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Gift Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scripps College

Director-Gift Planning

Claremont, CA · On-site

Director-Gift Planning PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Director of Gift Planning is responsible for building a premier planned giving program by enlarging outreach and communication, and ...

Scripps College

Director-Gift Planning

Claremont, CA · On-site

Director-Gift Planning PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Director of Gift Planning is responsible for building a premier planned giving program by enlarging outreach and communication, and ...

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Gift Planning information

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$67.5K

$113.6K

$208K

How much do gift planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for gift planning in the United States is $113,568.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is gift planning?

A Gift Planning job involves helping donors make charitable contributions through wills, trusts, and other financial instruments. Professionals in this field work with individuals to structure planned gifts that align with their philanthropic goals while maximizing tax benefits. They collaborate with lawyers, financial advisors, and nonprofit organizations to develop giving strategies. Gift Planning specialists typically work for universities, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations, ensuring long-term financial support through legacy giving programs.

What skills and qualifications are needed for gift planning?

To excel in Gift Planning, you need expertise in charitable giving strategies, tax and estate planning, and a strong understanding of nonprofit fundraising principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in finance, law, or a related field. Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, planned giving software, and certifications such as the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) can be highly beneficial. Strong interpersonal communication, integrity, and an ability to build trust with donors set top professionals apart. These capabilities enable the effective cultivation of lasting donor relationships and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in charitable giving.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in gift planning?

Gift Planning professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating complex financial instruments, understanding evolving tax laws, and balancing donor interests with organizational goals. Successfully educating donors about the benefits and options related to planned gifts can also require patience and strong communication skills. Additionally, coordinating across multiple departments—including legal, finance, and development—demands adaptability and teamwork. These challenges make the role both intellectually stimulating and highly rewarding for those passionate about making a philanthropic impact.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Gift Planning jobs?

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Gift Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gift Planning job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,568 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Director, Gift Planning

Evanston, IL • On-site

Northwestern University
See more jobs at Northwestern Universityexternal

$13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Northwestern University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/13
Job Summary:
The Director of Gift Planning will identify, cultivate, and solicit planned gifts by managing a portfolio of planned giving prospects and serving as a consultant to major gift officers across the organization and within Northwestern's three professional schools. This individual will collaborate with various teams (e.g., Principal Gifts, Major Gifts, Reunions, Schools/Units), as well as deans and faculty where appropriate, to develop and implement gift planning strategies. The Director will provide expert knowledge of planned giving vehicles and may participate in training sessions for teams in ARD. In addition, this individual will supervise up to two full-time fundraisers and be responsible for their coaching, professional development, and performance management. This role operates within a highly collaborative gift planning team and is expected to help foster a unified approach to fundraising through close partnership with fellow gift planning professionals.
Please note : The target budgeted salary for this position is $140,000 - $155,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.
Specific Responsibilities:
  • Builds and maintains a portfolio of up to 40 donor/prospect relationships and is responsible for soliciting and closing a target number of major gift ($100K+) commitments annually, as well as achieving an associated dollars raised goal.
  • Maintains a portfolio of liaison assignments and is responsible for providing a high level of support which results in the closure of additional planned gifts for the organization, measured by solicitations, closures and dollars raised.
  • Oversees and coaches team members who are also responsible for maintaining prospect portfolios and closing new gifts.
  • Maintains a certain degree of knowledge and expertise about deferred giving options to support donor conversations.
  • Supervises up to 2 fundraisers on the gift planning team, including the evaluation of work and tracking of progress towards individual goals, as well as supporting their long-term development and growth within the organization.
  • Participates in key collaborations with fundraisers across Alumni Relations and Development and the professional school teams in support of our larger fundraising efforts by providing planned giving support; coaches team members who are also responsible for collaborating on a regular basis.
  • Participates in strategic planning related to fundraising activities that will increase the number and level of planned gift donors for Northwestern University.
  • Ensures compliance with prospect management guidelines for tracking & maintenance of contact & progress reporting.
  • Prepares gift illustrations, sample bequest language, and/or related information to support fundraising strategies.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
  • 7 years of development (fundraising) or equivalent experience, including some experience in the gift planning/planned giving field
  • Demonstrated ability to manage donor relationships and a proven track record of fundraising success in a nonprofit organization
  • Demonstrated experience managing one or more fundraising professionals
  • Expertise in the area of charitable gift planning, including some knowledge of gift structures and financial planning concepts
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write and speak with precision and clarity and the ability to adjust language and tone to fit the audience
  • Excellent analytical skills with the capacity to apply knowledge in new ways to unique situations
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and maintain high ethical standards
  • Ability to work independently to develop and implement initiatives
  • Ability to collaborate appropriately and respectfully
  • Ability to articulate the case for supporting Northwestern University in a convincing manner
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and manage, set, and adjust priorities
  • Ability to work with personal computers and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Qualifications:
  • J.D. from an accredited law school or Certification in Financial Planning (CFP)
  • Knowledge of gift planning software such as Crescendo or PG Calc
  • Ability to navigate a fundraising database/CRM such as Salesforce
  • Demonstrated experience working with mature populations
  • Experience in any of the following fields:
    • major gift fundraising
    • pharmaceutical sales or entrepreneurial positions
    • trust and estate planning and/or administration
    • financial planning
  • Strong public speaking skills; demonstrated experience in delivering presentations to internal and external audiences.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .

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