Assistant Director of Planned Giving - Norwich University

Fulfills the mission of Norwich University by supporting the strategic execution and daily operations of the University's comprehensive planned giving program. This role provides high-level project coordination, administrative and operational support, and donor engagement assistance to advance planned giving initiatives and ensure effective stewardship of donors and prospects. Plays a critical role in managing systems, processes, and communications that support program growth. Also serves as the University liaison to the Norwich University Cemetery Board, providing coordination, communication, and operational oversight of Cemetery related activities.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the primary project coordinator for the planned giving program, ensuring timely execution of initiatives, communications, and deliverables.
• Provides advanced administrative and operational support to the Senior Director, including calendar management, correspondence, reporting, and donor briefings.
• Tracks, documents, and manages planned gift expectancies, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and beneficiary designations in accordance with University policies.
• Maintains and reconciles charitable gift annuity records and payment schedules in coordination with Finance.
• Assists in the planning and execution of planned giving marketing initiatives in collaboration with Marketing & Communications.
• Supports the growth and stewardship of the University's legacy society (1819 Circle), including engagement activities and events.
• Coordinates internal and external meetings with high-level constituents, including donors, attorneys, financial advisors, and University leadership.
• Collects, analyzes, and presents planned giving data to inform strategy, reporting, and forecasting.
• Ensures accurate and timely documentation of donor activity and gifts within the CRM system.
• Assists in budget tracking and expense management for the planned giving program.
• Develops working knowledge of planned giving vehicles and participate in donor interactions as appropriate.
• Serves as the primary University liaison to the Norwich University Cemetery Board, ensuring effective communication and follow-through on Board priorities.
  • Coordinates Cemetery Board meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and documentation of action items.
  • Oversees administrative and operational functions of the Cemetery, including recordkeeping, plot tracking, and coordination with campus and external partners.
  • Coordinates memorial events and ceremonies, in collaboration with family members and key internal and external stakeholders, ensuring all interactions are conducted with the utmost respect and professionalism.
• Assist with donor events, recognition activities, and educational programming.
• Support broader Development initiatives, including campaign activities and donor engagement efforts.
• Collaborate across Development and Alumni Relations and with academic and administrative units.
• Represent the planned giving office at internal meetings and select external events.

Other Functions

• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive or private information.
• Communicates with employees, students, and others in a respectful and clear manner.
• Serves on University committees, councils, workgroups, or other designated bodies as assigned.
• Achieves, maintains proficiency in, and utilizes computers, telephones, and other job-related equipment, including related systems and software.
• Speaks, reads, and writes in English.
• Communicates by telephone, email, letter, in person, or other means or device.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 1 year of relevant professional experience in development, nonprofit administration, legal, financial services, or a related field.
• Exposure to planned giving, estate administration, accounting, or paralegal work preferred.
• Experience managing complex projects, data, or financial tracking.
• Experience working with boards, committees, or volunteer groups preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present data effectively.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with diverse constituents.
• Initiative and willingness to learn and grow within planned giving and fundraising.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook) Familiarity with donor CRM systems preferred. Experience with Crescendo or similar planned giving software a plus.
• Able to sit, squat, reach, push, pull, and manipulate related equipment; lift 15 pounds; travel outdoors to various parts of the campus
• Work some evening or weekend hours
• Travel as needed (public or private transportation)

Environmental Conditions

• Indoor work at a computer workstation
• Low level of exposure to noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature changes.

Norwich University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a positive education and work environment that recognizes and respects the dignity of all students, faculty and staff. Reasonable accommodations will be made for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at nuhr@norwich.edu for assistance.

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring immigration sponsorship, including but not limited to non-immigrant visas such as H1B, STEM, or F1, now or in the future. A post offer, pre-employment background check will be required of the successful candidate.