Director of Planned Giving and Estate Administration

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Director of Planned Giving and Estate Administration will function in a dual capacity to ensure seamless, efficient internal planned giving processes while building meaningful relationships with the Howard community to secure major and planned gifts. The ideal candidate will be data driven, process oriented, and is well versed in all planned giving vehicles. The Director of Planned Giving and Estate Administration reports to the Executive Director, Family Philanthropy.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

This position does not currently have supervisory responsibilities.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

In this role, you will oversee estate administration and the gift documentation process ensuring intentions are properly recorded as well as providing solutions for process improvement. By executing short- and long-term strategies, you will expand the Legacy Giving Society, a group of alumni, families and friends who have shared their intention to include Howard University in their estate plans and enhance donors’ experience through personalized stewardship and acknowledgement. This role will serve as a planned giving expert partnering closely with frontline fundraisers, the broader Development and Alumni Relations team, and representatives from the Office of General Counsel and the Office of Finance. Because of the nature of this role, the Director of Planned Giving and Estate Administration will manage a portfolio of 35-45 complex or mid-to-high-level planned giving prospects focusing on estate, life income, outright, and non-cash gifts.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Oversee the estate administration process, ensuring thorough and accurate recording building dynamic partnerships with the Office of General Counsel and Office of Finance as appropriate.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 35 – 45 complex or mid-to-high-level prospects and donors.
• Lead and expand the Legacy Society, recognizing individuals who include Howard in their estate plans; ensure ongoing stewardship and meaningful recognition of members.
• Conduct at least 50 – 75 face-to-face meetings annually to qualify, engage, solicit, and steward donors—on and off campus, with travel as needed.
• Serve as a planned giving advisor to the frontline fundraising team, enhancing their ability to integrate planned giving strategies into donor conversations and proposals.
• Support communications efforts and ensure donor record accuracy through Raiser’s Edge.
• Partner and execute strategies to activate planned giving opportunities at signature university and regional events focused on increasing planned giving awareness and education the Howard community.

CORE COMPETENCIES:    

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate Howard University's mission and fundraising goals as well as craft tailored donor proposals and marketing materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with donors, professional advisors, faculty, staff, and development colleagues.
• Understanding of gift planning strategies, including outright and deferred gift mechanisms, life income arrangements, and the principles of tax-advantaged philanthropy.
• Familiarity with current tax laws and legislation affecting charitable giving, and the ability to apply this knowledge to donor conversations and gift structures.
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential donor information and sensitive communications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge), with a willingness to learn new technologies and tools as needed.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• 5 – 7 years of proven success closing major and planned gifts within a university or similarly complex institution, with demonstrated knowledge of advancement practices and donor engagement strategies.
• Experience working with outright gifts, deferred gift arrangements and experience with a wide variety of assets, i.e., real estate, securities, closely held stock, tangible personal property, etc. is preferred.
• Ability to work some weekends and/or evenings as needed. 

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Salary Range- $130,000- $140,000