Director of Planned Giving

Simmons University seeks an experienced and strategic Director of Planned Giving to lead and expand its comprehensive planned giving program. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Director will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned and deferred gifts from alumnae/i, trustees, parents, and friends to support the University’s long-term financial strength.

This role requires a seasoned fundraising professional with a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in gift planning, major gifts, or related development work, and a proven track record of securing a wide range of planned gifts at various levels of complexity. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented, collaborative leader with deep technical knowledge of charitable estate planning/planned giving and excellent interpersonal skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Develop, lead, and manage the University’s planned giving strategies, incorporating bequests, charitable trusts, gift annuities, and other deferred giving vehicles.

• Personally manage a portfolio of 150+ planned giving prospects and donors, moving them through the donor cycle from identification through stewardship.

• Collaborate with AVP of Advancement and Campaign Director to support the front-line fundraising team to integrate planned giving strategies into broader development and stewardship efforts.

• Develop and implement marketing and communications plans to promote planned giving, including digital campaigns, print materials, and targeted outreach.

• In collaboration with the Donor Relations and Stewardship team, design and implement recognition and stewardship programs and events for the John Simmons Society members.

•  Collaborate with donors and their advisors on complex charitable giving vehicles in coordination with appropriate internal stakeholders, ensuring compliance with IRS and Simmons University policies.

• Working with Advancement Services colleagues, track and report on planned giving activity and metrics; maintain accurate records in the donor CRM, Raiser’s Edge.

• Serve as the subject matter expert on charitable estate and financial planning within the Office of Advancement, including providing training and support to advancement staff on planned giving fundamentals, as deemed necessary.

• Serve as a member of the Advancement Leadership Group, attending meetings and performing other necessary duties.

• Other duties as assigned.
   

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (JD, MBA, or related field) or CFRE designation strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with demonstrated success securing planned gifts and/or major gifts.

• In-depth knowledge of planned giving vehicles, estate planning, and related legal and tax implications.

• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit institutions of similar size and scope.

• Commitment to the mission and values of Simmons University.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and integrity.

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

• Being a strategic thinker with the ability to inspire and build trust with donors and colleagues.

• Proficiency with fundraising CRMs and prospect research tools; experience with Raiser’s Edge/NXT is a plus.

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
   

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• On-campus or hybrid eligibility

• Twelve-month position

• 35 hours/ week 

• Office environment  

• Essential physical requirements include sitting and typing 

• Physical effort required - lifting up to 10 pounds