"Planned Giving Program Director"

Planned Giving Program Director

Posting Number: A00959

Campus:

Department: 5501-External Relations

Classification Pay Scale

In compliance with SB 1162, Western University of Health Sciences is providing a pay scale for this position. The pay scale reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this position. Within this range, the individual pay is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and work location. Please note that the compensation details listed reflects the base salary only.

Expected Pay Scale

Minimum: $140,000.00 Annually

Maximum: $150,000.00 Annually

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development, the Planned Giving Program Director is vital in WesternU’s efforts to secure resources for its strategic funding initiatives and strengthen connections with alumni, parents, and friends of the University. Aligning with the University’s comprehensive strategic plan, this role operates both independently and collaboratively to craft and execute strategies with current and potential donors who will commit to legacy or planned gifts.

Planned Giving Program Director spearheads donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans to maximize this significant period for WesternU, aiming to meet the objectives of an ambitious campaign plan. As the University intensifies its campaign and ongoing development efforts, planned gifts are anticipated to significantly contribute to the campaign’s success.

The Director of Planned Giving will establish and manage a portfolio that encompasses the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a select portfolio of prospects. Beyond their individual contributions, the Director will help shape and achieve the vision and goals of the Planned Giving program and must collaborate effectively with senior University administrators, other development team members, and various schools, colleges, and centers of distinction to identify funding opportunities and devise strategies for converting prospects to donors.

They will play a crucial role in achieving the University’s development objectives, enhancing the University’s culture, adding value to the Planned Giving program, expanding outreach and engagement with alumni and friends, and increasing the planned gift pipeline, ultimately making a substantial impact on the University’s mission and strategic goals. Successful candidates will have a proven track record and can emphasize the importance of building internal and external relationships as it pertains to Planned Giving or their previous experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience maintaining a rigorous individual moves management process.
• Demonstrated ability to close major and/or principal gifts on a regular basis.
• Proven success at fundraising by developing and implementing strategic plans that incorporate concise goals, targeted audiences, and fundraising strategies in-line with institutional needs.
• Advanced knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, stewardship, communications, public relations, and alumni relations; the ability to apply this knowledge to achieve stated goals.
• Ability to work effectively with deans and directors, academic and university leaders, and volunteers to achieve fundraising goals.
• Advanced written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies. Ability to make persuasive and compelling presentations of goals and objectives for a location to secure gifts.
• Commitment to conveying professional appearance and demeanor that represents the incumbent, the College(s), and the University.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously, while taking direction from multiple individuals; ability to prioritize multiple assignments.
• Must work in team environments and can leverage colleagues’ skills to accomplish a goal.
• Strong organization skills and ability to maintain progress on multiple assignments over a broad spectrum of activities.
• Familiarity with advancement relationship management systems (Raiser’s Edge, RENXT, or Banner), electronic information systems, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and electronic mail software.
• Adhere strictly to Donor Bill of Rights, the ethical guidelines promulgated by CASE or other professional organizations and apply these to the duties. Strong sense of ethical conduct that will inspire confidence and motivation with the proven ability to persuade colleagues and prospects.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality within professional standards, FERPA, HIPAA, and other related regulations.
• Advanced organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills, including skill in creative and effective decision-making and problem identification/avoidance/resolution, and strong project management skills.
• Bring Your Best Self to Work: Consistently demonstrate respect, compassion, and integrity in interactions with colleagues, donors, and partners; foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism. Sustain a pioneering culture of bold innovation, courage, and passion. Display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others. Achieve excellence in all we do.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.

Experience:

• 5 years solid fundraising experience including closing major gifts from individuals. Has a proven track record in setting and achieving ambitious goals. Excellent written, oral and presentation skills required.
• Successful related professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Juris Doctor, LLM, MLS, or equivalent preferred.
• Prefer experience at an institution of higher education or a sales-driven organization related to Planned Giving and/or sales objective.

Posting Date: 01/23/2026

Closing Date: 1/23/2027

Essential Job Duties

To apply, visit https://jobs.westernu.edu/postings/35330