Senior Director of Gift and Estate Planning

Job ID: 60570

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

 

Department

FSU Division of University Advancement  

Florida State University is currently in the leadership phase of a comprehensive campaign. As the leadership phase of the campaign begins, the Division of University Advancement is accelerating the hiring of additional Gift and Estate Planning professionals’ campus-wide and is excited to build out its team. For Advancement professionals who are interested in being a part of a comprehensive campaign from the beginning for their career development, the timing is ideal to join our team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

The Senior Director of Gift and Estate Planning strategically leads the Office of Gift and Estate Planning in its efforts to identify, cultivate, solicit and provide stewardship for planned giving prospects and donors on behalf of Florida State University’s academic programs working collaboratively with development staff across campus to secure planned gift commitments from alumni and friends. The Senior Director serves as the staff liaison for the Gift Planning Council.

Management

Manages the gift planning team, providing strategic direction for planned giving including prospect development, communication, stewardship, and coaching/mentoring of team members.

Provides leadership to the gift planning team, including setting goals, and fostering professional development. 

Contributes to FSU Advancement strategy and implement innovative best practices to enhance team effectiveness. 

Oversees an extensive marketing program to generate leads for the Office of Gift and Estate Planning, along with colleges, schools and units development officers, including but not limited to recommending and approving content of the direct mail pieces and quarterly newsletters.

Supervises and recommends, along with creating and leading, educational and training opportunities for all staff members on the functions of the Office of Gift and Estate Planning and deferred gift instruments, along with donor strategies.

Manages and supervises the input of planned giving information in the donor database.

Fundraising Development

Manages a portfolio of research-based planned giving prospects at the major and principal giving levels for the purpose of assessment and working collaboratively with the Principal Gift team, development staff in their assigned college/unit to cultivate and solicit planned giving commitments from alumni and friends, and stewardship.

Partners directly with donors and their professional advisors to create a plan allowing the donor to achieve their philanthropic, financial, and estate planning objectives while supporting the University's mission.

Prepares gift annuity and remainder trust illustrations and related documents for donors, their advisors and colleges, schools and units based fundraisers; assists in review of supporting gift documentation for new deferred gift commitments. Lead the Westcott Legacy Society and collaborate with Donor Relations to appropriately steward the members of the James D. Westcott Legacy Society to insure continued interest in deferred giving to the University.

Acts as a staff liaison with assigned colleges/units across campus providing expertise on deferred gift instruments and prospect strategy.

Train and support development officers across the Division of University Advancement to identify and refer potential planned giving prospects.

Administrative

Oversees bequest administration and represents the Foundation in its dealings with attorneys, banks, outside counselors, trustees and executors to ensure speedy collection of funds.

Serves as the top-level reviewer for all life-income gift illustrations and other legal documents as necessary.

Reviews newly submitted deferred gifts in conjunction with the CFO and make recommendations for acceptance.

Reviews all deferred gift acknowledgment letters for the accuracy of technical language.

Effectively communicates organization's mission and represents the organization's culture to external stakeholders.

Serves as primary contact with agent (State Street Global Advisors) that manages gift vehicles that produce income, require special tax information and other legal or accounting reviews.

Leads efforts in the ongoing evaluation of performance of the Foundation's trustee/administrator for gift annuities and remainder trusts.

Protect confidential information. Maintain accurate records and documentation for all real estate gifts and planned giving activities. Perform other duties as assigned.

Develops and executes comprehensive strategies to market, solicit, and manage complex gifts, including real property, in alignment with the University’s long-term philanthropic goals. Including but not limited to designing and implementing targeted marketing campaigns to promote real estate and other planned giving opportunities to alumni, donors, and prospects.

Represents the Division of University Advancement at donor events, seminars, and professional gatherings to raise awareness of gift planning options.

Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors for gifts of real estate and other complex assets.

Provides expert guidance to donors and their advisors on the benefits, processes, and tax implications of real estate gifts.

Develops customized gift proposals and stewardship plans that align donor interests with university priorities.

Oversees the due diligence, acceptance, and administration of real estate gifts in accordance with Division and University policies and industry best practices.

Coordinates with legal, financial, and real estate professionals to evaluate and manage property donations, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.

Works with Seminole Boosters on any proposed philanthropic gift(s) of real estate intended to support athletics to ensure maximum internal coordination and information sharing related to the donor(s).    

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience related to the duties of the position or a combination of post high school education and experience equal to ten years. Driver’s License and ability and willingness to drive. 

Valid FL or GA Driver's License or the ability to obtain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or master’s degree.
• Bar admission in a U.S. state.
• Professional certifications such as CFA, CFP, CTFA, CFRE, or other advanced financial planning or fundraising credentials.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing gifts of real estate, including legal, financial, and stewardship responsibilities.
• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with high-level executives and prospective donors, in alignment with FSU’s mission to foster lifelong learning and personal responsibility.
• Experience in departmental auditing and compliance, ensuring responsible stewardship of university resources.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research, encourages creativity, and embraces diversity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news! Learn more about our university and campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P (Administrative and Professional) position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is being advertised as open until filled. The hiring committee will review applications as received.