Director Gift Planning II

WittKieffer is partnering with UTHealth Houston in this search. Please direct all nominations and inquiries to WittKieffer's candidate portal via email at UTHealthHouston_PlannedGiving@wittkieffer.com.

Position Summary:

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) is seeking a Director of Gift Planning II to advance planned and blended giving at one of the nation's leading academic health institutions.

Reporting to Senior Director of Gift Planning David Starnes, and collaborating with Major Gift Officers, the Vice President of Principal Gifts, and other partners, the Director will cultivate lasting donor relationships and guide meaningful philanthropic investments. With a portfolio of about 70 major planned gift prospects and a focus on asset-based giving, the Director will lead strategies that inspire transformational commitments.

This role builds on the success of the Many Faces. One Mission. campaign, which raised $534.4 million, and supports UTHealth Houston's mission to drive innovation in education, research, and compassionate care. The Director will also expand engagement with grateful patients and steward high-value giving opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have at least six years of experience in major gift fundraising and gift planning, preferably within higher education or healthcare settings. This individual will possess strong communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and a proven aptitude for building trust and fostering deep donor relationships. The role requires a high level of professional presence and the ability to collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, and donors. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for cultivating long-term donor support and advancing philanthropic goals.

Candidates should provide a resume and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile. Application materials can be submitted by clicking the buttons below.

UTHealth Houston is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment-related activities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law or university policy. Reasonable accommodation, based on disability or religious observances, will be considered in accordance with applicable law and UTHealth Houston policy. The University maintains affirmative action programs with respect to women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and eligible.

Position Key Accountabilities:

1. Develops strategy for planned and blended gifts from individuals. Identifies, cultivates, and manages a pool of approximately 70 prospective planned and blended gift prospects.
2. Works with the prospect research team to develop strong and continuous donor pool.
3. Meets metrics and goals as established by the central development office.
4. Travels primarily in state with occasional national travel to secure private support from individuals.
5. Serves as a resource for development officers by assisting with planned giving discussions and donor presentations, as well as developing strategies for blended gifts to maximize gift potential.
6. Stewards Heritage Society Members, which includes follow-up visits as needed.
7. Collaborates with the stewardship team to ensure timely and appropriate donor recognition.
8. Keeps abreast of charitable giving tax laws and planned giving instruments.
9. May provide training to the development staff and others on planned giving topics.
10. Constructs a set of activities and initiatives leading to the solicitation of planned and blended gifts. Works with volunteers, professional advisors, and directors of development to identify individual planned giving prospects.
11. May support marketing program planning.
12. May support budget planning process.
13. May support planned giving advisory council.
14. Participates in University development meetings as appropriate. Attends events/special functions as required.
15. Manages Human Resources activities for direct reports in-regards to: recruiting and selection; hiring and termination, training, development, mentoring, counseling, performance evaluations, and salary planning.
16. Responsible for the design, execution and effectiveness of a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded; financial information is reliable and compliant with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
17. Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

Ability to work with minimal supervision; demonstrated energetic and enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to relate well with and influence decisions of a diverse constituency. Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts of $50, 000 and above. Ability to systematically analyze complex issues and resolve problems quickly, using discretion with sensitive material. Ability to effectively communicate complex information clearly in oral and written formats to a variety of audiences. Skilled in working cooperatively in a team environment. Prefer demonstrated record of cultivating and closing gifts at five and six-figure level.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in related field. Master's and/or J.D. preferred.

Minimum Experience:

Six (6) years major gift fundraising planned giving, or related experience. Prefer experience in higher education and/or healthcare setting. May substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.