Gift Planner (2 positions available)

Job Details

Posting Number: 0603056

Position Title: Gift Planner (2 positions available)

Hiring Range: $36.06 - $40.87 per hour, plus excellent benefits.

Location: Tacoma, WA 98447.

Department: University Relations

Posting Date: 05/15/2026

Closing Date: When a sufficient number of qualified applicants has been identified.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 8am – 5pm. Some evenings and weekends required. Remote work possible 2-3 days/week and as needed for travel. Frequent travel within WA state and possibility of travel within the U.S.

General Description:

Pacific Lutheran University seeks a curious and experienced professional capable of building authentic donor relationships, conveying the mission of the University compellingly, and securing increasing levels of support to propel that mission.

As an essential member of the Constituent Engagement team, the Gift Planner works collaboratively and strategically with University leadership and campus partners to raise funds through the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of existing and prospective individual major donors.

This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Constituent Engagement.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Build and manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects, including alumni and friends of the University, and solicit support in the form of outright as well as deferred gifts.
• Develop annual fundraising and activity plans relevant to the individual portfolio and in support of team goals.
• Strengthen the pool of potential major gift donors: Managing prospect qualification activities, developing and maintaining a mature and active list of major giving prospective donors.
• Collaborate with campus partners and colleagues to provide effective donor engagement, stewardship and ongoing communications to major gift donors and prospects.
• Provide ample, authentic and appropriate cultivation and stewardship of donors to support donor renewal and acquisition efforts.
• Develop an ongoing and evolving understanding of PLU and its priorities, emphasizing the need for – and building the case in support of – current use gifts, planned gifts and endowment support.
• Commit to consistently documenting and carefully coordinating donor engagement activities, where high-value relationships involve multiple University touch points.
• Represent the University as a professional collaborator at public functions and events, including social and professional gatherings.
• Maintain familiarity with salient issues relating to higher education, fundraising and financial planning, showing an aptitude for thoughtful application and connection.
• Maintain professionalism when dealing with staff and donors, and in carrying out all responsibilities and objectives.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures established by PLU and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.