Senior Director of Gift Planning (34871)

Overview: Are you a visionary fundraising leader with a passion for helping donors create lasting impact? The NIU Foundation seeks an accomplished, strategic, and highly collaborative Senior Director of Gift Planningto lead and expand a comprehensive gift planning program at Northern Illinois University, a dynamic, public Research 2 (R2) university. In this leadership role, you will serve as a trusted philanthropic advisor, partnering with donors, their families, professional advisors, and NIU Foundation colleagues to design meaningful charitable giving strategies that align personal values with institutional priorities. You will provide strategic direction for the gift planning program, inspire transformational philanthropy, and cultivate enduring relationships which advance the university’s mission, enhance student success, and strengthen NIU’s future. Working alongside a talented Foundation team, you will drive innovative gift planning initiatives, secure significant planned and blended gifts, and serve as a recognized expert in charitable planning to amplify collective impact. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape a growing program, influence institution-wide fundraising success, and help donors create legacies that will benefit Northern Illinois University for generations to come.

Position Summary: The Impact You’ll Make Reporting to the Executive Director of Philanthropy and partnering closely with colleagues across the NIU Foundation and University, the Senior Director of Gift Planning serves as a key leader in advancing the institution’s philanthropic mission through strategic gift planning and donor engagement by: Providing strategic leadership for a comprehensive and collaborative gift planning program, driving growth, innovation, and integration across the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. Developing and executing an ambitious, data-informed strategyto expand planned giving opportunities, increase donor participation, and generate long-term philanthropic support for the university’s highest priorities. Serving as the Foundation’s principal gift planning expert and trusted advisor, consulting with Foundation colleagues, university leaders, faculty, staff, donors, and professional advisors on charitable planning strategies and complex gift opportunities. Overseeing critical operational functions, including gift documentation, estate administration, grant administration, policy compliance, and the stewardship and realization of planned gifts, ensuring exceptional donor service and fiduciary responsibility. Partnering with donors and their families to create meaningful philanthropic legacies, aligning their values and aspirations with opportunities that transform the future of Northern Illinois University. Building strong partnerships across the university and within the professional advisor community, fostering collaboration that enhances donor engagement, broadens awareness of gift planning opportunities, and advances institutional fundraising success. The Skills You Bring to the Table We are seeking a self-motivated, metrics-driven professional who thrives in a collaborative, matrixed environment. To succeed in this role, you will bring: Proven Fundraising Excellence: Demonstrated success in progressive development roles, with a strong track record of securing six- and seven-figure planned, major, and blended gifts in a higher education setting. Advanced Gift Planning Expertise: Deep knowledge of charitable gift planning vehicles, estate planning principles, tax-advantaged giving strategies, and gift documentation. Ability to translate complex financial and philanthropic concepts into donor-centered solutions that align personal values with institutional priorities. A Collaborative Approach: Exceptional ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and influence outcomes across a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, professional advisors, senior administrators, faculty, volunteers, and Foundation colleagues. A team-oriented leader who contributes meaningfully to division-wide success. Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information, evaluate opportunities, and develop effective strategies that advance ambitious fundraising goals and long-term institutional priorities. Drive & Adaptability: Self-motivated and results-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic environment. Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and flexibility while managing multiple priorities and responding effectively to evolving opportunities and challenges. Exceptional Communication and Relationship-Building Skills: Outstanding written, presentation, and interpersonal communication abilities. Skilled at engaging diverse audiences, facilitating meaningful conversations about philanthropy, and inspiring confidence among donors, professional advisors, and institutional leaders. Commitment to Stewardship and Service: Demonstrated ability to cultivate authentic, long-term donor relationships through thoughtful engagement, exceptional service, and a commitment to honoring donor intent. Professional Credibility and Executive Presence: Possesses the confidence, judgment, and professionalism necessary to represent the Foundation with distinction in high-level donor interactions, professional advisor meetings, campus leadership discussions, and public forums. Ethical Leadership and Integrity: Unwavering commitment to the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, professionalism, and fiduciary responsibility, with a strong understanding of the principles that guide charitable fundraising and gift planning. Number of employees reporting directly to this position, including student employees: 1-3

