Director Estate and Gift Planning - Remote in Chicago

American Chemical Society•Chicago, IL

1d•$110,000 - $120,000•Remote

About The Position

The Director, Planned Giving develops, manages, and implements a comprehensive program to secure deferred gifts, including bequests, trusts, and annuities. This strategic role focuses on donor relationship management, collaboration with legal and financial advisors, and securing long-term financial support for the American Cancer Society’s mission. The position is part of a team responsible for 24% of the organization’s revenue and its number-one revenue source. The director builds, cultivates, and stewards relationships with planned giving prospects and donors, as well as estate and financial planning professionals, to secure and retain planned gifts. This is a permanently remote position based in Chicago, Illinois. The role requires three or more travel days per week within a designated territory, with at least 60% of donor and prospect meetings conducted in person. The starting pay range is $110,000 to $120,000; the final offer may vary based on relevant experience, skills, location, specialty, and education.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience.
At least 3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, or equivalent experience in nonprofit networking or relationship building.
Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
Reliable internet connection.
Strong judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and computer proficiency.
Ability to build strong customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
Ability to think strategically about future possibilities and translate them into strategies.
Ability to take on opportunities and challenges with urgency, energy, and enthusiasm.
Ability to consistently achieve results, including under difficult circumstances.
Ability to relate comfortably and openly with diverse groups of people.
Ability to build formal and informal relationships inside and outside the organization.
Ability to use compelling arguments to gain others’ support and commitment.
Resilience when facing setbacks and difficult situations.
Ability to travel three or more days per week within the designated territory.

Nice To Haves

Planned giving experience.
CAP or CFRE certification.
Experience with planned giving software, such as Crescendo or Salesforce.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet in person, by phone, and sometimes virtually with prospects, donors, and professional advisors to share information and materials about the Society’s planned giving program and lifesaving work.
Grow and manage a portfolio of qualified, active prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, execution, and stewardship.
Meet annual targets for personal visits, planned gift proposals delivered, and new planned gift commitments secured.
Use Salesforce to track, qualify, and report prospect, donor, and advisor contacts and their progression through the moves management process.
Collaborate with philanthropy and other colleagues to expand blended gift proposals and cultivate additional planned giving prospects.
Stay current on estate and gifting techniques and vehicles, applicable tax laws, and charitable giving trends.
Remain knowledgeable about the Society’s work in cancer research, patient support, prevention information and education, detection, and treatment.
Model collaborative behavior consistent with the Society’s cultural beliefs and values.