ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, PLANNED GIVING AND PARENT PROGRAM OPERATIONS

Job Summary:

The Associate Director, Planned Giving and Parent Program Operations leads the operational strategy and administration of gift planning initiatives and parent/family major giving programs. Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, with additional supervision from the Senior Director of Development, this role serves as a strategic partner in the development, implementation, and stewardship strategy for gift planning and parent/family philanthropy programs.

The Associate Director directs and oversees documentation, compliance, and administration of life-income gifts, charitable bequests, and other complex or non-traditional gift structures. The position serves as a primary operational liaison for donors, their families, legal counsel, financial advisors, and internal College partners to ensure accurate execution, regulatory compliance, and effective stewardship.

This position works independently and collaboratively across the Division to promote proactive donor engagement, effective stewardship of Founders Circle and Parent Giving Societies, and strong operational infrastructure in support of gift planning and major giving efforts.

Job Responsibilities:

Gift Planning Administration & Compliance 

• Directs and oversees the documentation, execution, and administration of charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, retained life estates, charitable bequests, beneficiary designations, and other non-traditional gifts. 
• Lead coordination of estate settlement, records management, reporting, and communication with internal units including the College Finance Office, as well as with external clients including insurance underwriters, donor legal counsel, trustees, and financial advisors. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations related to life-income gifts, including required documentation and reporting. 
• Provide strategic technical guidance to development officers to support the solicitation of complex gifts. 
• Prepare financial illustrations, gift agreement information, proposals, acknowledgments, and routine correspondence. 
• Maintain organized records for all planned gift vehicles from inception through maturity or termination. 
• Monitor contracts and serve as liaison with external vendors supporting the Office of Gift Planning. Technical & Proposal Support 
• Lead research and analysis informing complex asset and blended gift strategies. 
• Assist in coordinating development officer training programs and support gift planning marketing and communications initiatives. Stewardship & Giving Society Management 
• Lead and develop engagement initiatives for donors with planned giving history or capacity.
• Provide high-touch and customized stewardship of Founders Circle members, including surviving spouses and family members; may include travel, event attendance, and personalized outreach. 
• Partner with Donor Relations to promote effective stewardship for new and existing Founders Circle members. Parent & Family Giving Program Operations 
• Partner with the Senior Director of Development in recruiting, managing, and assisting parent volunteers for the Parents Society. 
• Oversee operational strategy and execution of Parents Society fundraising initiatives. 
• Maintain accurate tracking, reporting, and follow-up related to parent and family giving initiatives. Database, Budget & Administrative Support 
• Maintain constituent interactions in the CRM database through timely and accurate entry of reports, notes, estate updates, and other information. 
• Use database and other tools to prepare lists, reports, and analysis related to donors and prospects. 
• Manage administrative and operational coordination supporting gift planning leadership, including budget monitoring and travel logistics.
• Manage execution and distribution of external communications. Ithaca College Commitment 
• Develop and demonstrate multicultural awareness and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and respectful College community. 
• Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students, alumni, volunteers, and visitors. 
• Promote a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work environment. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of experience preferred in planned giving, estate administration, development operations, finance, or related field; or a combination of education and work experience. 
• Prefer experience with life-income gift vehicles, estate settlement processes, and complex gift documentation. 
• Experience supporting volunteer engagement and don