Senior Director of Advancement for Planned Giving

University Advancement

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement and External Relations, the Senior Director of Advancement for Planned Giving is a frontline fundraising position responsible for leading, growing, and stewarding a robust planned giving program at Adelphi University. The Director will serve as the institution's subject matter expert on planned and deferred gifts, providing strategic direction, technical expertise, and proactive donor engagement to build a sustainable pipeline of legacy commitments.

This role involves managing a dedicated portfolio of donors and prospects, guiding them through the process of making legacy commitments—and when applicable, major and blended gifts—and overseeing the administration of estate gifts to honor donor intentions while ensuring the timely and accurate receipt of bequests. The Senior Director will be responsible for strengthening Adelphi’s legacy society and building planned giving into the overall culture of philanthropy across the university.

SALARY INFORMATION:

In compliance with New York’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $135,000 - $148,000. Adelphi University considers factors such as departmental budgets, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. An annual base salary higher than the range may be warranted in circumstances where a candidate has demonstrable equivalent prior higher education experience at another University.

Adelphi University provides a comprehensive benefit package for faculty and staff employees. For a list of benefits provided to employees, please click here.

REPORTS TO: Vice President of University Advancement and External Relations

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Planned Giving, Major Giving, and Donor Engagement (70%)

1. Manage a portfolio of 75-125 major and planned giving donors and prospects; identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward commitments through outright gifts, bequests, trusts, gift annuities, retirement assets, and other complex gifts.

2. Develop and execute personalized cultivation strategies to deepen relationships with donors and secure legacy commitments.

3. Collaborate with major and principal gifts officers to integrate planned giving into overall fundraising strategies and blended gifts.

4. Partner with financial advisors, attorneys, and other professionals to build a pipeline of new planned giving prospects.

5. Conduct donor visits, attend university events, and deliver compelling presentations on estate planning and legacy giving.

6. Serve as a resource to donors and their advisors in aligning philanthropic, financial, and estate planning goals with Adelphi University's priorities.

Marketing & Communications (15%)

1. Develop and oversee a comprehensive, multi-channel planned giving marketing program, including direct mail, email, digital content, newsletters, and donor stories.

2. Maintain the planned giving website and create compelling multimedia resources for prospective donors.

3. Coordinate seminars, webinars, and events that raise awareness of legacy giving opportunities among Adelphi alumni, parents, and friends.

4. Produce recognition and stewardship communications for members of the university's legacy society.

Estate Gift Administration & Compliance (15%)

1. Oversee the administration of realized estate gifts, working closely with executors, attorneys, and financial institutions to ensure timely distributions.

2. Review estate documents (wills, trusts, retirement accounts, insurance policies) to document intentions and confirm compliance with donor intent.

3. Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and external advisors to review and administer planned gifts in accordance with university policy.

4. Maintain accurate donor records, track commitments, and project planned gift revenue within the university's CRM.

5. Stay current with planned giving regulations, tax law, and marketing trends to advocate for best practices.

REQUIREMENTS: (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

1. Strong knowledge of charitable gift planning vehicles (bequests, trusts, annuities, beneficiary designations).

2. Exceptional ability to build internal and external relationships, negotiate complex gifts, and engage high-net-worth donors.

3. Highly motivated with an entrepreneurial disposition and the ability to meet ambitious annual fundraising goals.

4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to donors and prospects.

5. Comfort discussing estate planning concepts and working alongside legal and financial professionals.

6. Ability to travel as needed for donor meetings and events.

7. Commitment to Adelphi University's values of equity, inclusion, and student success.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. This position is primarily in-person and is based on our Garden City, NY campus to support effective collaboration and engagement.

2. Hybrid work arrangements (e.g., 1-2 day(s) per week remotely) may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the Vice President of Advancement and External Relations.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree (Master’s) or Juris Doctor (JD) is highly preferred.

2. Seven or more years of progressive experience in frontline fundraising, with a demonstrable and successful track record in planned giving, major gifts, or a closely related field (such as estate planning, wealth management, or trust leadership) is required.

3. Proven experience managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and successfully closing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts.

ABOUT ADELPHI:

Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students’ lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi offers exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training, with particular strength in our Core Four—Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness. Recognized as a Best College by U.S. News & World Report, Adelphi is Long Island’s oldest private coeducational university, serving more than 7,300 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, at learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, and online. The University offers students 72 undergraduate programs and 92 master’s degree and doctoral programs in the liberal arts, the sciences and professional training. With powerful partnerships throughout the New York area, more than 123,000 graduates across the country, a growing enrollment of students from 44 states and 63 countries, and rising rankings from top publications and organizations, Adelphi is a dynamic community that plays a leadership role on Long Island and in the region.