Director of Donor Relations and Planned Giving

Concordia University is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world.

Position Summary

The Director of Donor Relations and Planned Giving will build a network of University constituents, to include alumni, parents, donors, and donor prospects. The Director of Donor Relations and Planned Giving will personally participate in prospect identification, research, cultivation, and solicitation of major, planned, and estate gifts. This position provides vision, expertise, leadership, and overall management for the University's estate and gift planning program. This is a full-time position that reports to the Vice President of Advancement and is located on the Mequon, Wisconsin campus.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Help identify and cultivate new major gift prospects, with an emphasis on connections within the community and select regions nationally.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive estate and gift planning program (CUW Heritage Society and CUAA Krieger Society) to support the long-term mission and goals of the University. Provide estate and gift planning expertise to the Advancement team.
• Manage a major gift portfolio of no more than 50 donors and donor prospects, in addition to stewarding the Heritage and Krieger societies.
• Establish and manage a schedule of prospect cultivation and gift solicitation visits with alumni, parents, friends, and community leaders who can make gifts or pledges of $25,000+. Maintain the activity level required to secure no less than 10 major gift prospect visits a month on average.
• Identify, cultivate, and personally solicit significant planned gifts from alumni, parents, and friends of the University. Develop additional prospects outside the constituency for cultivation and solicitation.
• Develop and cultivate a professional network of allied professionals.
• Work closely with the various members of the Advancement team in the planning and execution of special events related to major gift fundraising and planned giving stewardship.
• Work closely and collaboratively with the members of the Advancement staff to accomplish the goals of the University at large. Be open to other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the vice president.
• Conduct all activities within the budget established by the University.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Development techniques with desire to grow in professional expertise through continuing education
• Background in estate planning, financial, or trust services
• Build lasting relationships with prospects and donors
• Understanding of the LCMS, its structure, and historical relationship to Concordia University
• Understanding of Concordia's mission statement and ability to interpret it to all constituents
• Interpersonal skills using tact and patience through oral and written communication
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Be available for evening and weekend work as needed
• Willingness to travel
• Supportive of the mission and values of Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Education & Experience

A Bachelor's degree is required and at least five years of experience is preferred relating directly to fundraising, sales, charitable gift planning, and/or estate planning. Must be computer literate with an understanding of development or fundraising techniques and best practices.

Physical Demands/Equipment (Click to View)

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. The starting wage may be determined upon education and/or experience. Concordia University benefit options include, but are not limited to the following:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Personal Spending Account, Flexible Spending Account, and/or Health Savings Account
• Disability and Survivor Plan
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Basic Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Tuition waiver benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Compensation and Benefit Details

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, all applicants are must complete and