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Sr Director of Advancement-Gift Planning

University of Missouri-Columbia
parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance
United States, Missouri, Columbia
801 Conley Avenue (Show on map)
Oct 25, 2025
Hiring Department

Advancement

Job Description

The MU Office of Advancement has an exciting opportunity available with the Gift Planning team. The Sr. Director of Advancement will join an enthusiastic, energetic and experienced team in a sophisticated gift planning program for the University of Missouri flagship campus as it launches its historic $2B campaign. This individual will be responsible for pursuing gift planning efforts including partnering with unit-based advancement officers to maximize prospective donors' giving potential.

Remote base with periodic trips to campus may be considered.

Successful candidates will be expected to meet challenging fundraising targets while working collaboratively with colleagues from across campus. This role will report to the Executive Director of Gift Planning and have the following responsibilities:

  • Manage a prospect portfolio of 75-100 people.
  • Use professional judgment to develop and implement thoughtful and strategic cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans for gift planning prospects.
  • Ensure regular contact with donors and prospects through various activities and communications, especially face-to-face meetings, through traveling within the United States approximately 25% of time, including some overnight and weekend travel.
  • Effectively use planned giving resources and tools to ensure effective prospecting, analysis, and interactions with potential donors.
  • Complete gifts using instruments such as unitrusts, charitable gift annuities, bequests and insurance contracts.
  • Collaborate with other Advancement team members, Mizzou Advancement unit staff, as well as key faculty members and deans in different schools and colleges.
  • Communicate with attorneys, financial advisors and other allied professionals on planned giving issues.
  • Manage individual travel budget and budget for donor activities.
  • Document and track interactions with prospects through effective use of our prospect management system.

At the University of Missouri Office of Advancement, we invest in our employees. Once you join our team, you will participate in the Discipline of Frontline Fundraising (DFF) program with Plus Delta Partners, a 9-month series of fundraising workshops and 1:1 skill building.

Yearly Goals & Metrics

  • $2 Million Dollars Raised
  • 12-18 Gift Proposals Presented ($50K and above)
  • 7-15 Gifts Closed ($50K and above)
  • 125+ Substantive Written Communications (Email, Letter, or Text)
  • 100 - 125 Substantive Visits (Phone, Virtual, or In-Person)
Shift

M-F 8am-5pm, and includes 30% travel with occasional evenings and weekends to support special donor events.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

Our team knows that fundraising is a special niche, which is why we are open to transferable skills! If you have experience that translates to fundraising, tell us about it in your cover letter. These skills include, but are not limited to, sales, finance, consulting, etc. We are excited to learn more about you and your experiences.

  • JD or other Advanced Degree Preferred.
  • 5 years of Experience in planned giving strongly preferred.
  • A proven track record of soliciting and closing gifts in the five- and/or six-figure+ range, especially with campaign planning/execution.
  • Knowledge of wealth management, estate planning, financial planning, tax and charitable gift laws, and planned giving vehicles/methods.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$100-120k Annually

Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000 per year
Grade: GGS 013
University Title: ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR III
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Other Information

Our benefits:

As one of Missouri's largest employers, MU staff members enjoy exceptionally competitive health, PTO and retirement plans. A few highlights:

  • Health Insurance -Three plans to choose from, including our Custom Network Plan; a cost-effective insurance option that utilizes our extensive network of MU-affiliated hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.
  • HSA - UM provides between $400 - $1200 in contributions to health savings accounts, depending on plans and dependents
  • Dental - 100% coverage for preventative care, with no restrictions on network or non-network providers
  • Vision - $0 copays on frames and contact lenses along with a $140 allowance, and a $10 copay on yearly eye exams.
  • Retirement - UM will match 100% of up to 8% of eligible pay contributed to a 457(b), with a three-year vesting period on University contributions.
  • Tuition Assistance - Up to 75% of tuition and supplemental fees waived for employees, and 50% waived for spouses and dependents
  • Time Off - Personal time off (PTO) as well as 10 paid holidays.
  • Winter Break - The university observes a paid holiday for the period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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