Planned Giving Officer

Planned Giving Officer

Auburn Advancement is excited to begin the search for a Planned Giving Officer to join our philanthropy team! In this position, you will work closely with donors, advisors, and university representatives to develop and implement personalized philanthropic plans. Your work will not only support Auburn University's mission, but also help donors achieve their philanthropic goals.

What You'll Do:

• Build and Manage Relationships: Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects. Engage donors through personalized interactions, building trust and understanding their philanthropic goals.
• Create and Present Giving Plans: Develop individualized giving plans in collaboration with donors and their financial and legal advisors, ensuring these plans align with both the donors' values and financial goals, as well as the university's needs.
• Adaptive Industry Trends: Keep on top of changes in tax laws, estate planning, and charitable giving trends to provide the best possible advice and options to donors.
• Champion Philanthropy: Inspire a culture of giving by engaging donors about the transformative impact of their contributions, helping them understand how their gift shapes the future of the university.

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Impactful Work: Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of Auburn University and its priorities.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to making a difference.
• Purpose Driven Work: Align your passion and fulfillment to your work, where you're trusted to reach your full potential and achieve your pinnacle career experience.
• Culture by Design: Thrive in a culture that champions respect, accountability, and professional development.

Now is the perfect time to join Auburn Advancement, a dynamic team encompassing Operations and Strategy, Culture and Talent, Engagement, Philanthropy, and Communications. Under the visionary leadership of Senior Vice President Rob Wellbaum – a seasoned and respected advancement professional – our organization is set to revolutionize the future of Advancement.

The nature of this role is highly externally focused, requiring frequent travel and meetings on and off campus during regular and non-traditional business hours, and is therefore expected to operate with high-levels of autonomy.

Candidates are required to upload a resume and cover letter with their application. Please combine into one document.

Your Responsibilities as a Planned Giving Officer:

• Purpose: Guide donors and their advisors in shaping tax efficient philanthropic vision, helping them set impactful goals and create meaningful plans. Research and craft compelling philanthropic giving proposals that resonate with donors, showcasing the transformative potential of their contributions. Become proficient in the mission, vision, and programs of Auburn University, and effectively communicate these to inspire donor support.
• Collaboration: Work with donors, their families, advisors, and university representatives to align philanthropic goals with Auburn's needs and aspirations. Cultivate relationships with professional advisors, leveraging their expertise to enhance future gift commitments and foster long-term donor relationships. Actively participate in professional organizations, staying connected with industry trends and building a network of peers in the fields of gift planning and advancement.
• Innovation: Contribute to the creation of innovative marketing strategies, donor recognition plans, and stewardship initiatives that enhance donor engagement and satisfaction. Play a key role in organizing and participating in special events, celebrating donor contributions and fostering community.
• Production: Take charge of a dynamic portfolio of at least 100 planned gift prospects, building and nurturing relationships through personalized engagement strategies. Personally engage with prospects and donors through face-to-face meetings, guiding them through the states of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Ensure timely completion of gift plans, endowment agreements, and all related documentation, maintaining records in our CRM and planned giving software systems.

Qualifications

Level I -

• Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, and/or public relations

Level II –

• Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, and/or public relations

Licenses & Certifications:

• Driver License, Valid and in State Upon Hire Required

Desired Qualifications:

• MBA, CPA, CFP, JD, CLU
• Financial planning, law, accounting, estate planning, securities, investment
• Knows and applies fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of particular field of specialization.

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.