The Senior Director – Gift Planning provides strategic and operational leadership for Mayo Clinic’s Office of Gift Planning. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, proactive strategy for complex and non-cash gifts, advancing Mayo Clinic’s philanthropic mission. The role oversees a team of professional staff, manages a portfolio of high-impact prospects, and leads the vision and strategy for the Mayo Clinic Legacy Program (TML). The Senior Director partners closely with development leaders, gift officers, legal, finance, and external professional advisors to foster innovative philanthropic approaches, enhance gift planning education, and strengthen engagement with benefactors and affinity groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development
  • Develop and implement a department-wide strategy for complex and non-cash gifts. In addition, manage a select group of private business owner prospects focused on non-cash or complex philanthropic gifts.
  • Lead the design and delivery of a centralized gift planning education program for development staff.
  • Establish and manage an external engagement strategy with professional advisors and affinity groups.
  • Oversee the vision and strategy for Mayo Clinic’s legacy recognition society, achieving measurable outcomes.
• Team Leadership & Operational Excellence
  • Lead, mentor, and direct a team, ensuring effective implementation of fundraising strategies and achievement of individual and team goals.
  • Provide operational oversight, monitor team performance and fundraising metrics, and ensure alignment with departmental and organizational objectives.
  • Empower and develop the team through professional development, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Consultation & Compliance
  • Serve as a consultant and resource for transformational gift opportunities involving complex assets, non-cash gifts, and split-interest arrangements.
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, internal policies, and best practices in gift planning and administration.
  • Maintain knowledge of tax law, regulations, and charitable giving vehicles; interpret and apply legal and tax implications to all aspects of gift planning.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
  • Partner with key stakeholders, including development leaders, legal, finance, communications, and external advisors, to promote a culture of non-cash asset contributions.
  • Represent the Department of Development at benefactor and legacy events in various ways such as delivering presentations and stewarding legacy donors.
  • Collaborate with department stakeholders to build awareness, identify opportunities, and establish a pipeline for non-cash asset contributions utilizing technology.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
  • Collaborate with colleagues to assist in modernizing aspects of gift planning and administration, including content management systems and data analytics. 
  • Support special projects such as real estate acceptance, trust program management, and legal/compliance initiatives.