Summary
This report examines the organizational structure of gift planning offices, including staff qualifications and responsibilities, gift planning services, performance metrics, and reporting relationships.
Key observations from our research:1. The number of gift planning staff ranges from one to eight at contact institutions, but four of five profiled offices include an executive director and/or director and at least one associate director.
2. The number of gift planning staff ranges from one to eight at contact institutions, but four of five profiled offices include an executive director and/or director and at least one associate director.
3. Gift planning leaders prioritize candidates’ experience over advanced degrees and credentials, and they seek out certain “soft skills” required for successful gift planning work.
4. At most institutions, all gift planning staff report to a director or executive director who then reports to a vice president for development.
5. The most common services gift planning offices provide include bequests, life income gifts, and assistance with gift agreements.
6. Gift planning performance metrics include fundraising goals and number of visits with donors.
7. Benchmarking among peer institutions occurs within certain consortiums and athletic conferences.