Director, Planned Giving

the USO•Arlington, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Planned Giving is responsible for building on and instituting sophisticated frontline fundraising strategies to drive significant growth in planned giving revenue. Through targeted marketing and communications avenues, the Director, Planned Giving will raise staff and donor awareness of the importance and benefits of planned giving, provide leadership of the USO 1941 Legacy Society as the organization’s primary planned giving stewardship vehicle, and serve as the organization’s primary subject matter expert on planned giving to fundraisers at HQ and across regions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications or related field.
10+ years' work experience in a fundraising or development role.
3+ years in a supervisory capacity.
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communications as well as knowledge of various software programs including but not limited to Raiser’s Edge, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Willingness and ability to work non-standard hours (evenings, holidays and weekends) as needed.
Demonstrated ability to manage team members and reports for high performance.
Ability to achieve desired results while working collaboratively in a team environment.
Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Ability to interact with USO Leadership, the general public and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment related to controversial and/or culturally sensitive subjects.
Ability to handle confidential information with tact and poise.
Working knowledge of basic business and accounting functions, project management and budgeting.
Demonstrated initiative/self-motivation, able to quickly and easily adapt to changing organizational needs.
Ability to obtain and maintain proper credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities including but not limited to security, credit and/or background screening, SOFA status, valid driver’s license.
Must be a strong advocate of the USO’s mission.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred.
Relevant experience in a non-profit or global organization preferred.
Experience in planned giving, major gift and/or principal gift fundraising with demonstrated success in securing personal solicitations of $100,000 or more.

Responsibilities

Refine, develop and implement a comprehensive planned giving program for the USO.
Provide strategic guidance, training, and materials to national and regional fundraising staff.
Strategically manage a portfolio of approximately 50 planned giving prospects at all stages of the fundraising continuum -- discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
Leverage the engagement of USO leadership in key donor relationships.
Serve as a strategic partner for Relationship Managers on individual donor relationships when planned giving vehicles are central to securing commitments, including opportunities for joint donor visits and blended gift discussions to address donors’ philanthropic and financial goals.
Manage the 1941 Legacy Society through stewardship of donors who have communicated their intent to leave the USO in their estate plans, including in person or virtual visits, communication and stewardship reports, and invitation to in-person and virtual events.
Manage planned giving strategy, budget, and choice of vendors for program communications to achieve short and long-term fundraising goals.
Coordinate planned giving marketing efforts, communication materials, and direct mail appeals, working closely with the Marketing & Communications, Legal, Operations, and Major Gift Teams.
Use donor management database to proactively manage planned giving prospects, donors, Legacy Society members, and open estates.
Secure donor testimonials for use in direct mail, USO web pages and other materials.
Collaborate with Development Operations colleagues to confirm realized bequests.
Oversee review and analysis of legal documentation to administer planned gift expectancies through wills, trusts and other deferred giving instruments in which the USO is a named beneficiary.
Generate and update reports and SOP’s regarding USO Planned Giving and the Legacy Society.
Work with attorneys and financial advisors, as needed.
Maintain general understanding of current tax reform legislation and stay apprised of changes and developments that could impact legacy donors.
Attend webinars, programs, and conferences focused on gift planning.
Oversee planned giving tasks performed by the Development Coordinator including managing inquiries received through the Planned Giving email inbox, periodic mailings to Legacy Society members, establishing database accounts and facilitating welcome packages for new members of the Legacy Society, and administering invoices, contracts and amendments for planned giving vendors.
Other duties as assigned.