Description

The Office of Advancement at The University of Tampa invites applications for the position of Director of Planned Giving. This role is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and management of a comprehensive planned giving program that advances the University’s mission and long-term philanthropic goals.

The Director will actively cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University of Tampa for estate and other planned gifts. This highly relationship-driven role requires initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to engage donors and professional advisors in meaningful conversations about philanthropy and legacy giving. This position reports to the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Central Development Units.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the planned giving program at The University of Tampa, including the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of initiatives that support estate and deferred gift fundraising.
• Develop and execute integrated marketing and communication strategies to promote planned giving opportunities. This includes collaboration with internal partners and external vendors to produce print and digital materials, newsletters, and targeted outreach campaigns.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward planned giving prospects and donors. Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 individuals, with a focus on advancing prospects along the giving continuum toward documented commitments.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in planned giving, supporting development colleagues at the University of Tampa in identifying and cultivating prospects within their portfolios.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and professional advisors, including attorneys, financial planners, and wealth management professionals, to enhance planned giving referrals and partnerships.
• Oversee the administration and documentation of planned gifts, including wills, trusts, charitable gift annuities, life insurance policies, and other deferred giving vehicles. Serve as the University liaison for estate administration matters.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices related to planned giving, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and institutional guidelines.
• Partner with Advancement Services to ensure accurate recordkeeping, reporting, and donor stewardship, including the preparation of endowment agreements and related documentation.
• Collaborate in stewardship efforts for planned giving donors, including  the Legacy Society, recognition events, etc.
• Provide staff support to leadership initiatives such as the Financial Ambassadors Council and contribute to cross-functional development efforts across the University of Tampa.
• Monitor program performance, generate reports, and present updates to senior leadership and University stakeholders.
• Participate in travel, events, and donor meetings, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional credentials in financial planning, law, or wealth management preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in planned giving, fundraising, estate planning, trust administration, financial services, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting donors, preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles, estate planning principles, and relevant tax laws.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with a wide range of constituents.
• Proven organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience with fundraising databases and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify prospective donors.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Willingness to adopt new technologies and innovative practices.