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Philanthropic Advising & Consultation Serve as the Foundation’s leading resource and subject matter expert on charitable estate planning, tax-efficient giving strategies, blended gift opportunities, and complex philanthropic arrangements. Collaborate with deans, faculty, foundation professionals, university leadership, and Foundation partners to identify gift opportunities, develop donor strategies, and support fundraising priorities across the institution. Advise donors, prospects, and their professional advisors on charitable giving vehicles that align philanthropic objectives with personal, family, financial, and estate-planning goals. Provide consultation and strategic guidance to foundation colleagues regarding complex gift opportunities involving real estate, retirement assets, life insurance, closely held business interests, publicly traded securities, donor-advised funds, and other non-cash assets. Serve as a trusted partner to members of the advancement team by providing expertise on gift planning strategies, participating in donor meetings, and assisting with proposal development, gift design, and solicitation strategies. Partner with legal, financial, and administrative professionals to evaluate complex gift plans and ensure gifts are structured appropriately and in accordance with Foundation and university policies. Monitor and interpret emerging trends, tax law developments, and legislative changes affecting charitable giving and proactively advise on implications and opportunities to stakeholders and foundation staff. Develop tools, resources, and best practices that strengthen organizational knowledge and enhance gift planning effectiveness across the Foundation. Managing & Growing the Planned Giving Program Provide strategic leadership for the NIU Foundation’s gift planning program by developing and executing a comprehensive, data-informed vision that increases donor participation, strengthens pipeline development, and drives sustained philanthropic revenue growth. Establish, implement, and monitor annual and multi-year goals, performance metrics, and benchmarks for planned giving initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional fundraising priorities and strategic objectives. Direct all aspects of planned giving program administration, including compliance, documentation, regulatory requirements, stewardship processes, and the timely realization and closure of realized estate gifts. Oversee and manage a diverse portfolio of planned gift vehicles, including charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, bequests, beneficiary designations, retained life estates, and other complex gift arrangements. Partner with Foundation communications staff and external vendors to develop and execute integrated marketing, stewardship, and donor education strategies that increase awareness and inspire philanthropic investment through charitable planning. Evaluate program performance through data analysis and reporting, identifying trends, opportunities, and areas for continuous improvement while ensuring responsible stewardship of financial and organizational resources. Lead the planning and execution of educational programs, seminars, and engagement events that promote gift planning opportunities and strengthen relationships with donors, alumni, and professional advisors. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with university leadership, academic partners, Foundation staff, and external stakeholders to advance institutional priorities and maximize philanthropic impact. Cultivate and expand a network of attorneys, financial advisors, accountants, trust officers, and other professional advisors to increase awareness of NIU’s charitable planning opportunities and generate new gift planning referrals. Serve as a visible ambassador and subject matter expert for gift planning, representing the Foundation in professional associations, donor meetings, campus events, and community engagement opportunities. Relationship Management Manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors with the potential to make major, planned, or blended gifts of $100,000 or more, utilizing strategic qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship practices. Personally secure major, planned, and blended gifts by developing meaningful donor relationships and collaborating with institutional leaders, volunteers, faculty, and Foundation colleagues. Develop and execute individualized donor engagement and moves management strategies designed to deepen relationships, align donor interests with institutional priorities, and advance prospects toward philanthropic commitments. Conduct thoughtful discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship visits with donors and prospects, creating personalized engagement opportunities that inspire transformational giving. Collaborate with prospect development and research teams to identify new gift planning opportunities, maintain portfolio health, and ensure a balanced and productive pipeline of prospects. Partner with donor relations and foundation services teams to develop comprehensive stewardship strategies, ensure donor intent is honored, and facilitate the completion of gift agreements and supporting documentation. Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive records of donor interactions, prospect strategies, proposals, and outcomes within Constituent Relationship Management ( CRM ) systems, ensuring compliance with reporting standards and portfolio management expectations. Regularly evaluate portfolio performance and key activity metrics, adjusting strategies to maximize fundraising effectiveness and donor engagement. Administration, Supervision, Training, & Coaching Provide strategic oversight of the gift documentation process, ensuring gift agreements are accurately drafted, reviewed, executed, and managed in accordance with donor intent, IRS regulations, and Foundation and university policies. Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop gift planning staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on accountability, innovation, donor-centered service, and professional growth. Establish clear performance expectations, monitor progress toward goals, conduct regular performance evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching and support to maximize individual and team effectiveness. Create and implement professional development plans that enhance staff competencies in gift planning, fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and portfolio management. Ensure team members have access to the tools, training, technology, and resources needed to successfully identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward planned and complex gifts. Develop and deliver training programs, workshops, and educational resources that strengthen gift planning knowledge and fundraising effectiveness across the Foundation. Promote adherence to ethical fundraising standards, Foundation policies, and industry best practices while ensuring appropriate risk management and compliance procedures are followed. Prepare and present reports, analyses, and recommendations for Foundation leadership regarding program performance, fundraising results, pipeline activity, and strategic opportunities for growth. Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) N/A Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) N/A Specialty Factors (Civil Service) N/A Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) N/A Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) Bachelor’s Degree. Minimum of eight (8) years of successful experience in development with at least five (5) years in planned giving. Three (3) years of experience in not-for-profit higher education.

Additional Requirements: (SPS) Demonstrable commitment to the highest standard of ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the CASE Statement of Ethics, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, and The Donor Bill of Rights. (Membership not required.) Deep, personal commitment to diversity in all forms, the recognition of all individuals to mutual respect, and the acceptance of others without biases. Demonstrable commitment to leading by example, modeling diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the university. Excellent interpersonal skills to relate to donors, volunteers, colleagues, and university leadership. Self-motivated (a “self-starter”); innovative and ability to work with considerable independence within the context of a team environment and a network of relationships. Superior written and oral communication, negotiating, organizational, analytical and fundraising skills, including the ability to interpret financial information and manage data. Familiarity with financial planning, tax and charitable gift laws and planned giving vehicles and methods. Knowledge of university governance and academic administrative and financial policies and guidelines. Must be able to travel frequently; some international travel may be required. This position requires the handling of highly sensitive and confidential information and requires an exemplary track record of professionalism, maturity, and discretion. Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, administrative, and managerial skills. Strong sales and closing skills. Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Willingness to commit to the mission and goals of Northern Illinois University and the NIU Foundation. Familiarity with donor databases and gift planning tools (e.g. SalesForce, The Raiser’s Edge, PG Calc). Preferred Qualifications (SPS) Advanced degree (M.S., M.A., J.D., Ph.D.) CFRE and/or Series 65 certification. Ten (10) or more years of successful experience in development. Three (3) years of experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. There is a high level of desk related duties, including heavy keyboarding, phone use, heavy filing duties. The employee frequently is required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use fingers and hands to feel, grasp, operate or handle objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and carry 20 lbs regularly. Ability to work outside of normal working hours to complete tasks. Appointment and Compensation Details Appointment and Compensation Details Anticipated Appointment Start Date Anticipated Appointment Start Date 10/15/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours Working Hours University office hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm in the office environment. Occasionally this work includes nights and weekends, and trips outside the University’s primary locations. In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator Health Services Building Room 230 TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu 815-753-5560 In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)