continue until the position is filled.