Gift Planning Associate

at  Cornell University

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Cornell University, a nationally ranked Ivy League institution, is looking for a Gift Planning Associate to join the Alumni Affairs & Development division in Ithaca, NY.
Approximately 25% of all gifts to the university are either planned or deferred gifts, all of which come through the office of Trusts, Estates & Gift Planning. Gift Planning Officers have annual expectations of raising new gifts and commitments from various individuals and work both independently and in collaboration with various college and unit teams, and central university Major and Principal gifts. The Gift Planning Associate (GPA) is part of this team of 13 individuals and will report to the Director of Gift Planning. They will be providing support for the Director and the three additional GPOs.
The GPA will be responsible for developing a stewardship plan for members of the Cayuga Society (approximately 5,000 living members), the recognition society for donors who have made either a provision in their estate plans, or who have completed an outright planned gift. Additionally, provide editing and oversight of marketing materials when using an outside vendor, as well as oversight of the team’s intranet, website page, and Google analytics reports. The GPA will act as the department’s liaison with Communications, Marketing and Participation Team, as well as the Reunion Class Officers and Donor Relations when needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong interpersonal and effective communication skills, both written and oral
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products, particularly Excel and Word
• Familiarity with contact management systems
• Project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects at a time with efficiency and accuracy
• Interest in fundraising and philanthropy
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and collegiality

• Coordinate workflow for the gift planning team in conjunction with the administrative assistants and others in AAD.
• Manage a comprehensive stewardship program for planned giving donors.
• Work with Donor Relations team on building up the Cayuga Society brand.
• Assist with writing and editing content for marketing efforts and other communications including newsletters, postcards, digital products, FAQs, Intranet and gift planning website updates.
• Provide editing and oversight of marketing materials when using an outside vendor.
• Draft letters of agreement/understanding, statement of intent, and other donor related correspondence.
• Provide high quality development support to the Director of Gift Planning and the Gift Planning Team to advance fundraising goals with an emphasis on planned gifts and asset allocation philanthropy.
• Assist the Gift Planning Team with planning and coordination for donor and campus visits.
• Assist the Gift Planning Team with the planning and coordination of travel visits and follow up reports.