Associate Director of Gift Planning

ESU Foundation


Search  2445 - Posted August 7, 2026

The Emporia State University Alumni Association and Foundation is looking to hire a part-time Associate Director of Gift Planning.

The Associate Director of Gift Planning will manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects, cultivate and solicit deferred and life-income gifts, and guide donors as they align their personal, financial, and philanthropic goals. The ideal candidate is an experienced relationship builder who enjoys working one-on-one with donors and their professional advisors to create meaningful charitable giving plans.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Cultivate, solicit, and close planned gifts, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, beneficiary designations, IRA charitable gifts, life insurance gifts, and other deferred gifts.
  • Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects through meaningful personal visits, virtual meetings, and telephone conversations.
  • Develop and implement individualized donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
  • Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, future actions, and strategies within Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT.
  • Collaborate with Foundation development officers to identify and advance planned giving opportunities.
  • Work with attorneys, financial advisors, accountants, and other professional advisors as appropriate.
  • Represent the Foundation at donor events, estate planning seminars, and community outreach activities.
  • Assist with stewardship and recognition efforts for members of the Kellogg Society and other planned giving donors.
  • Participate in monthly Moves Management meetings and contribute to the achievement of annual gift planning goals.


QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or 4 years of related experience in lieu of degree.
  • History of successful fundraising experience.
  • Ability to cultivate, solicit, and close major and planned gifts.
  • Excellent relationship-building, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to discuss charitable estate planning concepts with professionalism and confidence.
  • Experience working with donor databases.
  • Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree or 6 years of related experience in lieu of degree
  • Fundraising experience in higher education or related setting
  • Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT

COMPENSATION:

Annual Salary: $50,000 - $55,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

BENEFITS:

Base pay is one component of Emporia State University’s total rewards package. We are dedicated to supporting the needs of the “whole you” with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family that include:

  • Health Insurance
  • Free Dental insurance for employees
  • Retirement through the Kansas Board of Regents
  • Paid parental leave
  • Up to 31 days paid vacation and holiday days
  • Tuition reduction and tuition assistance
  • Dependent tuition waiver
  • For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit here. 

APPLY:

Please upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references here. 


Consideration of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled.


A background check is required prior to hire.



For more information

Human Resources

humres@emporia.edu

(620) 341-5379

Emporia State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other factors which cannot be considered by law.