Senior Director of Gift Planning

About the Role

Reporting to the Principal Director of Institutional Fundraising, the Senior Director of Gift Planning leads the strategy, growth, and execution of a comprehensive planned giving program for University Advancement at the University of Utah. This role is within the Institutional Fundraising (IFR) team, collaborating with major gift staff across multiple schools, colleges, and areas. The focus is on acquiring planned gifts through vehicles like bequests, charitable trusts, and gift annuities, while overseeing a team of up to three planned giving staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of planned gift prospects and donors across identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship stages.
• Work with Advancement Services and the Fund Development Specialist to ensure accurate coding and reporting of planned gifts.
• Partner with leadership, frontline fundraisers, deans, and institutional leaders to support planned gift cultivation and solicitation.
• Create and oversee a Gift Planning and Financial Advisors Council to promote planned giving vehicles.
• Coordinate with Donor Relations to enhance stewardship and recognition for planned gift donors, including reimagining the John R. Park Society experience.
• Maintain records, prepare progress reports, and contribute to team performance metrics.
• Collaborate on marketing and educational materials for planned giving with IFR’s Campaign and Communications team.
• Provide gift planning training for fundraising staff, supported by the Talent Enhancement and Training team.
• Partner with General Counsel, Real Estate, and other University Advancement teams to execute donor gift intentions.
• Contribute to IFR leadership meetings, support the institution’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, and lead planned giving strategy.
• Stay current on trends in gift planning, tax law, and charitable giving through professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree + 14 years or master’s degree + 12 years of directly related work experience (equivalency allowed).
• Preferred: Experience in large, complex higher education or healthcare institutions.
• Expertise in gift planning laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Experience managing teams.
• Additional credentials (e.g., Juris Doctorate, Certified Specialist in Planned Giving) are a plus.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, with some evenings and travel for events and donor meetings.

Pay

$130,000 - $150,000

Requisition Number: PRN46259B

Department: 00289 - Development

Location: Campus

Close Date: 12/15/2026