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Posting Text
| Posting Number |
S00662P |
| Position Status |
Exempt |
| Reporting Relationship(s) |
Senior Director of Philanthropy |
| Supervisory Relationships |
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| Job Summary |
Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropy - Legacy Giving serves as a strategic fundraiser responsible for advancing Elmhurst University's long-term financial strength through legacy and major gift commitments. This individual will design and lead a comprehensive planned giving program while cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $25,000 or more. By building and managing relationships with prospective donors capable of making legacy and major gifts, the Director will inspire transformative investments that sustain Elmhurst's mission for generations to come. |
| Salary Range |
$85,000 - $90,000. This is the expected salary range for this position. The actual salary offered will depend on a candidate's experience and education, and departmental budget. |
| Essential Functions |
- Manages a portfolio of planned and major gift donors and prospects within an assigned geographic region, collaborating with prospect research staff to discover major gift prospects ($25,000+) and to develop tailored strategies for engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to assess giving capacity and philanthropic interests.
- Designs and implements a multi-year legacy giving strategy, metrics, tracking systems, and stewardship plans to grow the planned giving pipeline aligned with the University's priorities and revenue goals.
- Partners with the Senior Director of Philanthropy to integrate legacy giving into the overall fundraising program.
- Serves as Institutional Advancement's subject matter expert on planned giving vehicles, tax implications, and philanthropic trends, and facilitates conversations about planned giving with portfolio and non-portfolio donors when appropriate.
- Prepares and presents compelling proposals that align donors' passions with institutional needs, fostering meaningful philanthropic opportunities.
- Communicates proactively and consistently with donors and prospects through meetings, calls, written correspondence, and timely follow-up, cultivating relationships with a donor-centric approach.
- Maintains donor knowledge informed by giving history, affinity, and potential, and utilizes all available channels to achieve monthly contact benchmarks and annual fundraising goals established by department leadership.
- Collaborates with fellow Institutional Advancement staff and key institutional leaders, including the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities.
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills by contributing ideas, listening openly, honoring commitments, communicating progress clearly, resolving conflicts respectfully, and valuing diverse perspectives.
- Adheres to established timelines and ensures accurate tracking and timely completion of tasks and follow-ups.
- Serves as a frontline ambassador of the University, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of institutional priorities, goals, and initiatives.
- Represents the University outside of standard business hours and during evenings or weekends, as needed.
- Has a willingness to travel for University business, as needed.
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| Other Duties and Responsibilities |
- Supports the mission, vision and values of Elmhurst University.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
- Performs other duties and completes special projects as assigned.
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| Minimum Qualifications |
- A Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field.
- 5-7 years of progressive direct (face-to-face) fundraising experience, with at least 3 years of planned giving, estate planning, or major gift fundraising.
- A track record of successful successful six- and seven-figure major or legacy gift closures/commitments.
- Strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles, tax laws, and estate planning fundamentals.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as well as travel overnight for several days at a time, when required.
- A strong work ethic with an ability to work independently and within a larger team.
- Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills with a donor-centered approach.
- Ability to collaborate within and across campus departments.
- Goal-oriented, results-focused.
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| Preferred Qualifications |
- Belief in and the ability to represent the Elmhurst University mission and core values.
- Experience in a higher education or large non-profit setting.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, and familiarity with appropriate fundraising tools
- Knowledge of donor recordkeeping systems, such as Blackbaud's The Raiser's Edge.
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| Working Conditions/Physical Requirements |
Employee is usually subject to indoor work, protected from weather conditions. Work is often sedentary in nature and involves exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently/constantly in order to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. |
| Work Hours |
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| Posting Date |
08/26/2025 |
| Closing Date |
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| Open Until Filled |
Yes |
| Special Instructions to Applicants |
An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is available
here
.
Elmhurst University is a leading four-year institution of higher education that seamlessly blends a liberal arts education and professional preparation to help students acquire knowledge and skills for enduring success. Founded in 1871, Elmhurst now offers more than 70 undergraduate programs of study, more than 20 graduate and certificate programs in flexible formats, and the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for young adults with differing abilities. Elmhurst University ranks among the top 10 best regional colleges and universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a critical component of the University's mission, vision and core values. Our commitment stems from the belief that an institution of higher learning is enriched by the presence of diversity. Elmhurst University is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. |
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Elmhurst University
Aug 26, 2025