Senior Director of Gift Planning

TheNIUFoundation seeks an accomplished, strategic, and highly collaborative Senior Director of Gift Planning to 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, andNIUFoundation 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 universitys mission, enhance student success, and strengthen NIUs 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. Reporting to the Executive Director of Philanthropy and partnering closely with colleagues across theNIUFoundation and University, the Senior Director of Gift Planning serves as a key leader in advancing the institutions 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 Foundations fundraising efforts. Developing and executing an ambitious, data-informed strategy to expand planned giving opportunities, increase donor participation, and generate long-term philanthropic support for the universitys highest priorities. Serving as the Foundations 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. 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. 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. Exceptional Communication and Relationship-Building

Skills:
Outstanding written, presentation, and interpersonal communication abilities. 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. 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: Serve as the Foundations 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 ass