University of South Carolina
Director of Development, Estate and Gift Planning
🇺🇸
Columbia, SC
🕑
Full-Time
💰
$85K
💻
Other
🗓️
February 18th, 2026
CRM
Edtech.com's Summary
University of South Carolina is hiring a Director of Development, Estate and Gift Planning. This role involves coordinating planned gifts, including deferred and major tax-advantaged gifts, by collaborating with university colleagues and engaging alumni and friends to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts while providing stewardship on completed donations. The position also includes serving as a member of the USC Development Team.
Highlights
- Manages a portfolio of prospective donors by partnering with internal colleagues to secure planned gifts.
- Collaborates with senior leadership and university stakeholders to prioritize and coordinate gift planning activities.
- Conducts research on legal and tax issues related to planned gifts and prepares related documents and proposals.
- Maintains accurate donor records and utilizes CRM systems for tracking and managing prospects.
- Develops annual work plans with specific goals for planned giving and prospect development.
- Requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 4 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Preferred experience includes gift planning, major gifts, or backgrounds in legal, accounting, or financial fields; graduate degree is favored.
- Must possess strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills and effective computer proficiency including database and word processing.
- Position offers full-time employment with salary range $84,820 to $108,146, commensurate with qualifications.
- The role is part of the Division of Development and reports under limited supervision to the Senior Director of Gift Planning.
Director of Development, Estate and Gift Planning Full Description
Director of Development, Estate and Gift Planning
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by March 2, 2026
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo |
Posting Number | STA00074PO26
Job Family | Alumni Relations and Development
Job Function | Development
USC Market Title | Director of Development
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132003
Job Level | P4 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Director of Development, Estate and Gift Planning
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Development
Department | DEV Gift Planning
State Pay Range | G12
USC Market Range | MRK - $84,820 $108,146 $131,471
Anticipated Hiring Range | $84,820 - commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC **On-site**
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Alumni Development
Posting Number | STA00074PO26
Job Family | Alumni Relations and Development
Job Function | Development
USC Market Title | Director of Development
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132003
Job Level | P4 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Director of Development, Estate and Gift Planning
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Development
Department | DEV Gift Planning
State Pay Range | G12
USC Market Range | MRK - $84,820 $108,146 $131,471
Anticipated Hiring Range | $84,820 - commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC **On-site**
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Alumni Development
About USC
About University of South Carolina | From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | Under limited supervision, reporting to the Senior Director of Gift Planning, Director of Gift Planning will be responsible for the coordination of planned gifts, both deferred and major tax-advantaged for the University of South Carolina. Responsibilities include active engagement internally by working with university colleagues in cultivating prospective donors of planned gifts. Partners with colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit and close planned gifts from alumni and friends of the university. Proactively provides follow-up and stewardship on completed gifts. This position also serves as a member on the USC Development Team.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 4 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications | Existing gift planning or major gifts experience is highly preferred. Transferrable skillset from a legal, accounting, or financial background is also desirable. Experience in higher education and/or development with campaign experience. Graduate degree preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Appropriate knowledge of principles and methods of planning and conducting a comprehensive gift planning program. Track record of visiting and qualifying donors/prospects. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with faculty, alumni, donors, volunteers, businesses and the general public. Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Effective computer experience including database operation and work processing.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 4 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications | Existing gift planning or major gifts experience is highly preferred. Transferrable skillset from a legal, accounting, or financial background is also desirable. Experience in higher education and/or development with campaign experience. Graduate degree preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Appropriate knowledge of principles and methods of planning and conducting a comprehensive gift planning program. Track record of visiting and qualifying donors/prospects. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with faculty, alumni, donors, volunteers, businesses and the general public. Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Effective computer experience including database operation and work processing.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Manages a portfolio through partnering with internal colleagues that lead to planned gifts to build the university’s giving dollars. Specific expectations are to achieve levels of activity that will result in an assigned pool of new and existing prospects, presentation of proposals, execution of documented moves each month through cultivation, solicitation, closing gifts and stewardship.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 35Job Duty | Works closely with the Senior Director of Gift Planning to determine appropriate gift planning priorities and needs. Works with colleagues to identify, coordinate and establish priorities for planned gifts, both deferred and major tax-advantaged, to benefit the university by matching donor goals with university needs. Actively engages directors of development, department chairs, faculty, alumni, and key volunteers in gift planning efforts.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Conducts research on legal and tax issues for closing planned gifts; prepares written proposals and letters, with accompanying sample calculations.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Serves as a member of the overall development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies. Files timely contact reports, maintains accurate records and provides updated information for electronic databases as appropriate. Serves on committees and attends staff meetings as required.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Prepares all supporting documents when gifts are secured; assists in maintaining prospect tracking information in CRM and other central databases as required. Coordinates all prospects through appropriate CRM procedures to ensure effective solicitation for the gift.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Develops an annual plan of work, including specific planned gift, prospect development and programmatic goals. Prepares reports and other required information as requested. Attends professional training conferences and keeps up-to-date with changes in tax and planned giving laws.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5Job Duty | Accepts and implements other specific assignments as directed.
Essential Function | No
Percentage of Time | 5
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 35Job Duty | Works closely with the Senior Director of Gift Planning to determine appropriate gift planning priorities and needs. Works with colleagues to identify, coordinate and establish priorities for planned gifts, both deferred and major tax-advantaged, to benefit the university by matching donor goals with university needs. Actively engages directors of development, department chairs, faculty, alumni, and key volunteers in gift planning efforts.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Conducts research on legal and tax issues for closing planned gifts; prepares written proposals and letters, with accompanying sample calculations.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Serves as a member of the overall development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies. Files timely contact reports, maintains accurate records and provides updated information for electronic databases as appropriate. Serves on committees and attends staff meetings as required.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Prepares all supporting documents when gifts are secured; assists in maintaining prospect tracking information in CRM and other central databases as required. Coordinates all prospects through appropriate CRM procedures to ensure effective solicitation for the gift.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Develops an annual plan of work, including specific planned gift, prospect development and programmatic goals. Prepares reports and other required information as requested. Attends professional training conferences and keeps up-to-date with changes in tax and planned giving laws.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5Job Duty | Accepts and implements other specific assignments as directed.
Essential Function | No
Percentage of Time | 5
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date | 04/16/2026
Job Open Date | 02/17/2026
Job Close Date | 03/02/2026
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant | Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by March 2, 2026
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Dependent Scholarships Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/202473
EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Desired Start Date | 04/16/2026
Job Open Date | 02/17/2026
Job Close Date | 03/02/2026
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant | Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by March 2, 2026
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Dependent Scholarships Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/202473
EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have at least a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 4 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
- Yes
- No
- * If so, please tell us how you qualify?
(Open Ended Question) - * Are you willing to travel by the geographic location of donors/prospects; work evenings and weekends?
- Yes
- No
- * Do you have a reliable means of transportation?
- Yes
- No
- * Although we accept resumes for review, the application is the official hiring document maintained by the university. Offers of employment and starting salaries are based on the education and work experience (including beginning and end dates) included in the university application only, not your resume. Have you included all details for all education, volunteer and work experiences in your job application?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
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