Executive Director of Gift Planning

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A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
University Development’s purpose is to support the mission of the university by raising private resources to enhance financial support for students, faculty, programs, and facilities. University Development provides leadership and centralized services to all development offices throughout the University, serving as a focal point for annual giving, application development and IT support; campaign management; constituent programs; corporate and foundation relations; donor relations; gift planning; gift services; industry relations; marketing/communications; parents giving; principal gifts; prospect management, research and analytics; regional programs; scholarships and student aid; talent management; university events; and volunteer engagement.

Carolina Development is proud of its donor-centered philosophy, pursuing activities that always respect the interests and intentions of the donor as well as the University. The organization’s collaborative nature is a critical component to fulfilling our mission of raising private funds to benefit the university.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and transferable skills!

Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Executive Director of Gift Planning will serve as a key partner to colleagues across campus and play a transformative role in shaping the future of philanthropy at the nation’s first public university. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development – Individual Giving, the Executive Director will lead a highly functioning development team within the award-winning Office of University Development, collaborating with nearly 150 development officers across the university to expand the reach and impact of planned giving. The successful candidate will be expected to significantly grow the acceptance of planned gifts over the next five years, helping to secure Carolina’s future and ensuring its ability to serve students, faculty, and communities for generations to come.

This senior leader will set ambitious goals and drive growth through an innovative fundraising program, strengthened donor cultivation and stewardship, and a comprehensive marketing strategy for both internal and external audiences. The Executive Director will work hand in hand with deans, campus leaders, and development colleagues to build lasting philanthropic partnerships and maximize planned giving opportunities. The role also carries responsibility for providing strategic oversight of the UNC Life Income program, the UNC-Chapel Hill Foundation’s portfolio of life insurance gifts, and the University’s inventory of probated estates.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary, collaborative leader to build on Carolina’s strong tradition of philanthropy and shape the legacy of one of the world’s leading public research universities.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with related experience. For positions with responsibility for direct solicitation of gifts and funds, a minimum of 1 year of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully soliciting and closing charitable planned gifts, along with a deep knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing estate planning, with a particular emphasis on charitable planning. Candidates should bring significant experience in, or strong preparation for, leading, managing, and inspiring a highly functioning gift planning team within a complex organization.

In addition, leading candidates will demonstrate:

• A thorough knowledge of and appreciation for the unique mission and role of a major public research university.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively to set and achieve ambitious goals, while building strong partnerships with development staff, academic leadership, volunteers, donors, prospects, faculty, and staff across a large and complex institution.
• Superior interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial and philanthropic concepts into accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Strong fiscal and administrative management skills, with accountability for budgets, policies, and compliance.
• Strategic thinking with the capacity to anticipate opportunities and challenges, take appropriate initiative, and innovate solutions that advance fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire trust, motivate colleagues, and cultivate a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• High energy, professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to advancing philanthropy.
• A strong track record of donor cultivation and stewardship, with an ability to engage high-net-worth individuals and families in complex gift discussions.
• Experience building cross-campus collaborations that strengthen planned giving outcomes and broaden donor engagement.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Extensive Leadership Experience: 12-15 years of progressive advancement, planned giving, estate planning, or related development experience, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership or executive role.
• Track Record of Results: Demonstrated history of significantly increasing planned giving revenue and growing donor participation in complex gift vehicles at a large, complex institution, ideally within higher education or a similarly mission-driven nonprofit environment.
• Sophisticated Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of charitable estate planning, life income arrangements, complex assets, and tax implications, with the ability to guide high-net-worth donors and their advisors through multi-layered philanthropic discussions.
• Cross-Disciplinary Professional Background: Experience working in or closely with the legal, financial, or wealth management industries (e.g., estate planning attorney, financial advisor, CPA, or related profession), providing strong credibility in technical conversations about planned gifts.
• Strategic Visionary Leadership: Proven ability to set long-term strategic direction, inspire and develop professional teams, and build collaborative, high-performing partnerships across a decentralized organization.
• Major Public University or Comparable Experience: Direct familiarity with the culture, scale, and complexity of a leading public research university, or a similarly large, multifaceted nonprofit or healthcare system.
• Advanced Education and Credentials: An advanced degree (such as J.D., MBA, or master’s in management) or relevant certifications such as CAP (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy), CFP (Certified Financial Planner), or CPA, is preferred.
• National Thought Leadership: Recognition as a thought leader or active participant in professional associations such as the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, with a visible record of presenting, publishing, or contributing to the field.
• Proficiency with advancement databases, prospect management tools, and gift planning software preferred.

Please apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/308136

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.