Gift Planner (2 Positions Available)

About the role

Pacific Lutheran University seeks a curious and experienced professional capable of building authentic donor relationships, conveying the mission of the University compellingly, and securing increasing levels of support to propel that mission. As an essential member of the Constituent Engagement team, the Gift Planner works collaboratively and strategically with University leadership and campus partners to raise funds through the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of existing and prospective individual major donors.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects, including alumni and friends of the University, and solicit support in the form of outright as well as deferred gifts.
• Develop annual fundraising and activity plans relevant to the individual portfolio and in support of team goals.
• Strengthen the pool of potential major gift donors: Managing prospect qualification activities, developing and maintaining a mature and active list of major giving prospective donors.
• Collaborate with campus partners and colleagues to provide effective donor engagement, stewardship and ongoing communications to major gift donors and prospects.
• Provide ample, authentic and appropriate cultivation and stewardship of donors to support donor renewal and acquisition efforts.
• Develop an ongoing and evolving understanding of PLU and its priorities, emphasizing the need for -- and building the case in support of -- current use gifts, planned gifts and endowment support.
• Maintain professionalism when dealing with staff and donors, and in carrying out all responsibilities and objectives.

Requirements

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written, with individuals and groups of varying size. Commitment to the values of inclusion, diversity, equity and access, and proactive about taking supportive actions in support of these values.

Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written, with individuals and groups of varying size.
• Commitment to the values of inclusion, diversity, equity and access, and proactive about taking supportive actions in support of these values.

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, preferably in higher education.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of donor relations and stewardship practices.

Benefits

Includes comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.

Pay

$36.06 - $40.87 per hour, plus excellent benefits.

Schedule

Monday -- Friday; 8am -- 5pm. Some evenings and weekends required. Remote work possible 2-3 days/week and as needed for travel. Frequent travel within WA state and possibility of travel within the U.S.