Associate Director of Gift Planning

Job Description - Associate Director of Gift Planning (40376)

Job Description

Associate Director of Gift Planning - 40376

University Staff

Description

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.

Position Summary:

The CU System Office of Advancement provides excellent customer service, strategy, expertise, and efficiency to our partners on CU's campuses and at the University of Colorado Foundation. We support CU's fundraising and engagement goals through advancement operations that include constituent research and development, data management, business intelligence, technical architecture, annual giving, planned giving, gift administration, marketing and communications, IT, budget and finance, and more. We believe that a healthy office culture is foundational to our success. We create this by bringing together a diverse team of colleagues and infusing our core values-Work Together, Think Big, Be Good and Have Fun-into our work every day.

The Associate Director of Gift Planning is a centralized University of Colorado (CU) system position embedded within the CU Anschutz Office of Advancement. This position works closely with the CU Anschutz Director of Gift Planning and the broader CU Gift Planning team to enhance the giving experience by supporting donors and development officers as they explore blended and planned gift opportunities.

This position reports to Director of Gift Planning, Anschutz and is exempt for the State of Colorado Classification system.

Where You Will Work:

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This position will follow a hybrid work model, working mostly in person from the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months'' notice before any change can be implemented.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborates with CU System Advancement staff to develop a prospect pipeline; cultivate, solicit, negotiate, and close gifts, focusing on multi-faceted outright gifts; gifts of complex or unique assets; gifts-in-kind; revocable designations; and irrevocable gifts such as charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, retained life estates, or charitable lead trusts.
• Works within the CU Anschutz Advancement office to cultivate and advance gifts that benefit CU by providing technical gift planning expertise to colleagues and donors.
• Advises CU Anschutz development officers on prospect identification for planned gifts and development of solicitation strategies.
• Supports CU Anschutz development officers by adding value to the cultivation, proposal and solicitation phases of gift conversations, to include in-person and virtual meetings with donors as needed, and development of gift agreements.
• Remains current and shares up-to-date information with colleagues about planned giving strategies that can benefit both donors and the university, including assisting in conducting regular training and/or updates to Advancement staff on planned giving, tax laws, and other regulations pertaining to charitable giving.
• Contributes to University system, campus, and Gift Planning department goals by supporting the implementation of an annual gift planning workplan to achieve strategic goals and benchmarks for program growth.
• Contributes to system-level advancement of gift planning strategies to include creation of a strong future "pipeline", development of staff trainings, stewardship of existing legacy society members, strengthening relationships with the advisor community, evaluation of counting standards, gift acceptance policies and procedures, and similar.
• Works to cultivate existing and new benefactor relationships (i.e.: through thank you calls, prospecting/cold calls, discovery visits, stewardship touches, etc.) with the intent of sustaining and increasing the relationship with benefactors and potential benefactors on behalf of and in support of the CU Anschutz Campus. The benefactor pool and pipeline are comprised of CU Anschutz alumni, grateful patients and/or their loved ones/families, leadership volunteers, CU Anschutz faculty, organizations and community members.
• Works daily to ensure timely, accurate completion of discovery outreach, proposals, pledges and fund agreements.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned such as database maintenance, gifts-in-kind support, and estate distribution efforts.

Software Utilized

• Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and similar.
• Process management products, including Monday.com and MS Teams.
• Gift planning software, such as PGM Anywhere, TIAA Kaspick GiftAdvisor.
• Donor tracking and reporting software, such as Salesforce.

What We Offer:

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $95,000-$98,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.

• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.

• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.

• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.

• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.

• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.

• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.

• Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.

• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Please include all relevant experience in your resume to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements at the time of application to be considered for this role.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis)
• Five (5) years' experience securing major and/or planned gifts, fundraising, acting as a financial planner, or directly comparable work
• One (1) year of experience in a team lead or supervisory role, which may include assigning and reviewing the work of others, providing guidance to internal and external team members, and/or assisting management with performance reviews
• Ability to travel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education (e.g. Master of Business Administration, Juris Doctorate, Master of Arts, etc.)
• Seven (7) years' experience securing major and/or planned gifts, fundraising, acting as a financial planner, or directly comparable work
• Two (2) years' experience in a team lead or supervisory role, as indicated above
• Professional certification (e.g. Certified Financial Planner)
• Experience in a nonprofit, higher education, or healthcare environment
• Experience working within large, complex organizations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To be successful in this position a candidate will need the following:

• Knowledge of the University of Colorado's mission, demographics, faculty, current programs, departments, and culture
• Knowledge of gift planning principles, procedures, and best practices
• Donor-centric customer service skills, including the ability to actively listen, address customer needs, defuse tense situations, and maintain an open, flexible, and friendly demeanor
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate interaction, communication, and teamwork between others
• Skilled in the use of computer equipment, software, and other relevant technology (including smart phones) including the Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and similar)
• Ability to persuasively engage donors and articulate how CU distinguishes itself from peer institutions
• Ability to make persuasive verbal and written cases for supporting key programs and projects, effectively matching the interests of prospective donors to specific university needs
• Ability to deliver a high level of commitment to customer service
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages
• Ability to navigate complex, multi-layered environments and organizations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team setting
• Ability to develop strategies to achieve operating goals
• Ability to interact with high-level donors, maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, and others
• Ability to promote diversity and equity

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application:

• A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you possess and interest in the position.
• A resume including all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.

Please ensure you check the "Job Specific Attachments" box next to each document on the "Required Documents" page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.

Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you are not required to provide your date of birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation on your resume or cover letter. If an application requires additional materials, such as a transcript or certification, you may redact identifying information relating to your date or birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation.

When to Apply:

For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by July 22nd. Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position.

• Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered. *

Sponsorship Statement:

We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

ADA Statement:

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: systemhr@cu.edu.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Job Category

: Development

Primary Location

: Denver

Department: S0001 -- System Administration - 50206 - Advancement Operations

Schedule

: Full-time

Posting Date

: Jul 8, 2026

Unposting Date

: Jul 23, 2026, 11:29:00 AM

Posting Contact Name: System HR Recruiting

Posting Contact Email: systemhr.recruiting@cu.edu

Position Number: 00850054