Thank you for your interest in positions at Idaho State University. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by logging into your profile and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions, please review our frequently asked questions.
Director of Estate and Planned Giving, ISU Foundation (2606)
Pocatello or Meridian/Boise Campus
Hybrid Remote as approved by the hiring manager
Priority Date: July 12, 2026
Institution Information
Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!
Job Description
The ISU Foundation serves as the fundraising and advancement partner of Idaho State University, securing and stewarding private support that strengthens the University’s mission and impact. The Foundation is committed to fostering a culture defined by empowerment, appreciation, engagement, and accountability, cornerstones that guide how we work, collaborate, and celebrate success. Our team values trust and shared purpose as we build a strategic and sustainable advancement organization. Together, we cultivate relationships that connect donors, alumni, and partners to the transformative work taking place across the University. Idaho State University and the ISU Foundation are actively preparing to launch a historic and ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign.
Primary Function of the Position:
Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development, the Director of Planned Giving will lead the strategy, growth, and execution of a comprehensive planned giving program at Idaho State University. The Director of Planned Giving will manage a robust portfolio and is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding deferred gifts as a key area of opportunity for Idaho State University. The Director will partner with leadership and major gift officers, as well as work with deans, faculty, and staff, to provide support for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned gifts. This position will work closely with the entire University Advancement team to ensure coordination among individual giving programs and across all units within the University. This position requires up to 50% travel at times, including local, regional, and out-of-state travel. The position will be located in Pocatello, unless otherwise agreed upon.
This position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates who already hold valid U.S. work authorization may be considered.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement a marketing and communications strategy to increase awareness of planned giving opportunities and drive growth in deferred gift commitments.- Develops and maintains a portfolio of planned giving prospects.
- Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards planned giving donors and prospective donors.
- Assists with comprehensive campaigns of the Idaho State University Foundation.
- Partner with Directors of Development to design and implement comprehensive gift planning marketing strategies for assigned units, with the goal of increasing documented bequest intentions and deferred gift revenue.
- Lead the administration and optimization of Crescendo interactive planned giving software, including oversight of online content, gift planning tools, and the development of customized, trackable links and resources for campus partners.
- Document accurate and complete records of the moves management process and follow prescribed strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding of major gifts.
- Prepare reports using planned giving software Crescendo, briefing materials, correspondence, proposals, statistics, and related documents for solicitation of prospective donors.
- Participate fully in the university’s comprehensive advancement program, including its prospect management process and systems.
- Works within a system of metrics, including benchmarks for personal visits, major gift solicitations, and a prescribed number of new prospects identified annually.
- Participate in professional development activities to remain current on relevant activity and trends in gift planning, financial and estate planning, federal tax law and regulations that govern charitable giving, and new services offered by other non-profit groups and organizations, and to raise Idaho State University’s visibility in the profession.
- Cultivate strong working relationships with colleagues in University Advancement and across the University.
- Design and lead regular in-house education gift planning seminars for fundraising staff and donors.
- Travel throughout Idaho as well as other areas of the country to pursue gift planning strategies and build enduring relationships.
- In collaboration with the Director of Donor Relations, maintain and enhance stewardship for gift planning donors and promote the Granite Society and its events as recognition for these donors.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Development.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an appropriate discipline.
2. At least two (2) years of experience in community engagement, customer service, relationship management, or related field.
3. Knowledge of fundraising or engagement practices.
4. Possess the highest standards of ethics as accepted by the professional fundraising community.
5. Competency using management and software programs.
6. Ability to work collaboratively and make an impact in a complex, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment.
7. The successful candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal and organizational skills; have strong attention to detail; be goal and results-oriented; self-motivated; and possess the ability to make independent decisions.
8. The incumbent must be a collaborative and team-oriented individual; demonstrate sound judgment when dealing with a wide range of relationships and situations; possess the ability to maintain enthusiasm for hard work, changing priorities, and multiple deadlines; and have the ability to interact well with faculty, students, and constituents.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Advanced degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university.
2. At least five (5) years of successful experience and proficiency in securing planned gifts from donors.
3. Possess an understanding of complex outright gifts, life-income and estate gifts, family wealth planning, and multigenerational strategies.
4. Advanced skill using Raiser’s Edge donor management system.
5. Expertise using Crescendo or PG Calc planned giving software.
Additional Information
You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before July 12, 2026. Salary range will be $75,000 - $100,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.
Note: Thank you for your interest in positions at Idaho State University. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by logging into your profile and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions, please review our frequently asked questions.
Posting Number: req2737
Type: Working 12 months per year
Position: Non-classified Staff
Division: University Advancement
Idaho State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
