Gift Planning Officer (Planned Giving)

Arbor Day Foundation•Lincoln, NE

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Arbor Day Foundation is seeking a Gift Planning Officer to join their Development team. This role is crucial for growing and strengthening the foundation's planned giving program. The officer will be responsible for cultivating donor relationships, securing legacy gifts, and building a pipeline to support long-term mission impact. The position reports to the Director, Development and collaborates with other Development Officers, Individual Engagement, Marketing, and cross-functional partners including legal and accounting.

Requirements

Passion for the Foundation’s mission, nature, environmental stewardship, and people
Experience in planned giving, major gifts, financial planning, estate planning, charitable advising, or related relationship-based work
Working knowledge of planned giving vehicles such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and gifts of non-cash assets (stock, real estate, etc.)
Ability to analyze donor data, identify high-potential prospects, and prioritize pipeline opportunities
Proven ability to build and steward meaningful donor relationships and secure philanthropic commitments
Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex giving strategies into clear, compelling conversations
A highly relational, detail-oriented approach with professionalism, empathy, and discretion
Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and build strong cross-functional partnerships

Responsibilities

Cultivate, solicit, and secure planned gifts including bequests, estate gifts, and gifts of non-cash assets
Build and manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects, guiding donors from initial engagement through commitment
Develop lead generation strategies and donor experiences in partnership with Marketing and Individual Engagement
Identify major gift opportunities within the planned giving pipeline and collaborate with Development Officers to grow lifetime giving
Deliver a high-quality, personalized donor experience through thoughtful outreach, stewardship, and relationship management
Leverage tools such as CRM, FreeWill, and DonorSearch to support pipeline growth and reporting
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions, commitments, and strategies
Partner cross-functionally to ensure planned gifts are properly processed, documented, and stewarded
Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen donor experience and operational efficiency

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage – Multiple plan options, including PPO and HDHP.
Company-Paid Life Insurance – $15,000 basic coverage, plus voluntary options.
Short- & Long-Term Disability – Fully covered by the company.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential counseling and resources for you and your family.
Supplemental Insurance Options – Accident, Critical Illness (includes infertility coverage), and Hospital Indemnity plans available for additional protection.
401(k) Retirement Plan – Immediate eligibility with company match up to 5%; full vesting after 5 years.
Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account – Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Paid Holidays – Eight paid holidays, one floating holiday, and an annual “Unplug Time” during the holidays.
Parental Leave – 12 weeks paid for birthing parents; 2 weeks paid for non-birthing parents. Also including for adoptions.
Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick leave, volunteer time off
Professional Development – Access to LinkedIn Learning and tuition reimbursement.
Annual Learning Goal – Encouraged to spend 40+ hours on development.
HealthJoy App – Included with health plan for easy care navigation.
Wellness & Recognition – Incentives, recognition gifts awarded for work anniversaries & birthdays
Exclusive Discounts & Free Admission – Tree Adventure, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, golf and more.