Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?  

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

Clemson University's Advancement Division is looking for a Senior Director of Gift & Estate Planning to fulfill the following duties:

• The Senior Director of Gift & Estate Planning plans, manages and executes fundraising activity for Clemson University with an emphasis on planned gifts and major gifts. 
• Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards major and deferred investments from alumni, parents, faculty, and friends and assists with efforts in growing a strong deferred giving program. Creates, devises and implements successful strategies for annual, major and deferred gift solicitations. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

60% - Essential - Fundraising: 
Develops and implements strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward deferred and major gift donors/prospects through individual in-person visits, personal communication, event participation and volunteer activities. Travels extensively to interact and engage with prospects/donors. Maintains an extensive knowledge of fundraising, financial planning, tax issues, and all facets of gift planning instruments, including charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, life insurance, beneficiary designation form options and bequest commitments. Collaborates with donors and their legal/financial advisers to solicit, secure and document current and future gifts. Working knowledge of complex gift options such as tangible property, real property and closely held stock.
15% - Essential - Stewardship: 
Develops and assists with overall marketing, recognition, and stewardship efforts for planned giving donors. Works with the Central Development Team to create and implement new communication programs to reach an ever-changing digital and mobile population. Supports the Clemson Legacy Society Program, which honors individuals who make provisions to the University through documented estate plans. Solicits and stewards irrevocable life income gifts. Assists with the expansion and enhancement efforts to increase awareness and digital engagement for current and potential planned giving prospect.
15% - Essential - Communication: 
Develops and produces all personal communications, including letters, contact reports, persuasive proposals, and follow-up materials for deferred and major gift prospects/donors. Maintains a deep understanding of the technical aspects of planned giving vehicles and the relevant tax and estate consequences of these gifts. Serves as a mentor and resource for members of the Clemson University fundraising staff in their gift discussions with planned giving and major donors. Creates and leads Central Development Team training sessions/events and provides educational resources for other Advancement team members.
10% - Essential - Leadership/Team Management: 
Functions as a resource regarding education and advancement of gift planning options and instruments. Serves as a leader and manager to other gift planning officers and support staff. Provides prospect strategy for deferred and major gifts in concert with University fundraising policies and priorities.

Education - Bachelor's Degree

Work Experience - 7+ Years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and/or planned gifts, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Education -  Master's Degree or Juris Doctor (J.D.)- Gift and Estate Planning, Law, Financial Management.

Experience - Asset accumulation and deferred and complex gift vehicles including bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, trusts, life insurance, real property, and closely held stock. 

Licenses & Certifications - Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), Certified Planned Giving Specialist (CPGS) or equivalent and relevant certifications/credentials. 

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages Work of Others - Manages work of others including hiring, terminating, training and developing, reviewing performance and administering corrective action for staff. Plans organizational structure and job content.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides Budget Input - Provides input into the budgeting process, and oversees fund allocation.

Stand for prolonged period
Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
Walk or move about
Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder)
Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
Recognize or inspect visually
Extends hands or arms in any direction
 Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

Up to 50% - Travel/Overnight Travel

Standard Hours: 37.5 Hours / Week

Expected Salary Range: $115,000.00 - $125,000.00
 

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

Normal Operations
Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

Clemson, SC

April 5, 2026 @ 11:59 PM EST

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.      

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.         

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.