Gift Planning Specialist

Summary

Job Category:
Development and Alumni Relations
Job Title:
Gift Planning Specialist
Job Category Definition:
This specialty is a support unit working in institutional advancement to support Penn State’s goals and mission. The unit consists of various offices working synergistically in two major functional areas, the Office of University Development and the Penn State Alumni Association. In concert with the colleges, campuses, and other units of the University, the Division of Development and Alumni Relations has responsibility for advancing the University’s overall mission of teaching, research, and outreach to alumni, parents, friends, corporations and foundations. This is done by informing alumni and other constituents about Penn State and involving them in the life of the University through effective communications, quality programs and services. In doing so, we strive to gain their support and encourage them to join in shaping Penn State’s future through fundraising campaigns, enhancing honors education, enriching the student experience, fostering discovery and creativity, sustaining a tradition of quality, and building faculty strength and capacity. The division’s mandate is to generate among key constituencies the attitudinal, financial, and behavioral support needed to realize the University’s goals and objectives.
Job Title Definition:
The Gift Planning Specialist identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards prospects who desire to use a deferred gift option in order to make a large major gift rather than providing current money alone to fund their interests or where the complexity of the gift involves specialized tax knowledge; may work closely with the prospect from first contact and continue as the primary manager throughout the relationship; consults with and involves Unit fundraisers once the prospects’ interests are identified; keeps abreast of changing tax laws and methods to secure the largest gifts as well as new potential giving vehicles; remains focused on prospect needs and changes in their lives that could favorably or unfavorably affect giving. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
 

Levels

Level 1 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
DVAR0401 J Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

0+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Assist supervisor in carrying out the tasks needed in support of programs in Gift Planning and other duties as assigned
  • Provide support to Development staff to facilitate planned gifts and endowments
  • Research donors and provide assistance in the gift process, recording and stewardship
  • Manage data systems, records and files
  • Assist in development and production of communication tools, illustration, guidelines/statements of intent and reports
  • Draft, proofread and edit documentation
  • May serve on committees relevant to Gift Planning
  • Coordinate with Development and other University Offices

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
DVAR0402 K Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Assist with estate administration, bequests, retirement plan gifts, life income gifts and securities
  • Review and draft documentation
  • Analyze the effectiveness of programs and recommend improvements or new creative strategies
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward contributions; travel to visit prospects
  • Assist in the development and production of communication tools, proposals and reports
  • Coordinate efforts, as needed, with Colleges, Campuses, and Units as well as central Development offices
  • Research prospects and develop strategies to move prospects to become donors through identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
  • Match University strengths and programs with donor interests and capabilities
  • Act as information resource for gifts of stock and other forms of appreciated property, valuation and substantiation of noncash gifts and procedures for gifts of real estate
  • Interact with attorneys, tax advisors, accountants, brokers and donors

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
DVAR0403 L Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

3+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Typical Work Duties
  • Responsible for estate administration, bequests, retirement plan gifts, life income gifts and securities
  • Coordinate the identification, assessment, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of Gift Planning donors
  • Work with unit staff to discuss and develop strategies for prospects who direct their philanthropic interests to that area
  • Match University goals with prospect’s interest and capabilities
  • Interpret research and use this research to develop relationships with prospects
  • Coordinate efforts with Office of Gift Planning staff, central Development offices and external audiences
  • Respond to donor inquiries generated through Gift Planning marketing efforts and for those who contact the Office of Gift Planning
  • Administer gift annuity and work as primary liaison with the Office of Investment Management
  • Serve as chief contact with Gift Planning Administrator
  • May mange or lead committees relevant to Gift Planning
  • Express gift planning techniques to customers using written and verbal mediums

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
DVAR0404 M Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

5+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Typical Work Duties
  • Establish, create, implement, develop and evaluate plans for solicitation strategies working with units
  • Direct activities in support of gift planning programs and working with Directors of Development, volunteers and prospects
  • Cultivate, solicit and steward gift planning prospects and donors, respond to gift planning inquiries, prepare and present gift options to current and prospective donors often in conjunction with Development staff
  • Interpret and present tax information, provide advice and counsel on gift proposals, assist in completing the gift planning process for prospects, prepare gift documentation with the assistance of Gift Planning support staff
  • Provide information about gift planning options, interpret tax information and assist with completion of gift via chosen option
  • Prepare and/or review gift documentation
  • Serve as liaison with the Colleges, Campuses, and Units staff, monitor and implement the Gift Planning goal setting process
  • Prepare life income illustration
  • Consult with Development staff about gift planning techniques, explain tax implication, draft gift planning component of proposals
  • Respond to inquiries about planned gift techniques; provide information to donor’s advisors
  • Provide complex gift advice to donors and internal staff
  • Advise and train staff, volunteers and professional advisors on deferred giving practices and procedures

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5 

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
DVAR0405 N Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

6+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Typical Work Duties
  • Cultivate, solicit, close and steward leadership level and/or complex gift solicitation, respond to planned gift inquiries, prepare and present gift options to current and prospective donors often in conjunction with Development staff
  • Interpret and present tax information on complex and significant strategic or operational assignments, provide advice and counsel on complex gift proposals
  • Liaison with leadership gifts and senior staff, College, Campus and Unit staff, monitor and implement the gift planning goal setting process
  • Consult with Development staff, volunteers and professional advisors about gift planning techniques, explain tax implications
  • Draft and review legal and complex technical documents
  • Respond to inquiries about gift planning techniques; provide information to donor’s advisors
  • Advise customers and internal staff of asset holding (real estate, partnerships, family foundations, and other forms of property)
  • Develop complex donor gift strategies to maximize giving
  • Promote gift planning using viable marketing techniques while understanding and adapting to the donor market
  • Mentor, train, and work with Gift Planning staff to further advance their skills and knowledge

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.