Posted on February 7, 2012

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Director of Planned Giving

The Director of Planned Giving is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive gift planning program to annually secure $2.5M+ in planned gifts related to the needs and priorities of the College.

Reporting directly to, and working closely with, the Vice President for Development, the Director of Planned Giving will play a major role in the College's revitalized fundraising activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Work to develop a centralized gift planning program to include the range of gift planning vehicles, including wills and bequests, charitable gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts to highlight a few.
• Analyze creatively The Cooper Union’s needs in order to position them in meaningful ways to attract donors.
• Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 250 planned gift prospects. Develop strategies to involve and encourage interest in planned gifting options. Steward existing donor prospects through visits and other high-level interactions and cultivation initiatives.
• Research and develop strategies for identification of new planned giving prospects. Develop solicitation and cultivation strategies and proposals for new individual prospects.
• Solicit planned gifts, in conjunction with key volunteer leadership where appropriate.
• Develop and implement a series of high-level planned giving donor cultivation events, as appropriate.
• Plan and manage a comprehensive marketing program for the College's planned gift program.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan to increase awareness of planned giving opportunities for alumni, parents and friends of The Cooper Union.
• Build relationships with deans, faculty and staff to acquire the information needed to solicit gifts and build donor relationships effectively.
• Create marketing materials and communications to encourage planned giving. Develop outreach programs to estate planning professionals in the region.
• Direct and manage the Planned Giving program, oversee an annual operating plan, coordinate technical documentation with Business Office and service providers (banks, trust companies, etc.), and any additional reporting.
• Develop accurate recording and tracking of gifts and stewardship plans for donors. Manage and update portfolio through Advance database, and prepare reports for the Development Committee of the Board, as appropriate.

Qualifications<br /> The successful candidate will be a seasoned development professional with a track record of success in planned giving. The new Director must be a self-starter, strategic thinker and strong relationship builder, with the technical know-how and ability to create and drive a comprehensive planned giving program.

• Significant experience in planned giving with a track record of fundraising success; higher education is a plus
• Knowledge of gift planning vehicles, marketing techniques and relevant financial and legal technical issues. Broad knowledge of fundraising principles and techniques, including experience promoting and managing cultivation, solicitation and stewardship programs.
• Exceptional relationship builder, with strong communication and presentation skills.
• Genuine interest and enthusiasm for the mission and activities of the College.
• Highly collaborative with a demonstrated ability to work with colleagues, the administration, alumni, other constituents and the public.
• Exemplary leadership skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment, adhering to the highest professional and ethical standards.
• Proactive, sophisticated and diplomatic with the executive presence and personal style to represent the College to multiple internal and external constituents.
• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree a plus.

Application Instructions

Submit Application to:

Josie Sandler, josie@sandlerassociates.org

Jennifer Sussman Brick, jennifer@sandlerassociates.org