Through the generosity of inspired donors, the Development Team strives to sustain and further elevate the United States Naval Academy’s goal of being the Nation’s flagship institution for undergraduate education, leadership and character development.

Alumni, parents, and friends from around the country work closely with the Development Team to enhance their engagement with the Naval Academy through the Naval Academy Foundation. Our team is committed to building lifelong relationships with highly dedicated donors and leadership volunteers to deepen their connection to the mission of the Naval Academy through philanthropy.

The position of Director, Planned Giving is part of a passionate and energetic team, all of whom are driven to advance our mission as well as their own professional and personal growth. The team works closely together to think strategically, address opportunities and challenges, as well as search for ways to improve both team and individual performance. This position reports to the Vice President, Development and works closely with the Executive Vice President of the Foundation, as well as with colleagues across the Alumni Association & Foundation and the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA). She/he will lead two direct reports in the Office of Planned Giving and work closely with the Foundation’s Regional Development Team and Research & Portfolio Management Team.

Additionally, due to our unique public-private partnership, the Managing Development Director, Planned Giving will collaborate on complex giving and engagement opportunities with Naval Academy senior leadership, civilian / military faculty, as well as key alumni, parents, and friends volunteer leaders.

This position plays a key role in the organization’s $750 million 2030 Campaign, which was approved by the Foundation Board of Directors in Spring 2024.

This position is based in historic Annapolis at our current offices located next to the beautiful grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy. In 2023, the staff of the Alumni Association & Foundation moved into the new Fluegel Alumni Center, which was built on the banks of College Creek overlooking the Naval Academy and downtown Annapolis.

ABOUT THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY (USNA) ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and the United States Naval Academy Foundation are two independent, not-for-profit corporations sharing a single president and CEO and operating as a fully integrated organization in support of the Naval Academy and its mission. The organization’s focus and core competencies are engagement and philanthropy in pursuit of complementary and closely aligned missions. We connect and support our alumni community and the U.S. Naval Academy so the Brigade and alumni community can lead and serve at their full potential for the good of the nation.

Our important mission requires that we hire and retain the best of the best. In order to do that, we offer competitive pay, generous benefits, opportunities for career development, and a positive work experience.

This position pays a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and may be eligible for an annual performance-based bonus, when applicable. We offer a generous benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, an FSA, an HSA, a fully vested 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, 22 days of accrued paid time off (PTO) per fiscal year, 14 paid holidays per calendar year, group life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, identity theft protection, tuition reimbursement and annual opportunities for professional development. Although not guaranteed, certain additional benefits may be offered through the Naval Academy, such as use of certain recreational facilities (including the Brigade Sports Complex gym, marina and indoor/outdoor pools), as well as category II eligibility for employee children to apply to the Naval Academy Primary School.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve in a leadership capacity as the program manager for the Office of Planned Giving, which includes, but is not limited to: staff management, strategic planning, program assessment, as well as oversee planned gift administration, reporting, stewardship (via the Robert Means Thompson Society), and marketing.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of principal and major gift planned giving donors who are capable of making significant investments in support of the Naval Academy and donors’ own philanthropic goals.
• Work closely to advise, support, and educate the staff of the Foundation on both basic and complex planned giving strategies.
• Commitment to meet and exceed team and individual annual goals for dollars raised and corresponding tracked activity, such as meetings and other substantial interactions.
• Think and execute strategically to build upon an already robust Planned Giving program that will be integral in the Alumni Association & Foundation’s next comprehensive campaign, including the promotion of new endowment funds, such as the Long Blue Line Fund and the Athletic Excellence Legacy Fund
• Integrate into a culture that emphasizes excellence, lifelong learning, and a performance management system that sets high expectations and drives results

Qualifications

• At least seven years’ direct non-profit fundraising/development experience, preferably in higher education, including meaningful experience raising planned gifts in a comprehensive institutional development operation.
• Significant knowledge of planned giving strategies is required, including:
  • Knowledge of planned giving vehicles
  • Knowledge of current laws, trends, and news related to planned giving
  • Knowledge of best practices for marketing to prospective planned giving donors
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Outstanding leadership and management skills
• Dedication to growth and professional development
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s or advanced degree preferred

• Highly capable in Microsoft Office products and telecommunications software, such as videoconferencing platforms

• Aptitude for complex fundraising or sales database systems, preferably experience in Blackbaud CRM or similar systems

• Overnight travel for donor meetings as well as participation in evening and weekend events, including, but not limited to, Navy football games, academic conferences, and lectures as needed

• Approaches each day with grit and optimism, works with enthusiasm, thinks with intellect and acts with honesty and humility

• Perform or assist other duties as assigned

To Apply: Please go to https://usna.isolvedhire.com/jobs/ and apply through our website.

The USNA Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Veterans encouraged to apply.

About U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and the U.S Naval Academy Foundation (USNA AA&F) are two independent, not-for-profit corporations sharing a single president and CEO and operating as a fully integrated organization in support of the Naval Academy and its mission. The U.S. Naval Academy Athletic and Scholarship Programs (A&SP), a division of the Foundation, encourages and supports athletic excellence at the Naval Academy. The organization’s focus and core competencies are engagement and philanthropy in pursuit of complementary and closely aligned missions.

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