Executive Director of Gift Planning

About Binghamton University

Binghamton University is a premier public R1 research institution in the State University of New York (SUNY) system that unites more than 130 broadly interdisciplinary educational programs with some of the most vibrant research in the nation. Our unique character—shaped by our mission, outstanding academics, facilities, and community life—promotes extraordinary student success, research, and service; Binghamton University is where our students, faculty and staff thrive.

Working at Binghamton University is more than having a great job—it is about having the opportunity to flourish in an exciting, engaging environment. Our faculty and staff appreciate Binghamton's collegial and inclusive culture and its commitment to excellence, education, innovation and civic engagement. Our diverse campus community contributes to our success.

Binghamton merges rigorous academics, distinguished faculty who value cutting‑edge, and community‑engaged research, teaching and service, exceptional staff, and ultramodern facilities to engage and challenge its 18,000+ students. Our high‑achieving student body represents diverse experiences from first‑generation college‑goers to international students. Beyond their talent, these classmates share a desire to shape the future through technology, insight, intellectual exploration, and community service.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and in keeping with this commitment, we welcome all to apply, including veterans and persons with disabilities.

Job Description

Budget Title: Director (SL-6)

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

The Executive Director of Gift Planning is a key member of Binghamton University's Advancing Binghamton team and has oversight of the Foundation's gift planning program. The Executive Director of Gift Planning will be an experienced development professional with a desire to guide legacy giving marketing, a passion for working with trusts & estates, as well as being a content expert for frontline fundraising efforts regarding deferred and complex giving. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Development, the Executive Director of Gift Planning will take the lead role in the development of gift planning strategies and partnering with the frontline fundraisers in the acquisition, development and solicitation of new gift planning donors from within their gift portfolios.

• Collaborate with Advancing Binghamton leaders to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan to sustain and expand the Foundation's gift planning program.
• Lead the training of staff and volunteers on gift planned topics.
• Provide counsel and coaching to the frontline fundraisers for effective identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects and donors capable of making bequests, life income gifts, and gifts from complex assets to the Foundation.
• In partnership with prospect managers, provide prospects and their advisors with detailed information on planned gift vehicles.
• Prepare proposals and make presentations using planned giving software.
• Work closely with gift officers and donors during the estate planning process to help satisfy their charitable goals while complying with IRS requirements and the Foundation's gift acceptance guidelines.
• In partnership with Donor Relations & Stewardship, manage all aspects of the Esther W Couper Legacy Circle—including newsletters, events, correspondence, and other communication and activities.
• Create a plan for including volunteers in the gift planning program.
• Develop a recruitment plan for volunteers as advocates for the program.
• Define volunteer responsibilities, including assisting with cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, as appropriate.
• In partnership with a vendor, manage a comprehensive and impactful marketing plan.
• Oversee the production of an estate planning newsletter published three times annually, including working with the Advancement Communication Manager on interviewing donors for feature stories; writing and editing articles; and overseeing design and layout.
• Coordinate additional marketing materials for targeted mailings.
• Administer systems and procedures for the program, including gift tracking and reporting.
• Manage communication with donors and their legal representatives during the probate process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum ten years of gift planning, fundraising or related experience in the legal or financial fields
• Administrative, clerical and organizational skills, as well as effective writing and communication skills
• Ability to grasp and work with legal, regulatory, and financial documents and administrative details
• Ability to learn new computer database and other administrative/record‑keeping systems
• Ability to manage details and handle multiple projects simultaneously efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy
• Demonstrate a proactive and issue‑spotting orientation
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people and to handle situations with tact and diplomacy
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Preferred: An advanced degree such as a J.D
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Additionally, please note that Binghamton University is not an E‑Verify employer.

Special Notes

• This position is considered a Campus Security Authority for purposes of Clery Act compliance.
• Offers of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and verification of degree(s) and credentials.
• Binghamton University is a tobacco‑free campus.

Application Instructions

All applicants must apply via Interview Exchange:

Deadline for Internal Applicants: April 1, 2026

Deadline for External Applicants: Open until filled

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the vacancy is filled.

Please submit Resume, Cover Letter, and Contact information for three professional references. You may add additional files/documents after uploading your resume.

Payroll information can be found on our website

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The State University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Policy promotes equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran or military service member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or arrest and/or criminal conviction record unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

Binghamton University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs and activities which it operates.

Inquiries about sex discrimination may be directed to the University Title IX Coordinator or directly to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and OCR, as well as the University's complete Non-Discrimination Notice may be found here.

Binghamton University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator by completing the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

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