The Gift Planning Officer I contributes to the implementation of a comprehensive program to secure significant financial resources from individuals primarily through bequests and charitable gift annuities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Gift Planning Officer I cultivates, negotiates, and closes commitments of bequest and life income gifts through phone, written and occasional face-to-face contact, performs calculations using PG Calc and assists in the timely transfer of funds. Discusses assets proficiently and listens for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts. Involves and engages appropriate partners in the field and staff at the Worldwide Office, keeping them informed of interactions, issues or concerns, and addresses questions as needed. Understands and complies with all TNC gift-related policies and procedures and ensures ethical compliance, as defined by the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently and in supervisor’s stead as needed, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
- Decisions may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
- Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
- Financial responsibility includes working within a budget and meeting fundraising goals.
- Manage assigned projects, coordinating the work of peers and setting deadlines.
- Manage or participate in complex or sensitive negotiations.
- Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups who are important to the organization’s overall prosperity.
- Responsible for 200 – 250 closed planned gifts and bequest notifications annually, and 1000 – 1500 donor interactions. Annual fundraising target of $500,000 or more based on face value.
- Travel as needed and on short notice, work long and flexible hours as needed.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
- Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $25,000 or more.
- Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams.
- Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles and practices.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience are appreciated.
- Ability to determine an individual’s interests, capacity and potential for helping the Conservancy meet its goals, and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancy’s work.
- Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.
- Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.
- Knowledge of current trends in the charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.
- Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
- Proven ability to negotiate high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Working knowledge of the basics of charitable gift planning.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.