The Estate Specialist will work as part of the Estate Administration Team within the Gift Planning Department of Development. The position will be responsible for a portfolio of estate and trust files that are non-complex residuary bequests and gifts requiring accounting review and will have responsibility either through direct work or oversight for all non-probate and specific gifts from matured gift plans. S/he will also work directly and to resolution with in-house counsel on files for which the hiring of external counsel is necessary.
The Estate Specialist will work toward meeting the strategic priorities of the Estate Administration Team via responsibility for the correct and timely receipt of all gift receipts from a portfolio of non-complex residuary bequests and gifts. S/he will maintain, track, and report on key data related to these files as they relate to team scope and priorities. S/he will be responsible for overseeing the correct processing and allocation of these gifts. S/he will provide recommendations and targeted training related to the functional area of the team. The Estate Specialist must have advanced knowledge of the systems and resources utilized by the team in order to provide programmatic support and coordinate communications related to the team’s function as a resource to The Nature Conservancy colleagues. S/he will have substantial contact with internal and external colleagues/partners and stakeholders and s/he may serve as the lead liaison for these relationships. S/he will take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team; such duties may include, but are not limited to, a more significant role in training and developing protocols, processes and best practices for the team. The position must be knowledgeable about planned giving vehicles and may serve as a partner to the relationship managers as they work with donors on crafting giving plans. The position will also be responsible for identifying potential legal issues in the assigned files and working directly with assigned in-house to decide and follow the best course of action to resolution.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently within both team and broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
- Does not supervise any staff but may provide oversight on specific and non-probate gifts that are assigned to other team members.
- Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
- Financial responsibility includes working within a budget and using a cost/benefit analysis to determine best outcome for The Nature Conservancy in a variety of scenarios.
- Manage internal and external party relationships in a way that prioritizes donor intent.
- Manage projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability.
- May provide oversight for a key function of the team.
- Provide input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs.
- Travel and work overtime as needed.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.
- Experience generating reports, and analyzing and interpreting data.
- Experience working across departments.
- Experience with database management.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of the relevant field.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
- Ability to implement complex processes.
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
- Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff.
- Experience coordinating projects.
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
- Experience with database management.
- Knowledge of current trends in the specific field.
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
- Understanding of basic accounting practices.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.