Executive Director, Major Gifts - Gift Planning

Company: Northeastern University
Location: Boston
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

About the Opportunity Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Individual Giving, the Executive Director of Major Gifts, Gift Planning will develop a broad strategic plan for an integrated, proactive gift planning program that is designed to maximize fundraising potential from prospects and provide stewardship to donors. The Executive Director will be responsible for the execution of this plan including monitoring its success and assessing necessary course corrections to meet its stated goals. The Executive Director will oversee and manage the current gift planning portfolio, which includes Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Gift Annuities, Pooled Income Funds, Bequests and Life Estates. He/She will act as main point of contact with outside, third party administrators. The Executive Director will work to successfully identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects as a part of the overall University Advancement strategy and as an integral part of a campaign. The Executive Director will work in collaboration with Northeastern’s colleges, centers, and the central advancement team to cultivate planned giving support for the university. While conducting all duties, the Executive Director shall adhere to the university’s compliance and internal control guidelines. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Demonstrated ability to think strategically about relationships with prospects, and to articulate mission and core initiatives clearly, and to synthesize these concisely and persuasively to excite and entice prospects. A bachelor’s degree is required; additional course or degree work in the areas of Gift planning, financial planning, estate planning, tax planning, legal studies or management At least 10 years of gift planning or equivalent experience in the charitable asset management, legal or financial planning field including gift planning responsibilities in a higher education context; ability to manage a development program and team across a complex structure. Demonstrated ability to think strategically about relationships with prospects, and to clearly articulate mission and core initiatives and to synthesize these concisely and persuasively to excite and entice prospects. A high level of self-confidence, creativity, enthusiasm, self-motivation and energy needed to undertake diverse responsibilities and effectively engage and cultivate key prospects Strong communications and marketing acumen; demonstrated ability to create communications documents for internal and external education Thorough understanding of gift planning concepts: income, gift and estate tax issues; knowledge of financial and estate planning and ability to articulate these concepts to others Proven capacity to work independently on several projects in parallel; strong organizational planning skills, Customer-oriented focus, and high follow-up and responsiveness Experience managing professional staff, as well as the patience and maturity for working with volunteers and enjoyment in meeting and relating to people on an one-to-one basis The desire to work in an entrepreneurial environment; the creativity, energy, and political savvy required to introduce and champion new ideas; the ability to influence, while maintaining the spirit of collaboration Honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, and perspective; a very strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow-through planning, financial planning, estate planning, tax planning, legal studies or management Experience with Gift Planning software is necessary RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES 1) Develop a broad strategic plan for an integrated, proactive gift planning program. Responsible for managing full-service comprehensive, pro-active gift planning program that includes service to all of the colleges and programs to maintain and expand the pool of active prospects: Develop strategies for identification, cultivation, and solicitation of gift planning prospects; Develop and revise policies, procedures, and guidelines designed to increase customer service: ensure that gift planning prospects and donors receive accurate information and high quality service with regard to their gifts, are properly thanked, and feel connected to the University Actively manage a portfolio of gift planning prospects and donors for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; and educate prospects concerning the benefits of planned gifts Monitor life-cycle of all current estates that include Northeastern as a beneficiary Work with estate attorneys, trust officers, Office of General Counsel and others and steward surviving family members to secure gifts 2) Manage the gift planning team and work closely with volunteers and development staff members and assess overall strategy: Supervise professional staff members; oversee job performance, prepare job evaluations, recruit, and assist with job growth and other related functions as required Manage the office of gift planning and full team of staff members; including all marketing, training and analytics activities. Build effective relationships with volunteers and staff to cultivate prospects, write proposals, visit prospects and help to close gifts; ensure that gift planning opportunities are included in all appropriate solicitation strategies Train development staff concerning basic components of planned gifts Develop customized proposals and work with advisors as necessary Evaluate the effectiveness of all gift planning initiatives and activities across the university 3) Based on a clear understanding of the mission of the Office of University Advancement, increase awareness of Northeastern University’s gift planning opportunities Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive thematic marketing, analytics, training and stewardship plan. Coordinate with the Senior Associate Director of Gift Planning and other members of the team to ensure the successful execution of this plan. Develop a creative educational program for staff, donors, volunteers and alumni to help identify additional prospects. Position Type Advancement Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 114S Expected Hiring Range: $130,945.00 - $189,868.75 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

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