Job Description

A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities.

Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For”. Great Colleges to Work For® is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career.

What We are Looking For

This position is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects interested in creating their philanthropic legacy through planned and blended gifts. Working collaboratively with development officers, academic leaders, donors, and professional advisors, the Director/Senior Director of Gift Planning develops sophisticated giving strategies that align donors' charitable objectives with Baylor University's highest priorities.

A bachelor's degree and seven years of relevant experience are required. A juris doctorate and ten or more years of experience is preferred.

A combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of one another.

A valid US Driver License with a clear driving record of at least two years is required.

Must be able to travel outside of the state of Texas.

This role will be based in Waco, Texas.

Applicants must be authorized to work full-time in the United States.

What You Will Do

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects with emphasis on securing irrevocable and revocable planned gift commitments
• Develop meaningful relationships with donors, family members, and professional advisors to identify philanthropic goals and create customized gift planning strategies that maximize charitable impact
• Collaborate with University Advancement colleagues to move prospects through the donor engagement cycle and secure significant support through estate gifts, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, beneficiary designations, closely held business interests, real estate gifts, and other complex assets
• Partner with development officers, principal gift officers, deans, and advancement leadership to identify and implement charitable planning opportunities that support donors' financial, tax, family, and philanthropic objectives
• Provide consultation regarding gift structures and creative giving strategies that facilitate major and principal-level commitments
• Assist colleagues in integrating planned giving opportunities into comprehensive fundraising and campaign strategies
• Work collaboratively with Baylor's Office of General Counsel, finance professionals, external advisors, and advancement colleagues to ensure planned gifts are appropriately documented, structured, and administered
• Assist in the preparation and review of gift agreements, documentation related to complex gifts, and estate distributions
• Support the administration of trusts, estates, and other deferred gift arrangements to safeguard donor intent and Baylor's interests
• Provide ongoing education and training to development officers and advancement staff regarding gift planning concepts, emerging trends, gift vehicles, and donor engagement strategies
• Develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and resources that increase organizational understanding and utilization of planned giving opportunities throughout the fundraising enterprise
• Partner with colleagues across University Advancement, academic units, and university leadership to identify opportunities for transformational philanthropy
• Foster trust, collaboration, and innovative thinking that strengthens donor relationships and advances Baylor's mission
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with University policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds. Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally. If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!

Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.