Job Abstract

Yale University seeks an experienced and successful fundraiser to join the Planned Giving team within the university division of Alumni Affairs and Development. As a member of the Planned Giving team, the officer is responsible primarily for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a robust portfolio of 100+ planned giving prospects of alumni and friends university- wide. With an emphasis on securing blended gifts, the Planned Giving Officer collaborates with other fundraising colleagues and serves as a resource to other frontline staff in gift discussions with potential donors.

More specifically, the Planned Giving Officer qualifies donors for inclusion in a planned giving portfolio or for proper assignment within Development during the fast pace of a comprehensive fundraising campaign; assumes responsibility for the tracking, reporting and analysis of activity related to assigned planned giving prospects; supports efforts to steward and engage members of the legacy society; and prepares gift illustrations, tax information, and other documents related to life income and other planned gifts. In addition, the Planned Giving Officer serves as a planned giving content expert to development colleagues across the university and partners with staff to create planned giving opportunities (including conducting joint visits with colleagues and preparing planned giving proposals that meet donors’ personal, financial and philanthropic goals), and evaluates and recommends giving vehicles most suitable for individual prospects.

The Planned Giving Officer has the aptitude and desire to develop a comprehensive knowledge of planned giving and the related tax and estate consequences of gift plans. Further, the Planned Giving Officer has experience in and appreciation for the value of blended gifts and has a comfort in presenting planned gift opportunities such as bequests and life income gifts. The Planned Giving Officer determines the donor’s philanthropic interests and works with them and their financial and legal advisors to secure both outright and planned gifts in conjunction with donors’ needs and university priorities.
Demonstrates initiative, drive and a data-driven work ethic. Creative, innovative, flexible, with strong organizational and analytical skills. Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects effectively and maintain a high degree of professionalism in a team-oriented, complex environment. 1. Identifies, cultivates and solicits Yale alumni/alumnae and friends who are capable of making gifts to the University. Meets assigned activity and revenue goals. 2. Devises and implements cultivation and solicitation strategies. Evaluates various gift opportunities and giving vehicles; recommends the most suitable for a particular donor. Develops, writes and presents proposals in keeping with university needs and in line with donor's interest and financial situation. 3. Initiates and maintains contact with current, past, and prospective donors, promoting positive donor relations. Engages volunteers proactively as needed. Determines and executes events and programs in support of development activities, assessing the success of such events/programs and recommending changes. Identifies disaffected or disinterested donors and devises strategies to encourage/redirect their interests as appropriate. 4. Interacts with internal contacts such as deans, directors, faculty, officers and other Development staff to consult on University needs, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies, and potential donors. Keeps abreast of University events and disseminates University information to donors, prospective donors, volunteers and team members as appropriate. 5. Performs other duties as assigned. Bachelor’s Degree required, a minimum of two years of fundraising experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Job title and level will be commensurate with experience.