Director of Planned Giving

Program Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive planned giving strategy that reflects Yeshiva University's mission and fundraising priorities.
• Expand awareness and participation in legacy giving, with a focus on increasing documented bequest intentions and other deferred gifts.

Donor Engagement and Relationship Building

• Cultivate and steward relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the University, engaging them in meaningful discussions about their long-term philanthropic goals.
• Conduct personal visits and maintain consistent communication with a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors.

Collaboration with Development Staff

• Partner with frontline fundraisers to identify blended gift opportunities and support major gift conversations involving planned giving components.
• Provide training, coaching, and strategic guidance to colleagues on incorporating gift planning into donor strategies.

Donor Education and Outreach

• Oversee planned giving marketing initiatives, including print and digital content, donor stories, website updates, brochures, and targeted outreach campaigns.
• Develop messaging that educates donors on the benefits and impact of planned gifts and enhances visibility of the planned giving program.

Stewardship and Recognition

• Manage stewardship for planned giving donors, including legacy society recognition, personalized communications, and engagement opportunities.
• Ensure donors with documented planned gifts are appropriately acknowledged and cultivated for ongoing involvement.

Gift Administration and Documentation

• Work in collaboration with Advancement Services, Finance, and legal and external professionals as needed to ensure proper documentation, recording, and administration of planned gifts and gift expectancies.
• Maintain accurate records of donor intentions, gift vehicles, and supporting documentation.

Prospect Identification and Pipeline Development

• Use donor data, analytics, and wealth/affinity indicators to identify likely planned giving prospects, including alumni, parents, retirees, loyal annual donors, and long-term supporters.
• Build and manage a healthy pipeline of prospects at all stages.

Policy, Compliance, and Best Practices

• Ensure all planned giving activities are conducted in accordance with institutional policies, legal and ethical standards, and accepted gift planning practices.
• Remain informed on current trends, tax law implications, and best practices relevant to charitable gift planning.

Events and Outreach

• Plan and support seminars, webinars, small gatherings, and other outreach opportunities designed to educate and engage prospective planned giving donors and professional advisors.
• Represent the institution at internal and external events as needed.

Reporting and Performance Tracking

• Prepare regular reports on activity, pipeline movement, documented intentions, estimated future value, and realized gifts.
• Track progress toward annual goals and contribute forecasting and strategic planning insights for leadership.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with significant experience in planned giving, major gifts, or a related area of advancement.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and closing planned gifts and/or blended gifts.
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals, professional advisors, and complex donor conversations preferred.
• Familiarity with charitable gift planning vehicles, estate planning concepts, and donor stewardship strategies required.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or other nonprofit institutional fundraising environment preferred.

• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, retained life estate arrangements, and beneficiary designations.
• Ability to communicate complex gift planning concepts clearly and effectively to donors, colleagues, and advisors.
• Strong fundraising and relationship management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through in a timely and professional manner.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor database/CRM systems.
• Comfort with data analysis, prospect tracking, and report preparation.
• Professional presence and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivation, initiative, and a donor-centered approach.

Yeshiva University is dedicated to academic excellence, intellectual exploration, and the advancement of timeless values that shape and impact lives. With a rich tradition rooted in Jewish thought and heritage, YU fosters a dynamic learning environment across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will contribute meaningfully to society, guided by a commitment to ethics, innovation, and service. Our community extends far beyond the classroom, encompassing thousands of students, faculty, staff, and more than 70,000 alumni and supporters worldwide, all working together to build a brighter future.

As a Yeshiva University employee, you will be part of a welcoming, diverse, and intellectually engaging community that values collaboration, excellence, and professional growth. We offer a supportive and stimulating workplace with tangible employee benefits, opportunities for advancement, and a strong sense of purpose. Beyond professional development, YU is committed to ensuring a high quality of life for its employees, offering a work environment that prioritizes well-being, work-life balance, and a culture of mutual respect. Every role at YU contributes to our broader mission of education, research, and societal impact, ensuring that all members of our community-students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends-are inspired to make a difference. We invite you to bring your talent and passion to YU and join us in shaping the future.