Associate Director, Gift Planning

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Swarthmore College seeks an enterprising and collaborative development professional to serve on its gift planning team.  The position becomes available at a pivotal time in Swarthmore’s history, as it launches an ambitious $100M campaign to construct a new athletic center and seeks to implement Swarthmore Forward, a strategic plan that emphasizes holistic development of the student, integrating advising and academic excellence with opportunities for personal growth, recreation, civic engagement, and joy.  A robust planned giving program, which utilizes best practices in the field, will provide the college with the long-term financial resources required to realize its mission to foster innovative research and creative production; create opportunities for education and growth among faculty, students, and alumni; and build a diverse, equitable and inclusive community that enriches experiences and broadens perspectives.  

The associate director will manage and maintain a portfolio of prospects likely to make bequest intentions, establish life income gifts, and/or donate real estate and alternative assets at the six- and seven-figure levels; formulate and implement short-term and long-range plans that help grow an established gift planning program and develop a robust pipeline of deferred giving donors; share expertise and educate Individual Giving team and other key development staff members on how to identify and engage planned gift prospects and educate them on the financial advantages of planned gifts for both the prospect and the College.

The ideal candidate will have a keen understanding for how tax implications, accumulation of assets, and other factors influence a donor’s decision on whether, when, and how to make charitable gifts; recognize the benefits and potential challenges of non-cash contributions; and will have a track record of success establishing deferred giving vehicles and securing complex donations comprised of cash, real estate, securities, and other assets.

Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities

• Bachelor’s degree.
  
• A minimum of five (5) years working in gift planning administration or equivalent professional experience, including at least three (3) years of experience in institutional advancement.
  
• Expert knowledge of planned giving vehicles, charitable tax laws, and financial planning techniques.
  
• Strong organizational abilities, in particular abilities to manage multiple projects and to remain focused and effective while traveling.
• Attention to detail and ability to handle multiple and varied tasks independently, while also working collaboratively.
  
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including in imaginative and persuasive writing.
  
• Strong skill in dealing with people, using tact and diplomacy, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Strong customer service skills.
  
• Strong skill in articulating the value of higher education.
  
• Ability to use a variety of computer applications, including demonstrated skills in the use of word processing and spreadsheets (e.g.
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs and Sheets), CRM and gift planning software (e.g.PGM Anywhere).
• Valid US driver’s license and US passport and ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally.

Swarthmore College has retained John Solmonese, president of Solmonese Search Partners, and Henrietta Yelle, search consultant, to conduct the search.  All inquiries, nominations, and applications may be sent to John at:  jsolmonese@gmail.com or Henrietta at: ssp.yelle@gmail.com.   

 Swarthmore is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.