Company: Western University of Health Sciences
Date Posted: Jan 6, 2025
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) seeks a creative manager and leader with advancement, development, and external relations experience to serve as its inaugural Planned Giving Program Director (Director). WittKieffer is honored to support WesternU on this search and is now accepting applications and nominations.
WesternU’s main campus in Pomona, CA, was founded in 1977 and they opened a second campus in Lebanon, OR, in 2011. As the largest graduate health professions university in the nation, WesternU is dedicated to producing healthcare professionals and biomedical knowledge that enhance the quality of life in communities, particularly for rural, inner-city, and underserved populations. The institution’s commitment to research, science, and biotechnology is reflected in its eight colleges, which include the College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Graduate Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, Dental Medicine, Optometry, and Podiatric Medicine. With an enrollment of over 3,800 students and more than 1,100 dedicated faculty and staff, WesternU fosters a humanistic approach to healthcare, integrating hands-on experience with compassion and intellect.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President of Development – Oregon, the Planned Giving Program Director will be a vital part of the University’s efforts to secure resources for its strategic funding initiatives and strengthen connections with alumni and friends. To support a comprehensive fundraising campaign, the successful candidate will lead solicitations for planned gifts of $100,000 and above, including bequests and various asset types. The position requires cultivating a diverse portfolio of approximately 120 prospects, conducting regular face-to-face meetings, and producing essential follow-up materials to ensure successful donor engagement.
The Director will also maintain knowledge of relevant tax and estate planning laws alongside promoting a positive and inclusive workplace. The individual will join a dynamic and dedicated team of philanthropic leaders who are committed to WesternU’s mission to produce, in a humanistic tradition, health care professionals and biomedical knowledge that will enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities.
This position is based on the campus in Lebanon, Oregon. It is anticipated that the individual will have the flexibility for a hybrid schedule, with at least 1-2 days per week in the Lebanon office. Thus, the candidate will be able to live within regular driving distance, including within the greater Portland, Oregon, area.
The successful Director candidate will:
• Initiate, guide, and carry out solicitations to secure planned gifts, prioritizing those valued at $100,000 and above. These planned gifts may include documented bequests, life income gifts, IRAs, life insurance, real estate, business interests, and other appreciated assets.
• Progress prospects through the discovery, cultivation, and solicitation phases, aiming to raise assigned annual revenue goals in life income gifts, bequest expectancies, and other planned and major gifts.
• Work closely with university stakeholders to devise strategies for assigned planned giving prospects, leading to successful planned gift solicitations. Collaborate with other Directors of Development in preparing, explaining, and soliciting planned and blended gifts.
• Adhere to gift acceptance policies and procedures through appropriate internal channels. Actively participate in the sharing of information and collaborating with colleagues respectfully and professionally to foster a healthy and positive work environment
• Enhance professional expertise by maintaining membership in selected national and regional planned giving associations, consulting with fellow gift planners, and staying updated on planned giving and related professional literature.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of solid fundraising experience, including closing major gifts from individuals. A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Juris Doctor, LLM, MLS, or equivalent is preferred but not required.
The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $150,000.
Contact Info:
Please direct all applications, inquiries, and nominations to the WittKieffer consultants by using the WittKieffer Candidate Portal at https://apptrkr.com/5908105 or via email, at: WesternUPlannedGivingDir@wittkieffer.com. The Candidate Portal is an easy, secure way to nominate a colleague, express interest, or apply for a position.