Director of Philanthropy – Planned Giving

Texas A&M University-Commerce

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Job Summary

About the University:

Since 1889 Texas A&M University-Commerce has educated the people of Texas and, ever increasingly, points beyond. A&M-Commerce is located in Commerce, Texas, with additional locations in Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Corsicana, Mesquite, Bryan, as well as a strong online presence, providing students with numerous degree options. We are the second largest university in the prestigious Texas A&M University System, and we remain true to our founder William Leonidas Mayo’s creed of “ceaseless industry, fearless investigation, unfettered thought, and unselfish service to others.”

Overview:

The A&M-Commerce Division of Philanthropy and Engagement’s primary charge is to bring the University’s mission, Educate. Discover. Achieve., to life by building a strong culture of philanthropy and engagement that serves as a source of strength, sustainability and opportunity for our University.  The Division’s work is built upon the following Principles include: Meaningful Engagement; Gratitude; Partnerships & Collaboration; Donor-Centered Philanthropy; and, Civility & Inclusiveness.

Role:

The Director of Philanthropy is a frontline fundraising position, responsible for managing a portfolio of 75+ major and planned gift current and prospective donors.  In concert with senior team members, serve as resource for the division’s Gift Planning program providing counsel on trends, techniques and complex gift situations.  The primary focus of this position will be to cultivate relationships with alumni and friends of the University to actively solicit major outright and deferred gifts to the University, its colleges and its programs, in alignment with the University’s strategic plan.

Job Responsibilities

General Responsibilities include:

Major and Planned Gift Solicitation

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major and planned gift prospects in collaboration with the Director(s) of Philanthropy, Deans, faculty and senior Philanthropy and Engagement team.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships and partnerships with individuals both within and external to, the University community.
• Consistently pursue major and planned gift fundraising initiatives and ensures appropriate recognition.
• In collaboration with philanthropy operations, perform research regarding individuals’ giving capacity, interests and giving history.
• Update actions, visits, opportunities, communication and moves management in appropriate database.
• Collaborate with faculty and other campus partners to assist in the research and development of appropriate fundraising proposals.
• Achieve performance goals, as outlined in the departmental plan and by immediate supervisor.
• Regularly attend and participate in university-wide functions and alumni events.

Gift Planning Program Management

• Manage key components of Gift Planning program and coordinate with senior team members to ensure planned giving goals and initiatives outlined in the division’s strategic plan remain top of mind and on course. 
• Provide insight and input on planned giving marketing initiatives.
• Work with colleagues to incorporate Gift Planning into events, convenings, and other opportunities for donor engagement and donor connection.
• Seek to build strong relationships with members of the estate planning professional community.
• Serve as a partner to other fundraisers and campus partners on Gift Planning tools/techniques/trends, as well as planned gift solicitation strategies and proposals.
• Work closely with philanthropy operations to develop strategies for stewardship of planned gift donors.
• Provide insight and input to ensure that technology and data are leveraged appropriately for planned gifts.
• Maintain a schedule of professional training in the areas of estate planning and gift planning program trends.
• Work with senior team members to monitor estate proceedings to ensure TAMU-C’s interests are protected.
• Create review process for University-owned life insurance portfolios to assess status and schedule.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum four years of professional work experience.  Demonstrated relationship management experience and success in planned or major gift fundraising, finance, law, estate planning or related environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with major and planned gift prospects, fundraising colleagues, academic leaders, faculty, alumni and volunteers. Excellent oral and written communication. Ability to understand and articulate the University’s education mission, strategic aims and programs. Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. A high degree of confidentiality and discretion is expected, as well as superior personal initiative. A learning orientation that is focused on participating in and building a continuous improvement and learning culture. Working knowledge of charitable gift planning.
• Ability to execute actionable fundraising strategies; to analyze and present clear information; to work independently and cooperatively with others; and, to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Frequent travel averaging about 50% of time spent out of the office. Travel may include air and overnight stays.

Preferred Education/Skills/Experience:

• Five+ years proven direct and successful fundraising experience
• Higher Education experience preferred.
• Proven experience as a financial planner, trust officer or estate planning attorney.
• Knowledge regarding the legal and  tax implications at the federal and state level of planned gifts.
• Familiarity with area estate planning professional community.

Some remote working arrangements may be considered, yet would include regular main campus visits for meetings and events.  This position may work out of the new North Dallas (8750 NorthPark Central) location starting in 2022.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Click here to apply.

Details

• Date Posted: May 20, 2021
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Fundraising / Revenue Development
• Service Area: Philanthropy / CSR