Director of Planned Giving

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is looking for a part-time person to be our next Director of Planned Giving who will build meaningful, long-term relationships with donors and help them create lasting legacies for Wichita State University. This position plays a key role in advancing Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement’s philanthropic mission by managing a portfolio of prospective and current planned giving donors and leading the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure of planned gifts. The Director will work with donors to develop personalized gift strategies aligned with their philanthropic interests and financial and estate-planning goals, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, beneficiary designations, retirement assets, life insurance, real estate, and other complex gifts. The Director will also collaborate closely with major and principal gift officers, university leadership, professional advisors, legal counsel, and finance professionals to structure and secure meaningful philanthropic commitments.

With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With nearly $400 million in managed assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation.  

The job duties for this position include:

1. Planned Gift Development and Gift Closures

• Manage a portfolio of prospective and current planned giving donors
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and close planned gifts, including but not limited to:
  • Bequests
  • Charitable gift annuities
  • Charitable remainder trusts
  • Charitable lead trusts
  • Beneficiary designations
  • Gifts of retirement assets
  • Life insurance gifts
  • Gifts of real estate and other complex assets
• Develop personalized gift proposals aligned with donors' philanthropic interests and financial objectives
• Conduct personal visits, virtual meetings, and presentations with prospective donors and their advisors
• Partner with major and principal gift officers to integrate planned giving strategies into principal and major gift solicitations

1. Planned Gift Administration

• Coordinate all documentation and processing of planned gift agreements and expectancies
• Maintain accurate planned giving records within the foundation's donor database
• Collaborate with legal counsel, financial advisors, and the foundation's finance team regarding gift acceptance, documentation, and compliance
• Monitor charitable gift annuities, trusts, and other deferred gift vehicles as appropriate
• Ensure planned gifts comply with university and foundation gift acceptance policies
• Assist in maintaining planned giving procedures and administrative best practices

1. Donor Stewardship

• Develop and implement stewardship plans for legacy donors and documented planned gift expectancies
• Maintain regular communication with legacy donors
• Coordinate donor recognition opportunities in collaboration with the donor experience team
• Build long-term relationships that encourage additional gifts and deepen donor engagement
• Ensure timely acknowledgment and recognition of planned gift commitments

1. Administrative Duties

• Maintain computer and paper files as necessary
• Manage an annual budget for fund-raising activities and professional development.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.                                                                

Job Requirements
 

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution required
• Five or more years in direct gift solicitation experience in-person or over the phone, with experience in planned giving, development, estate planning, or non-profit development
• Demonstrated success in securing planned gifts or other complex philanthropic commitments
• Knowledge of charitable gift planning vehicles and tax-advantaged giving strategies
• Willing to work evenings and weekends with occasional regional and national travel
• Have and maintain valid driver’s license and insurance
• Project professional image at all times
• Commitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence and Collaboration
• Willingness to travel locally and occasionally attend evening or weekend events

Skills
 

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Highly motivated and ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Maintain confidentiality of information, records, and materials

Physical Requirements
 

• This position will involve daily walking, sitting, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and standing for long periods of time. Must be able to use a computer and use a telephone for long periods of time daily.
•    Ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds
• Ability to drive/sit in a car (day or night) for 3 hours or more (to different city/state) with the ability to travel by train, car, flying, or other forms of public transformation.
• Must be willing to attend campus events outside of normal working hours.
• Typical office working conditions.

Preferred Requirements and Skills

• Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG), Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), or similar professional credential
• Experience working within higher education advancement
• Familiarity with estate administration and charitable trust management
• Experience using donor relationship management (CRM) systems

WSUFAE offers outstanding benefits including medical/dental/vision (100% premium paid for employee/50% for dependents), term life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 8.5% company matching on retirement accounts after one year, and more.
WSUFAE believes in the power of education. Since 1965, we have worked to connect the students, faculty, and staff of Wichita State University with the resources they need to transform their communities. Our dedicated staff includes members of the development, annual fund, finance, support, and student teams. We have accomplished big goals in the last few years and don't plan to slow down anytime soon.
Advancing the mission and vision of Wichita State University takes a strong team, and it is our core values that unite and empower us to reach our goals together. Collectively, we are passionate about education and opening doors to new opportunities by working together to “elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University through engagement and philanthropy.”

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at (316) 978-3815 or email [email protected] in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.

To Apply:
Please fill out an application, submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your interests in, and qualifications for, the position by clicking here.
 
WSUFAE is an EOE employer