Director, Philanthropic Services

Mercer Advisors

8h

About The Position

The Director of Philanthropic Services is responsible for delivering high-quality philanthropic advisory solutions to clients in partnership with financial advisors. This role supports the integration of charitable giving, legacy planning, and values-based strategies into comprehensive wealth management. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to clients and internal stakeholders, manages key philanthropic initiatives, and helps scale the firm’s philanthropic services offering through tools, education, and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification preferred
• 7–10 years of experience in philanthropic advising, wealth management, nonprofit leadership, or related fields
• Strong knowledge of charitable giving strategies and philanthropic vehicles
• Experience working with high-net-worth clients
• Ability to collaborate effectively with financial advisors and external professionals

Nice To Haves

• Certified Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), CFP®, JD, CPA, or similar credential
• Experience in an RIA, private wealth management firm, family office, or trust environment
• Background in nonprofit governance, grantmaking, or foundation management
• Client-focused, consultative approach
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Strategic thinking with attention to detail and execution
• High level of discretion, integrity, and fiduciary awareness
• Ability to translate complex philanthropic concepts into practical guidance
• Passion for charitable impact and values-based planning

Responsibilities

• Advise high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients on charitable giving strategies aligned with financial, tax, and legacy goals
• Support client discovery and planning conversations related to values, impact, and multigenerational philanthropy
• Design and implement customized philanthropic plans, including multiyear giving strategies
• Participate in client meetings alongside financial advisors as a philanthropic subject-matter expert
• Provide guidance on donor-advised funds (DAFs), private foundations, charitable trusts, and other giving structures
• Coordinate with clients’ attorneys, tax advisors, and external partners to execute philanthropic strategies
• Support nonprofit due diligence, grantmaking best practices, and impact evaluation
• Partner closely with financial advisors to integrate philanthropy into holistic financial plans
• Serve as an internal resource on charitable planning strategies and trends
• Develop client-facing materials, tools, and frameworks to support philanthropic conversations
• Contribute to advisor training and internal education on philanthropic planning
• Support the development and execution of firm-wide philanthropic initiatives and client programs
• Help standardize processes, documentation, and service models for philanthropic services
• Track engagement, outcomes, and client adoption of philanthropic offerings
• Ensure philanthropic advisory activities align with SEC, FINRA, IRS, and firm compliance requirements
• Adhere to firm policies related to disclosures, documentation, and fiduciary standards
• Stay current on regulatory, tax, and philanthropic best practices

Benefits

• Company Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Life & AD&D; Short-Term Disability; Accident; Critical Illness; and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Three Cigna medical plans offerings including two High Deductible Health Plans and a Traditional Co-Pay medical plan.
• Kaiser Medical plans available in California
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions if enrolled in either HDHP medical plan.
• Two comprehensive Dental Plans
• Vision Insurance Plan
• Dependent Care Savings Account for child and dependent care.
• 14 Company Paid Holidays including a full week off at Thanksgiving.
• Generous paid time off program for vacation and sick days
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Family Medical Leave
• Paid Parental Leave (8 weeks)
• Maternity benefits utilizing company paid STD, any supplemental STD, plus Parental Leave (8 weeks) to provide time for recovery, baby bonding, and enjoying your family time.
• Adoption Assistance Reimbursement Program
• Company Paid Concierge Services for you and your loved ones for the spectrum of caring needs for your aging parents, young children, life’s challenges and more.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with both Traditional and Roth plans with per pay period match as well as an after-tax option
• Pet Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director