Director, Gift Planning
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The role:
Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Alumni & Donor Relations, the Director, Gift Planning is responsible for the overall management of the planned giving program at the University of Manitoba, providing high-level expertise, strategic direction and facilitation in the development and implementation of gift planning strategies designed to maximize long-term financial support for the university. Activities will increase visibility, enhance reputation, and support the university’s strategic goals.
The incumbent works closely with other senior Alumni and Donor Relations staff, including the Associate Vice-President, Alumni and Donor Relations; Senior Director, Principal Gifts; Senior Directors in all faculties; Annual Giving; Alumni Relations; Advancement Services; and Stewardship with the goal of ensuring a strategic approach to securing legacy gifts to the University of Manitoba. The Director manages a team and collaborates with the broader advancement team to secure new legacy commitments and/or current gifts of complex assets as well as to steward long-term funding relationships. The Director manages staff assigned to gift planning to build the pipeline of future support and raise awareness of legacy giving within the UM community. Recognizing the importance of structuring tailored giving opportunities to major and principal gifts donors, the Director participates in major and principal gift strategies where appropriate and demonstrates leadership in securing resources for our university.
Externally, the Director, Gift Planning interacts with current and potential donors and supporters. They will personally manage a portfolio of approximately 215 donors and potential donors and oversee gift planning strategies for direct reports, as well as the team more broadly.
The qualifications and experience we’re looking for:
- A University degree required, preferably in a related field.
- CFRE Designation is an asset. Minimum five years of experience fundraising within a post-secondary institution, health care setting or other complex organization; preferably in the area of planned giving.
- Preference given to those with direct gift planning experience and/or a legal or financial background.
- Proven success in staff leadership with the ability to inspire, motivate and coach a dedicated group of professional fundraisers.
- Demonstrated understanding of and experience in planned giving, annual giving, major gifts and a philanthropic campaign environment.
- Experience with public speaking and making presentations is required.
- Experience working with lawyers/accountants and financial planners in a corporate environment is an asset.
- Ability to develop cooperative and mutually beneficial relationships with donors and other stakeholders.
- Ability to demonstrate discretion and sensitivity in handling confidential information.
- Ability to provide coaching and performance management to staff.
- Ability to create professional development plans for staff that aligns with the strategic goals of the department.
- Ability to develop strategic plans that incorporate the overall vision into short-term and long-term goals, anticipating challenges and identifying opportunities.
- Ability to communicate concisely and professionally, both written and verbal as well as in large and small group presentations.
- Ability to manage resources effectively including time, finances and human resources.
- Ability to understand complex legal and financial processes, including tax treatments of various charitable gift arrangements.
- Ability to manage a busy workload with a high degree of detail, individualized services and complexity required.
- The position requires some travel. A valid driver’s license and access to an automobile is essential.
Why the University of Manitoba?
Along with being one of Manitoba’s top employers, we are proud to provide a collaborative and enriching work environment. In addition to a strong compensation package with a competitive salary, the University provides an exceptional workplace that includes:
- Comprehensive group benefits program and pension plan.
- Employee and Family Assistance Program.
- A full spectrum of professional development opportunities.
Apply today through the University of Manitoba’s career portal, UM Careers where you will find the full job specification: https://viprecprod.ad.umanitoba.ca/DEFAULT.ASPX?REQ_ID=16735
Closing Date: August 6, 2021
Applications will only be accepted if you apply on UM Careers.
The University of Manitoba is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.
Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of “The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy” (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.
