Planned Giving Director

Join The New School

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

Reporting to the Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement, the Planned Giving, Development Director is responsible for leading, growing, and stewarding a robust planned giving program at The New School. The Planned Giving, Development Director will serve as the institution’s subject matter expert on planned and deferred gifts, providing strategic direction, technical expertise, and proactive donor engagement to build a sustainable pipeline of legacy commitments.

This position requires a deep understanding of planned giving vehicles, fundraising strategies, and strong collaboration skills to work with donors, prospects, and their advisor to secure new planned gifts and manage the cultivation and stewardship of existing legacy donors. The Planned Giving, Development Director will be responsible for strengthening The New Society and building planned giving into the overall culture of philanthropy across the university.

Core Capabilities And Primary Duties And Responsibilities

Planned Giving Strategy & Donor Engagement

• Lead The New School’s planned giving program, with responsibility for strategy, execution, and donor outcomes.
• Manage a portfolio of 75–100 planned giving donors and prospects; identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward commitments through bequests, trusts, gift annuities, retirement assets, and other complex gifts.
• Collaborate with the Prospect Research and Major & Leadership Gifts teams to identify new prospects and actively introduce them to planned giving opportunities.
• Provide expertise and training to colleagues, faculty, and volunteers on gift vehicles and donor strategies and partner with them to integrate planned giving into donor strategies, including blended gifts.
• Serve as a resource to donors and their advisors in aligning philanthropic, financial, and estate planning goals with university priorities.
  
  

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive planned giving marketing program, including direct mail, email, social media, digital content, newsletters, and donor stories.
• Maintain the planned giving website and create compelling multimedia resources for donors.
• Coordinate seminars, webinars, and events that raise awareness of legacy giving opportunities among alumni, parents, and friends.
• Produce recognition and stewardship communications for members of the legacy society.
• Analyze campaign results and digital engagement metrics to refine marketing strategies.
  
  

Administration & Compliance

• Oversee legacy society stewardship, ensuring consistent and meaningful donor engagement.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and external advisors to review, document, and administer planned and deferred gifts in accordance with university policy and best practices.
• Maintain accurate donor records and planned gift projections within the Salesforce CRM.
• Stay current with planned giving regulations, tax law, and marketing trends; advocate for innovation and best practices.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent education.
• 5 to 10 years of experience working in planned giving fundraising.
• Experience building and cultivating internal and external relationships.
• Highly motivated with the ability to meet ambitious annual fundraising goals.
• An entrepreneurial disposition and the ability to prioritize tasks and think creatively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Regional travel as necessary.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher education fundraising experience.
• Knowledge of the New York City fundraising landscape.
  
  

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee.

SALARY RANGE

$110,000 - $120,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

Benefits At The New School

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  
  

Financial Wellness

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
  
  

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)
  
  

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
  
  

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

We look forward to receiving your application!