Director of Estate Administration, Gift Planning Operations

Description UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION has an immediate opening for a Director of Estate Administration, Gift Planning Operations The University of Illinois Foundation (Foundation) is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving organization of the University of Illinois (University). It works closely with alumni and friends, faculty and staff, corporations and foundations, as well as campus development professionals to create fundraising programs and opportunities that benefit the University. The Director manages all aspects of the University of Illinois Foundation’s efforts to document and realize estate distributions to the University of Illinois Foundation (“UIF”) and University of Illinois (“University”), working in conjunction with donors, donors’ estate representatives, UIF colleagues, and University and UIF Counsel. Also provides guidance and oversight for UIF’s administration of life income gifts and other estate commitments. Duties And Responsibilities Leads the estate administration function at UIF so that that the University and UIF realize estate distributions in a timely manner and that those distributions are processed accurately. This includes communicating with attorneys, advisors, executors, trustees, and plan administrators on matters associated with the administration and settlement of estate distributions; reviewing estate settlement documents and approving for UIF/University signature; implementing a system for tracking estates in the settlement process; and communicating with benefitting University units regarding their estate gifts in the settlement process to ensure strong stewardship of funds received. Supervises and performs related management responsibilities for the estate administration team, including establishment and ongoing evaluation of team goals and management of individual performance and professional development. Reviews and approves deferred gift commitment documentation, including for revocable and life income gifts, to ensure UIF has the appropriate information to administer and steward deferred gift commitments. Also provides guidance to colleagues on estate language and administration. Collaborates with UIF accounting staff working on life income gifts, irrevocable trusts held by others, and beneficial interest trusts to make certain UIF administers such gifts in compliance with laws, regulations, and industry best practices, while serving the needs of benefitting units, donors, and income beneficiaries. Oversees the administration of life insurance policies owned by UIF to ensure donor gifts to such policies are processed accurately, policy premiums are paid on time, and that mature or otherwise inactive policies are liquidated in a timely fashion. Serves as primary liaison with UIF General Counsel and University legal and tax advisors regarding UIF and University estate administration and other issues related to deferred gifts. Maintains subject matter expertise on planned giving vehicles and related laws and best practices, and develops processes and procedures to enhance the efficiency of estate administration and life insurance administration. Also contributes to the development of processes and procedures related to life income gift administration and deferred gift processing and documentation. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience Significant experience in banking, trust, law, or development Strong analytical skills and attention to detail High integrity, ability to adhere to strict confidentiality standards Ability to communicate technical information in a professional manner to diverse audiences Willingness to embrace new ideas and engage in collaboration, and excellent relationship-building, and interpersonal communication skills Results-driven leader who can manage and reprioritize multiple projects Preferred Skills/Experience Experience higher education or non-profit industry experience Experience in trust/estate administration, estate planning, or financial planning CFP, CPA, CTFA, or JD designation Experience managing team members Application Deadline: May 24th , 2026 The starting salary range for this position is projected to be $85,000-$95,000 per year. While our job postings include salary ranges, your compensation will be based on your specific experience and qualifications—we're not limited by these posted ranges. You'll be inspired daily in our state-of-the-art, environmentally conscious workspace - a stunning LEED-certified building featuring contemporary amenities including an on-site wellness center and café with healthy dining options. We encourage work