Associate Director, Planned Giving and Parent Program Operations

The Associate Director, Planned Giving and Parent Program Operations leads the operational strategy and administration of gift planning initiatives and parent/family major giving programs. Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, with additional supervision from the Senior Director of Development, this role serves as a strategic partner in the development, implementation, and stewardship strategy for gift planning and parent/family philanthropy programs.

The Associate Director directs and oversees documentation, compliance, and administration of life-income gifts, charitable bequests, and other complex or non-traditional gift structures. The position serves as a primary operational liaison for donors, their families, legal counsel, financial advisors, and internal College partners to ensure accurate execution, regulatory compliance, and effective stewardship.

This position works independently and collaboratively across the Division to promote proactive donor engagement, effective stewardship of Founders Circle and Parent Giving Societies, and strong operational infrastructure in support of gift planning and major giving efforts.

Job Responsibilities:

Gift Planning Administration & Compliance

• Directs and oversees the documentation, execution, and administration of charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, retained life estates, charitable bequests, beneficiary designations, and other non-traditional gifts.
• Lead coordination of estate settlement, records management, reporting, and communication with internal units including the College Finance Office, as well as with external clients including insurance underwriters, donor legal counsel, trustees, and financial advisors.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations related to life-income gifts, including required documentation and reporting.
• Provide strategic technical guidance to development officers to support the solicitation of complex gifts.
• Prepare financial illustrations, gift agreement information, proposals, acknowledgments, and routine correspondence.
• Maintain organized records for all planned gift vehicles from inception through maturity or termination.
• Monitor contracts and serve as liaison with external vendors supporting the Office of Gift Planning.

Technical & Proposal Support

• Lead research and analysis informing complex asset and blended gift strategies.
• Assist in coordinating development officer training programs and support gift planning marketing and communications initiatives.

Stewardship & Giving Society Management

• Lead and develop engagement initiatives for donors with planned giving history or capacity.
• Provide high-touch and customized stewardship of Founders Circle members, including surviving spouses and family members; may include travel, event attendance, and personalized outreach.
• Partner with Donor Relations to promote effective stewardship for new and existing Founders Circle members.

Parent & Family Giving Program Operations

• Partner with the Senior Director of Development in recruiting, managing, and assisting parent volunteers for the Parents Society.
• Oversee operational strategy and execution of Parents Society fundraising initiatives.
• Maintain accurate tracking, reporting, and follow-up related to parent and family giving initiatives.

Database, Budget & Administrative Support

• Maintain constituent interactions in the CRM database through timely and accurate entry of reports, notes, estate updates, and other information.
• Use database and other tools to prepare lists, reports, and analysis related to donors and prospects.
• Manage administrative and operational coordination supporting gift planning leadership, including budget monitoring and travel logistics.
• Manage execution and distribution of external communications.

Ithaca College Commitment

• Develop and demonstrate multicultural awareness and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and respectful College community.
• Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students, alumni, volunteers, and visitors.
• Promote a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of experience preferred in planned giving, estate administration, development operations, finance, or related field; or a combination of education and work experience.
• Prefer experience with life-income gift vehicles, estate settlement processes, and complex gift documentation.
• Experience supporting volunteer engagement and donor stewardship programs.
• Provide reliable research and content related to gift proposal, documentation, and aggregation of gift data.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and financial skills.
• Ability to interpret legal and financial documents related to trusts and estates.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing confidential donor information.
• Experience using CRM databases and planned giving software (e.g., PG Calc, PGM Anywhere) preferred.
• This position requires a high level of discretion, technical proficiency, financial acumen, and independent judgment.

This position is 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or humanresources@ithaca.edu.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Hiring Range:

$68,000-$70,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.