Director of Gift Planning Analytics & Marketing

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and enhance the collection, analysis, and application of data that supports donor motivations, receptiveness, and potential for successful engagement in collaboration with colleagues from Fundraising Intelligence, Communications, and external vendors.
• Create and implement strategies that utilize analytical insights to inform and enhance the university's development initiatives including Gift Planning marketing efforts.
• Monitor the effectiveness of marketing and communication efforts, recommending adjustments as necessary, including website, email campaigns, printed and digital promotional materials, and stewardship materials.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and promote opportunities for existing and prospective donors to make significant gifts, assisting them with gift planning strategies rooted in financial and estate planning.
• Identify opportunities to improve the pipeline of prospective donors interested in planned gifts, blended gifts, life-income gifts, non-traditional giving strategies, and complex/non-cash assets.
• Collaborate with gift officers to bring Gift Planning solutions to donors and prospects, and work independently with prospects and donors.
• Report results of all gift/solicitation efforts in the CITRUS/CRM database, develop and update donor plans and opportunities, and ensure accurate and timely record entry.
• Build and demonstrate knowledge of asset-based philanthropy and gift planning terminology to improve outcomes in collaboration with development and academic colleagues.
• Respond to prospective donor inquiries from marketing initiatives and other expressions of interest, performing research to advise donors and structure gift discussions, presentations, and illustrations.
• Provide stewardship and deepen donor relationships through personal, digital, and written interactions that engage donors with Syracuse University and affiliated groups.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; relevant professional certification or education is a plus.
• Three or more years of experience working in a higher education development environment or related professional experience in fundraising, gift planning, financial planning, or marketing.
• Familiarity with financial terminology and solicitations is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of charitable trusts, gift annuities, charitable bequests, gifts of real estate, and other non-cash assets, with a desire to develop expertise in these areas.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Ability to analyze data and develop actionable strategies to improve marketing and solicitation effectiveness.
• Proficiency in database management tools and customer relationship management systems, specifically Windows-based applications and Microsoft Office suite; knowledge of CRM/Blackbaud preferred.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including diplomacy, tact, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, developing compelling solicitations and marketing messages.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics and demonstrate professionalism in diverse interactions.

Nice to Have

• Experience with CRM/Blackbaud systems.
• Fluency with financial terminology and solicitations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Three or more years of relevant professional experience in higher education development or related fields.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary range of $90,000 - $104,000 based on factors including responsibilities, experience, and market analysis.
• Standard university business hours with some variation based on operational needs.