DIRECTOR, GIFT PLANNING & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
Company: Scripps Research
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
ABOUT US: Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute
ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact
on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This
significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in
immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV),
neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla,
California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple
Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading
postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two
elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute
for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational
Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry
and computer science with translational science to produce
pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine.
Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the
frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting
human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a
difference, this could be your opportunity to join our
transformative team. POSITION TITLE : Director, Gift Planning &
Estate Administration POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Gift
Planning and Estate Administration is a frontline fundraising
position, reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of
Principal & Major Gifts. This role is responsible for managing a
portfolio of donors and prospects, with a specific focus on
cultivating, soliciting, and securing planned gifts. The Director
will engage with external prospects, guiding them through the
process of making legacy commitments. Additionally, the role
includes overseeing the administration of estate gifts, honoring
the donor’s intentions while ensuring the timely and accurate
receipt of bequests and other deferred gifts. RESPONSIBILITIES AND
DUTIES: Planned Giving Fundraising & Donor Engagement (80%) Manage
a portfolio of 100-125 prospects and donors to solicit and document
bequests, charitable trusts, beneficiary designations, and other
planned gifts. Develop and execute personalized cultivation
strategies to deepen relationships with donors and secure legacy
commitments. Collaborate with major/principal gifts officers to
integrate planned giving into overall fundraising strategies.
Partner with financial advisors, attorneys, and other professionals
to identify new planned giving prospects and integrate gift
planning into overall fundraising efforts. Conduct donor visits,
attend events, and give presentations on estate planning and legacy
giving. Estate Gift Administration (20%) Oversee the administration
of realized estate gifts, working closely with executors,
attorneys, and financial institutions to ensure timely
distributions. Review estate documents (wills, trusts, retirement
accounts, insurance policies) to document intentions and confirm
compliance with donor intent. Work with the Development Services
team to ensure accurate documentation of gifts, effective tracking
of commitments, and lifetime stewardship of Legacy Circle members.
Details of established essential functions for this position will
be addressed/discussed during the interview process. REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE/CPA/JD a plus.
5 years of experience in planned giving, estate administration, or
related fundraising. Strong knowledge of charitable gift planning
vehicles (bequests, trusts, annuities, beneficiary designations,
etc.). Exceptional ability to build relationships, negotiate
complex gifts, and engage high-net-worth donors. Comfort discussing
estate planning concepts and working with legal and financial
professionals. Excellent verbal and written communication skills,
with experience presenting to donors and prospects. Ability to
travel as needed for donor meetings and events. While subject to
change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position
requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La
Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from
home. COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is
$120,000 to $172,800/annually, commensurate with experience.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE: Employer Contributed Retirement
Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer
contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and
the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k)
using your own pre or post-tax dollars) Full Suite of Health and
Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an
HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability,
EAP and more Access to Flexible Spending Accounts
(Medical/Dependent Care) Competitive vacation and sick leave
policies Free, on-site parking The above statements describe the
level of work performed and expected in general terms. The
statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities,
duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the
content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of
Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in
this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or
to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of
Scripps Research staff. EEO Statement : The Scripps Research
Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of
thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All
qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national
origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally
protected characteristic or status.
Keywords: Scripps Research, El Centro , DIRECTOR, GIFT PLANNING & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION, Administration, Clerical , San Diego, California
