Estates Administrator

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

University Development's purpose is to support the mission of the university by raising private resources to enhance financial support for students, faculty, programs, and facilities. University Development provides leadership and centralized services to all development offices throughout the University, serving as a focal point for annual giving, application development and IT support; campaign management; constituent programs; corporate and foundation relations; donor relations; gift planning; gift services; industry relations; marketing/communications; parents giving; principal gifts; prospect management, research and analytics; regional programs; scholarships and student aid; talent management; university events; and volunteer engagement.

Carolina Development is proud of its donor-centered philosophy, pursuing activities that always respect the interests and intentions of the donor as well as the University. The organization's collaborative nature is a critical component to fulfilling our mission of raising private funds to benefit the university.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and transferable skills!

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Estates Administrator is responsible for managing the settlement of all trusts and probate estates in which the University and affiliated foundations have an interest. This includes overseeing the probate process, ensuring timely and accurate settlement of estates, and protecting the University's legal and financial interests. The role works in close partnership with the Executive Director and University Counsel, representing the University in court proceedings as needed, and serves as the primary liaison to Legal Counsel. The Estates Administrator is the primary contact person for estate gifts made to all schools, units, programs, and foundations at Carolina.

Key responsibilities include assigning correct gift designations, maintaining relationships with estate planning attorneys, and communicating with executors and financial professionals regarding estate gifts. The incumbent collaborates with the Gift Services team to ensure proper processing of trust and estate distributions, reviews gift acknowledgement letters for the Chancellor's signature, and provides guidance to development officers regarding estate-related matters. Occasional donor contact is required.

Additional duties include supporting stewardship efforts for planned giving donors in coordination with the Gift Planning team, conducting donor research to assist with travel planning, and using the TIAA Kaspick platform to support form submissions related to deceased and life income donors in collaboration with the Life Income and Tax Administrator.

Minimum of a bachelor's degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with related experience. For positions with responsibility for direct solicitation of gifts and funds, a minimum of 1 year of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a diverse environment. Understanding and awareness of program services, policies, office protocols, professional practices and applicable laws/regulations. Professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain confidentiality, strong organizational skills and time management skills. Ability to prioritize work amidst multiple demands and meet deadlines. Flexible, collaborative, yet able to work effectively with a high degree of independence. Demonstrated knowledge of such software/programs as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Experience in Probate administration, life insurance, estate planning, charitable giving or related fields such as personal trust management or paralegal experience. Will consider a new law graduate who has taken courses in estate or probate law.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.