Director Planned Giving

Providence•Santa Monica, CA

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director of Planned Giving, the Director of Planned Giving manages, plans, coordinates, and implements a comprehensive estate planning and planned‑gift program in support of Saint John’s mission. This role is responsible for securing planned gifts, expanding major and planned giving donor relationships, and growing the philanthropic constituency through thoughtful, donor‑centered fundraising strategies. The Director applies relevant laws and regulations across all aspects of charitable giving, partners closely with donors and their advisors, and serves as a trusted resource to Foundation leadership and health‑center executives on planned‑giving matters. The role balances strategic program development with hands-on donor engagement to ensure sustainable growth, compliance, and stewardship excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education/experience.
6+ years of experience in planned giving or a related field within a large nonprofit organization.
Demonstrated success in estate planning and major‑gift solicitation.
Experience in strategic planning, proposal development, and planned‑giving portfolio management.
Ability to work effectively with donors, professional advisors, executives, and Foundation colleagues.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
High ethical standards and strong donor‑advocacy mindset.
Attention to detail, sound judgment, and ability to manage complex gift arrangements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and/or Financial Planning (preferred)
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and/or Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) (preferred upon hire)
Planned‑giving coursework, certification, or prior planned‑giving role experience (preferred)
Ideal candidates may include individuals currently serving as an Assistant Director of Planned Giving at a large organization or a Director of Planned Giving at a smaller organization seeking growth within a larger program.

Responsibilities

Planned Giving Strategy & Program Leadership Develop and implement an effective planned‑giving strategy aligned with Saint John’s mission and the needs of current and prospective donors.
Create, monitor, and update both annual and long‑range strategic plans for the planned‑giving program with measurable goals and outcomes.
Develop budgets and planning processes that ensure continuity and long‑term growth of the program.
Donor Identification, Cultivation & Stewardship Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making major and planned gifts.
Formulate individualized solicitation strategies tailored to donor interests and philanthropic goals.
Respond promptly and thoughtfully to donor and prospective‑donor inquiries regarding planned gifts and bequests.
Track estate gifts from probate through completion and ensure accurate stewardship throughout the process.
Manage the planned‑giving donor recognition society, The Madeleine Society.
Technical Expertise & Compliance In consultation with donors’ advisors, provide legal and tax information related to bequests and life-income gifts.
Draft and review gift illustrations and planned‑giving legal documents.
Partner with legal counsel to advise Foundation staff and health‑center leadership on legal matters related to planned giving, including regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
Ensure systems and processes are in place to minimize litigation risk and protect donor interests.
Maintain expertise in the technical aspects of planned giving, including evolving regulations and best practices.
Professional & Community Engagement Identify, cultivate, and educate financial professionals—such as attorneys, estate planners, financial advisors, and realtors—about Saint John’s mission and giving opportunities.
Develop and deliver planned‑giving seminars for donors and professional audiences.
Establish and lead a Planned Giving Advisory Council composed of financial professionals who serve as ambassadors in the community.
Represent the Foundation through participation in professional and civic organizations as appropriate.
Operations, Governance & Collaboration Work closely with other Foundation team members to coordinate cultivation and stewardship of planned‑giving prospects.
Oversee planned‑giving donor records and database integrity.
Assist the COO and CFO in maintaining audit trails and documentation for planned‑giving transactions.
Provide staffing support for the Legacy (Planned Giving) Committee and participate in committees as directed.
Ensure quality and accuracy of all planned‑giving publications, mailings, and communications.
Maintain departmental policies, procedures, performance‑improvement standards, and safety practices.
Mission & Professional Development Demonstrate Saint John’s core values of dignity, justice, compassion, integrity, and excellence in all interactions.
Maintain professional growth through continuing education, training, seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of organizational objectives.