UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION
has an immediate opening for a
Director of Estate Administration, GiftPlanning Operations
The University of Illinois Foundation (Foundation) is the official fundraising and private gift-receivingorganization of the University of Illinois (University). It works closely with alumni and friends, faculty and staff, corporations andfoundations, as well as campus development professionals to create fundraising programs and opportunities that benefit the University.
The Director manages all aspects of the University of Illinois Foundation’s efforts to document and realize estate distributions to theUniversity of Illinois Foundation (“UIF”) and University of Illinois (“University”), working in conjunction with donors, donors’ estaterepresentatives, UIF colleagues, and University and UIF Counsel. Also provides guidance and oversight for UIF’s administration of lifeincome gifts and other estate commitments.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Leads the estate administrationfunction at UIF so that that the University and UIF realize estate distributions in a timely manner and that those distributions areprocessed accurately. This includes communicating with attorneys, advisors, executors, trustees, and plan administrators on mattersassociated with the administration and settlement of estate distributions; reviewing estate settlement documents and approving forUIF/University signature; implementing a system for tracking estates in the settlement process; and communicating with benefittingUniversity units regarding their estate gifts in the settlement process to ensure strong stewardship of funds received.
- Supervises and performs related management responsibilities for the estate administration team, including establishment and ongoingevaluation of team goals and management of individual performance and professional development.
- Reviews and approves deferredgift commitment documentation, including for revocable and life income gifts, to ensure UIF has the appropriate information to administerand steward deferred gift commitments. Also provides guidance to colleagues on estate language and administration.
- Collaborateswith UIF accounting staff working on life income gifts, irrevocable trusts held by others, and beneficial interest trusts to make certainUIF administers such gifts in compliance with laws, regulations, and industry best practices, while serving the needs of benefitting units,donors, and income beneficiaries.
- Oversees the administration of life insurance policies owned by UIF to ensure donor gifts tosuch policies are processed accurately, policy premiums are paid on time, and that mature or otherwise inactive policies are liquidated in atimely fashion.
- Serves as primary liaison with UIF General Counsel and University legal and tax advisors regarding UIF andUniversity estate administration and other issues related to deferred gifts.
- Maintains subject matter expertise on planned givingvehicles and related laws and best practices, and develops processes and procedures to enhance the efficiency of estate administration andlife insurance administration. Also contributes to the development of processes and procedures related to life income gift administrationand deferred gift processing and documentation.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalentwork experience
- Significant experience in banking, trust, law, or development
- Strong analytical skills and attentionto detail
- High integrity, ability to adhere to strict confidentiality standards
- Ability to communicate technicalinformation in a professional manner to diverse audiences
- Willingness to embrace new ideas and engage in collaboration, andexcellent relationship-building, and interpersonal communication skills
- Results-driven leader who can manage and reprioritizemultiple projects
PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:
- Experience higher education or non-profit industryexperience
- Experience in trust/estate administration, estate planning, or financial planning
- CFP, CPA, CTFA, or JDdesignation
- Experience managing team members
Application Deadline: May 3rd, 2026
The starting salaryrange for this position is projected to be $85,000-$95,000 per year. While our job postings include salary ranges, your compensation will bebased on your specific experience and qualifications—we're not limited by these posted ranges.
You'll be inspired daily in ourstate-of-the-art, environmentally conscious workspace - a stunning LEED-certified building featuring contemporary amenities including anon-site wellness center and café with healthy dining options. We encourage work-life balance through our hybrid schedule for many positions,combining in-office collaboration with up to 2 days of remote work flexibility.
Your comprehensive benefits package includesmedical, vision, and dental coverage, company paid life insurance, generous vacation time including 24 days annually, and more. Generouspension benefits are also included. We invest in your present and future wellbeing, providing the support you need to succeed.
Application Process: For full consideration for the role, all candidates must complete an online application and include a coverletter and resume. Candidates may create a profile through https://jobs.uif.uillinois.edu. For further information regarding application procedures, contact Foundation HumanResources at uifhrsearches@uif.uillinois.edu.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOISFOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
