Senior Executive Director, Planned Giving

Lead a talented team, manage a robust portfolio, and shape strategies that advance long-term philanthropic growth.In partnership with Lindauer, Santa Clara University is seeking a Senior Executive Director for Planned Giving to lead one of the University’s most consequential philanthropic growth areas. As SCU prepares for its next comprehensive campaign, this leader will guide a program poised to contribute nearly one-third of total campaign success.Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Individual Giving, the Senior Executive Director will shape strategy, mentor and inspire a team of Gift Planning Officers, and serve as a key partner to deans, directors, and senior administrators. The role blends strategic leadership with frontline engagement through a portfolio of 125 prospects and an annual fundraising expectation of up to $5 million.The Senior Executive Director will guide sophisticated tax-wise giving strategies, expand donor engagement, and steward relationships with a highly loyal community of alumni, parents, and friends who are committed to Santa Clara’s Jesuit mission.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, mentor, and build a high-performing Gift Planning team aligned with campaign priorities.Design and implement the planned giving strategy for SCU’s next comprehensive campaign.Partner with deans and University leaders to identify funding priorities and shape philanthropic opportunities.Manage a portfolio of major and planned giving prospects, cultivating and soliciting gifts of $100,000-plus.Advance systems, processes, and infrastructure that support long-term philanthropic growth.Key QualificationsKnowledge of higher education planned giving programs.Knowledge of gift-planning vehicles; federal and state income, estate, and gift tax regulations and charitable estate-planning laws and techniques; functional knowledge of the law of nonprofit organizations and general estates, gift and income tax law, and due diligence procedures in the acceptance of non-cash gifts, such as real estate, securities, in-kind, etc.Demonstrated comprehensive and thorough understanding of planned giving programs, major giving, and annual giving, with an emphasis on personal solicitations.Successful record of securing planned and major gifts of six figures and above and securing accounts with high-net-worth individuals.Knowledge of major gift fundraising principles and ability to participate in a complex development program, especially within an educational organization.Understanding of academic, scholarship, and education functions and operating principles at the university level.Understanding of donor/client-driven customer service.Knowledge of scholarship and financial aid programs.Experience in budget development, implementation, and tracking.Why Santa Clara University? A top-ranked Jesuit Catholic university at the center of Silicon Valley innovation.A mission-driven community committed to shaping ethical, global leaders.A historic campaign moment where planned giving will meaningfully shape SCU’s future.Lindauer, a national search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search with Santa Clara University. To apply or view the full leadership profile, please visit: https://www.lindauerglobal.com/.