Chautauqua Institution, located in southwestern New York State, is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue and debate on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four programmatic and thematic pillars – arts, education, religion, and recreation. Families, friends, couples, and singles gather each summer at Chautauqua to relax and renew in a quintessential lakeside community setting that has inspired minds and hearts, solutions and resolutions, for nearly 150 years. Some 100,000 people visit Chautauqua annually, some of whom are in residence the entire summer and some who are here year-round. Still more engage through an expanding online catalogue of recorded events and livestreamed programs. The full impact of Chautauqua is found in the mix of experiences between and among the pillars.

In 2016, the Institution completed the single-largest campaign in its history: The Promise Campaign. The successful campaign was the most recent demonstration of how throughout its storied history, Chautauqua Institution has been revived, sustained and now thrives on the power of philanthropy.

The Opportunity

The Director of Gift Planning is a member of the senior team responsible for the overall fundraising plan for the Chautauqua Institution and for building and strengthening core fundraising services. S/He will lead the Institution’s planned-giving program, including the establishment and implementation of all the strategic plans, policies, and goals. The ideal candidate has a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the mission and goals of Chautauqua Institution and the Foundation, demonstrated management experience for the successful leadership and mentoring of professional and support staff, and the ability to effectively plan and execute new initiatives and enhance existing ones.