Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.
Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.
Virginia Union University (VUU) is seeking a Director of Planned Giving to lead and expand the university's planned giving program. This executive role will be responsible for cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, and stakeholders to secure bequests, charitable trusts, annuities, and other deferred gifts in support of VUU's long-term financial sustainability. The Director will develop and implement strategies to grow legacy giving, working closely with donors and their financial advisors to facilitate meaningful philanthropic commitments that align with both the donor's financial goals and the university's mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive planned giving strategy to increase participation in VUU's legacy giving program.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, alumni, and friends of VUU for deferred gifts.
- Educate donors, faculty, and staff on the benefits of estate planning and charitable giving vehicles, including wills, trusts, annuities, and endowments.
- Collaborate with attorneys, financial planners, and tax advisors to structure planned gifts that benefit both donors and the university.
- Lead targeted outreach campaigns, including seminars, workshops, newsletters, and digital marketing efforts, to raise awareness of planned giving opportunities.
- Oversee the VUU Legacy Society, recognizing and engaging donors who have committed to planned gifts.
- Work with the marketing team to develop compelling donor stories, brochures, and online resources to promote planned giving options.
- Partner with major gifts, annual giving, and alumni relations teams to integrate planned giving into VUU's overall fundraising strategy.
- Maintain accurate records of planned gifts, donor intent, and stewardship activities within the university's CRM database (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar software).
- Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, estate laws, and university policies regarding charitable gifts and endowments.
- Develop reports and metrics to track the impact and growth of the planned giving program.
Education
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) preferred.
- 7-10 years of progressive experience in planned giving, estate planning, development, or major gifts fundraising, preferably in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
- Must be able to lift 10 pounds.
Application Process
Candidates are required to submit their resume, four professional references and a cover letter. The application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A background investigation and reference check will be required prior to employment. For any questions or concerns, please contact Askhr@vuu.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Virginia Union University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.
For more information about Virginia Union University, visit VUU About Page
