Gift Planning Officer

Natural Resources Defense Council•Washington, DC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

NRDC is seeking a Gift Planning Officer to join its Development team in a U.S.-based office, with a preference for New York or Washington, D.C. Reporting to the Director of Gift Planning, the officer will secure planned gifts by identifying and cultivating relationships with donors and professional advisors, educating constituents about charitable gift-planning options, and working with development colleagues to secure deferred and complex gifts that align with donor intent and organizational priorities. The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The NewsGuild-CWA Local 32035). The role manages a portfolio of 150–200 prospects and builds donor relationships through visits, calls, and written correspondence. It develops tailored proposals and gift illustrations, responds to donor questions, conducts educational presentations and seminars, and coordinates with colleagues and internal and external experts. The officer also maintains prospect and commitment records in the donor database and contributes to Gift Planning goals, strategies, and annual work plans. The stated responsibilities are not comprehensive, and other duties may be assigned. The position is based in a hybrid work model, with employees required to come to the office eight days per month. The role requires approximately 35% annual travel. NRDC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. The salary range is $95,000–$115,000, commensurate with skills and experience; internal equity will be considered in determining a final offer.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
4–7 years of previous planned-giving experience or relevant professional experience.
Strong writing skills and the ability to communicate regularly and compellingly with donors.
Collaborative and inclusive approach to interdepartmental and intradepartmental work.
Professional demeanor when interacting with NRDC donors and staff.
Ability to travel approximately 35% annually.
Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles.

Nice To Haves

Experience with advocacy or environmental groups.
Moves management and major gift solicitation experience.
Working knowledge of planned-giving databases, Salesforce, PG Calc, or other CRM platforms.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 150–200 prospects with demonstrated capacity and interest, guiding relationships from identification through the successful closing of planned gifts.
Build and sustain relationships with current and prospective gift-planning donors through in-person visits, phone calls, and written correspondence.
Develop customized gift-planning proposals and respond to donor inquiries about planned-giving vehicles.
Collaborate with the Director of Gift Planning, Major and Principal Gifts, and Membership Gift Officers to identify planned-giving prospects and support donor cultivation events.
Conduct donor visits, presentations, and educational seminars related to estate and gift planning.
Prepare tailored gift illustrations and proposals in coordination with internal and external experts.
Track and manage planned-giving prospects and commitments in the donor database, maintaining accurate records and reports.
Participate in team meetings and contribute to the development and execution of Gift Planning goals, strategies, and annual work plans.
Perform other duties as assigned.