Planned Giving Assistant

Wayne State University

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Planned Giving Assistant at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose

Assist the senior director and planned giving officer with marketing strategies, prospect cultivation, donor stewardship and recognition of planned gifts. Responsible for the internal documentation and tracking of planned gifts and the administration of estates. This position reports to the Senior Director, Planned Giving.

Essential Functions

(Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.)

Assist the planned giving staff in documenting planned/estate gift expectancies for the university; create and maintain planned giving files. Ensure that the respective school/college/unit is informed of all planned gift activity. Responsible for timely processing of gifts received. 25%

Create and maintain files on estates currently in administration. Maintain existing files including determining and documenting next steps. Follow up with attorneys/trustees and WSU Treasury Department staff as necessary to keep process moving. Archive files once estates are closed. 20%

Schedule meetings/presentations and coordinate events for Old Main Society members. Organize meeting logistics including room/venue reservations, RSVP lists, ordering refreshments, , arranging for parking access, confirming attendance and other related meeting details. 20%

Responsible for the oversight of the gifted life insurance policy process; track premiums due to insurance carrier, send notifications to donors, notify Treasury office of gift premiums received and prepare direct payment requests to send premiums to insurance companies. Responsible for mailing annual Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) Form 1099 statements to donors. 10%

Work with the Advancement Communications team to obtain appropriate pictures for use in web, email, and print marketing materials. Assist in coordinating donor testimonial interviews and attaining written statements to share gift motivations. 5%

Coordinate and manage travel arrangements for the Senior Director. Act as delegate in TravelWayne for employee travel reimbursement. Manage purchasing and reimbursements for timely processing and compliance with university policies and procedures. 5%

Request prospect lists for marketing needs and mailings. Review lists to verify appropriate data is included in proper format and send to vendor. Send follow up letters and materials requested to donors and prospects. 5%

Assist in the stewardship process by proactively suggesting and implementing timely contacts for legacy society members and donors. 5%

Perform other related duties as assigned. 5%

WORK CONTEXT

This grid characterizes the position scope.

Job Reports to: Senior Director

Leadership Accountability: Implements operating plans

Supervisory Accountability: None

Organizational Accountability: None

Financial Accountability: Monitors expenditures

Customer Accountability: Interfaces with customers outside the S/C/D

Freedom to Act: Subject to general input from supervisorJo

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education Bachelor's degree

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration, communications or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)

Minimum 2-4 years of job-related experience in a higher-level administrative role. Prior experience in a higher-education, non-profit organization preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

ANALYTICAL AND PRESENTATION SKILLS: Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.

COLLABORATION: Exhibit a willingness to partner with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Possess the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding.

COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must. Demonstrates the ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive including presentations to university management and committees.

LEARNING AGILITY: Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Maturity, sound judgment and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.

TEAMWORK: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.

TECHNICAL SKILLS: Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferrably in the higher education environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams. Ability to understand and translate complex concepts into lay terms.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment. Hybrid schedule.

Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division.

This position requires a high level of commitment, initiative, willingness and enthusiasm. Due to evening/weekend meetings and special events, etc., candidate must be willing to work extended hours as needed.

H86 - Development & Alumni Affairs

H8605 - Development Office

Employment type:

Regular Employee
Job type: Full Time
Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

Compensation type: Annual Salary
Salary minimum: $50,000
Salary hire maximum: $52,000

Normal working conditions Hybrid work schedule

Job openings:

Number of openings: 1
Reposted position: No
Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.