Inside Higher Ed
Executive Director of Gift Planning
Inside Higher Ed, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27517
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Executive Director of Gift Planning
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Inside Higher Ed 2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions Department University Development Office-250100 Career Area Development and Fundraising Posting Open Date 10/16/2025 Application Deadline 11/06/2025 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Executive Director of Gift Planning Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 01000075 Vacancy ID NF0009345 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent Fte 1 Hours Per Week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Proposed Start Date 12/15/2025 Overview
Be a visionary, collaborative leader shaping philanthropy at the nation’s first public university. The Executive Director of Gift Planning will lead a development team within the Office of University Development, collaborating with nearly 150 development officers to grow planned giving and donor engagement. Responsibilities
Lead a comprehensive fundraising program to grow planned giving opportunities. Provide strategic oversight of the UNC Life Income program and related life insurance gifts. Collaborate with deans, campus leaders, and development colleagues to build philanthropic partnerships. Drive donor cultivation, stewardship, and marketing strategies for internal and external audiences. Set ambitious goals and drive growth in planned giving initiatives over five years. Ensure alignment with university mission and donor interests while maintaining compliance and ethical standards. Minimum Education And Experience
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with related experience. For positions with responsibility for direct solicitation of gifts and funds, a minimum of 1 year of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required. Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of soliciting and closing charitable planned gifts, deep knowledge of laws governing estate planning, and experience leading a gift planning team within a complex organization. In addition, leading candidates will demonstrate: A thorough knowledge of and appreciation for the mission of a major public research university. Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve ambitious goals and build partnerships across a large institution. Superior interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Strong fiscal and administrative management skills with budget and compliance accountability. Strategic thinking and the ability to innovate solutions that advance fundraising goals. Ability to inspire trust and cultivate a culture of collaboration and excellence. High energy, professionalism, integrity, and commitment to advancing philanthropy. Proven donor cultivation and stewardship experience with high-net-worth individuals/families. Experience building cross-campus collaborations to strengthen planned giving outcomes. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Extensive Leadership Experience: 12-15 years in advancement/planned giving with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role. Track Record of Results in increasing planned giving revenue in a large organization. Sophisticated Technical Expertise in charitable estate planning and related areas. Cross-Disciplinary Professional Background in legal/financial fields. Strategic Visionary Leadership with ability to inspire teams and build partnerships. Experience at a Major Public University or comparable organization. Advanced Education or relevant certifications (e.g., CAP, CFP, CPA) preferred. National Thought Leadership in professional associations related to charitable gift planning. Proficiency with advancement databases and gift planning software is preferred. Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable. Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full-time Job function
Business Development and Sales We’re removing extraneous postings and boilerplate not relevant to this role. This description focuses on the Executive Director of Gift Planning position at Inside Higher Ed and key requirements.
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Executive Director of Gift Planning
role at
Inside Higher Ed 2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions Department University Development Office-250100 Career Area Development and Fundraising Posting Open Date 10/16/2025 Application Deadline 11/06/2025 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Executive Director of Gift Planning Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 01000075 Vacancy ID NF0009345 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent Fte 1 Hours Per Week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Proposed Start Date 12/15/2025 Overview
Be a visionary, collaborative leader shaping philanthropy at the nation’s first public university. The Executive Director of Gift Planning will lead a development team within the Office of University Development, collaborating with nearly 150 development officers to grow planned giving and donor engagement. Responsibilities
Lead a comprehensive fundraising program to grow planned giving opportunities. Provide strategic oversight of the UNC Life Income program and related life insurance gifts. Collaborate with deans, campus leaders, and development colleagues to build philanthropic partnerships. Drive donor cultivation, stewardship, and marketing strategies for internal and external audiences. Set ambitious goals and drive growth in planned giving initiatives over five years. Ensure alignment with university mission and donor interests while maintaining compliance and ethical standards. Minimum Education And Experience
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with related experience. For positions with responsibility for direct solicitation of gifts and funds, a minimum of 1 year of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required. Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of soliciting and closing charitable planned gifts, deep knowledge of laws governing estate planning, and experience leading a gift planning team within a complex organization. In addition, leading candidates will demonstrate: A thorough knowledge of and appreciation for the mission of a major public research university. Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve ambitious goals and build partnerships across a large institution. Superior interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Strong fiscal and administrative management skills with budget and compliance accountability. Strategic thinking and the ability to innovate solutions that advance fundraising goals. Ability to inspire trust and cultivate a culture of collaboration and excellence. High energy, professionalism, integrity, and commitment to advancing philanthropy. Proven donor cultivation and stewardship experience with high-net-worth individuals/families. Experience building cross-campus collaborations to strengthen planned giving outcomes. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Extensive Leadership Experience: 12-15 years in advancement/planned giving with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role. Track Record of Results in increasing planned giving revenue in a large organization. Sophisticated Technical Expertise in charitable estate planning and related areas. Cross-Disciplinary Professional Background in legal/financial fields. Strategic Visionary Leadership with ability to inspire teams and build partnerships. Experience at a Major Public University or comparable organization. Advanced Education or relevant certifications (e.g., CAP, CFP, CPA) preferred. National Thought Leadership in professional associations related to charitable gift planning. Proficiency with advancement databases and gift planning software is preferred. Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable. Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full-time Job function
Business Development and Sales We’re removing extraneous postings and boilerplate not relevant to this role. This description focuses on the Executive Director of Gift Planning position at Inside Higher Ed and key requirements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr