Director, Gift Planning - La Jolla

This Director position is located at our new HQ in La Jolla.

Eligible to participate in the Director Incentive Plan.

Elevate your career with Scripps Health, where Compassion Meets Excellence.

Invest, Empower & Belong. At Scripps Health, your potential is limitless. We're more than a healthcare provider, at Scripps you will join a community where your views, beliefs and values are celebrated. Grow through industry-leading development programs and empower yourself to deliver innovative care. Be a part of an extraordinary team, impacting health in beautiful San Diego.

Why join Scripps Health?

AWARD-WINNING WORKPLACE:

At Scripps Health, your ambition is empowered, and your abilities are appreciated:

• Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years.
• Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2025.
• Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications.
• Beckers Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2024 list of 150 top places to work in health care.
• We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career.
• Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology.

The Scripps Health Foundation is privileged to partner with grateful patients and supporters to advance the mission of our exceptional hospitals, physicians, and care teams.

The Gift Planning team is comprised of five experienced professionals based at Corporate Headquarters who collaborate closely with frontline fundraisers across all Scripps Health hospital campuses. Our work is fast-paced and evolving, requiring adaptability, strategic thinking, and a donor-centered approach. We value continuous learning, collaboration, and a collegial team culture.

Role Overview

Provide leadership in generating significant outright and deferred gifts while advancing awareness of the Gift Planning Program through strategic marketing and outreach. This role maintains strong, trusted relationships with donors and professional advisors and ensures adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Gift Generation
Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and closure of significant outright and deferred gifts in support of Scripps Health's mission and long-term financial sustainability.

Program Marketing and Outreach
Strategically promote the Gift Planning Program through personal donor engagement, educational seminars, small group events, referrals, and targeted written and digital communications.

Donor Stewardship and Relationships
Build and sustain meaningful relationships with individuals who have established planned gifts, providing ongoing stewardship, recognition, and engagement to strengthen long-term loyalty.

Regulatory and Technical Expertise
Maintain current knowledge of federal (IRS) and California regulations related to charitable estate planning, ensuring program compliance and best practices.

Budget and Strategic Collaboration
Partner with Foundation leadership to support the development and management of the annual Gift Planning budget, ensuring effective use of resources aligned with program goals.

Required Education/Experience/Specialized Skills:

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in planned giving fundraising or related positions, with a demonstrated track record of success.
• Skills: Strong working knowledge of current federal (IRS) and state (CA) rules and regulations governing charitable estate planning.
• Education: Completion of at least 2 years of college-level coursework.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse individuals.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Education/Experience/Specialized Skills/Certification:

• Education: Bachelor's degree.
• An advanced degree such as a JD or industry certification such as a CSPG (certified specialist in planned giving)
• Experience: Experience in a medical or higher education setting, or in an equivalent professional environment.
• The ideal candidate has worked in fundraising for at least 5 years or an attorney who has exceptional interpersonal skills; or a fundraiser who is interested in learning the technical side of estate planning and tax.