Assistant Vice President, Planned Giving

National Multiple Sclerosis Society•Denver, CO

6d•$115,000 - $120,000•Remote

About The Position

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning. Job Summary: The National MS Society seeks an Associate Vice President (AVP), Planned Giving who will lead and expand its comprehensive planned giving program. The AVP will be responsible for driving the growth of the national planned giving strategy to increase long-term revenue and expand the pipeline of blended and deferred gifts. The AVP will be responsible for the oversight of the planned giving program, monitor its success and assess necessary course corrections to meet its stated goals. This position plays a key leadership role in advancing a five-year, $1 billion comprehensive campaign. Reporting to the Vice President, Individual Giving, the AVP ensures alignment with the organization’s strategic plan, strengthens national and international fundraising strategies, and cultivates a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability across the team. Location Requirements Remote - Flexible Location Work is primarily performed remotely, however, when possible and necessary, teams meet in person to conduct the business of the organization and build team relationships.

Requirements

A seasoned fundraising professional with a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in gift planning and major gifts (with a minimum of 6 years of team leadership and supervision), and a proven track record of securing a wide range of planned gifts at various levels of complexity.
The ideal candidate is a results-oriented, collaborative leader with deep technical knowledge of charitable estate planning/planned giving and excellent interpersonal skills.
In-depth knowledge of planned giving vehicles, estate planning, and related legal and tax implications.
Demonstrated experience in leading and growing planned giving programs, as well as managing and coaching planned giving staff.
Record of leadership and accomplishment in fundraising including campaign planning and execution, pipeline development.
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and integrity.
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
Experience developing and monitoring budgets and targets, and assessing and adjusting team portfolios to ensure goals are met
Proven nonprofit leadership experience with increasing responsibility
Extensive experience managing geographically dispersed teams, in remote and hybrid environments, overseeing both revenue generation and project execution.
Track record of implementing innovative fundraising strategies that drive engagement and revenue growth.
Strong ability to perform under pressure, handle criticism professionally, and consistently meet strategic goals.
Exceptional project management, strategic planning, and negotiation skills to drive effective resource allocation and optimize fundraising outcomes.
Advanced CRM expertise, leveraging data analytics to drive decision-making and train teams on data-driven fundraising strategies.
Ability to travel (approximately 20%) and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed, including events, training, regional meetings, and organizational gatherings.

Responsibilities

Lead the National MS Society’s comprehensive planned giving program, with an emphasis on growth and maximizing potential.
Conduct a program assessment to build capacity, inform staffing needs and position program for future growth.
Develop a broad strategic plan for an integrated, proactive gift planning program that is designed to maximize fundraising potential from prospects and provide stewardship to donors.
Lead, coach and develop a minimum of two Planned Giving staff.
Support planned and complex gift options which extend beyond bequests and estate giving and include complex and innovative giving vehicles that maximize tax benefits and donor impact.
Support and counsel the front-line fundraising team to integrate planned giving strategies into broader development and stewardship efforts.
Apply data analytics and philanthropic trends to inform donor segmentation, evaluate performance, and drive program strategy.
Serve as the subject matter expert on charitable estate and financial planning within The Society, and provide training to Development staff on planned giving fundamentals, as deemed necessary
Collaborate with donors and their advisors on complex charitable giving vehicles in coordination with appropriate internal stakeholders, ensuring compliance with IRS and National MS Society policies.
Act as main point of contact with outside, third party administrators.
Partner with internal teams—including prospect research, individual giving, executive directors, marketing, donor relations, finance, and legal—to execute coordinated, donor-centered fundraising initiatives.
Track and report on planned giving activity and metrics; maintain accurate records in the donor CRM, Salesforce
Serve as a key advisor to the VP, Individual Giving, providing insights on regional performance, donor engagement, and emerging opportunities.
Champion structured stewardship strategies to strengthen donor loyalty and long-term commitment.
Lead by example, developing the skills and success of direct reports while fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture.

Benefits

considerable Paid Time Off Plan
Paid Holidays
401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match
Commuter Benefit Plan
Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Flex Spending Accounts
Life Insurance
Disability Coverage
Spring Health Membership offering free therapy and professional coaching, as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings.