Major and Planned Giving Officer

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society, Inc.•Dallas, TX

101d

About The Position

As a member of the Dallas Arboretum’s Advancement Team, the Major & Planned Giving Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors to advance the mission and programs of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This position manages a portfolio of current and prospective donors, focusing on deepening relationships, securing major and planned gifts, and strengthening long-term philanthropic support. Working closely with the Vice President of Development and the broader Advancement team, the Major & Planned Giving Officer builds meaningful donor partnerships and expands the Arboretum’s planned giving program to ensure sustainable growth for future generations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE credential preferred.
Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with demonstrated success in major and planned giving.
Strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles and donor cultivation best practices.
Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills; comfortable discussing both current and deferred giving opportunities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling donor materials.
Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Proficient in CRM and fundraising software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge).
Adhere to the Arboretum’s Core Values: Innovation, Community, Learning, and Sustainability.
Ability to pass all pre-employment requirements including background check and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a cultural, educational, or environmental nonprofit setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, cultivating relationships that lead to major and planned gifts.
Identify, engage, and solicit donors through personal visits, proposals, and customized cultivation strategies.
Develop and present compelling cases for support that align donor interests with institutional priorities.
Implement strategies to increase donor retention, renewals, and upgrades through individualized engagement plans.
Lead and grow the Arboretum’s planned giving program, serving as a primary contact for donors considering bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and other deferred gifts.
Educate donors and internal stakeholders about planned giving opportunities through one-on-one meetings, materials, and presentations.
Partner with the Vice President, Development and Finance Office to ensure accurate documentation, acknowledgment, and compliance for planned gifts.
Build relationships with estate planning professionals and community partners to expand outreach and visibility.
Steward and track members of any established legacy or planned giving society.
Collaborate across all areas of Advancement, including Sales, Special Events, Membership, Marketing, and Guest Experience, to ensure a coordinated and donor-centered approach to engagement and fundraising.
Partner with internal stakeholders throughout the organization to identify, articulate, and present funding priorities that align donor interests with institutional needs.
Work with colleagues across departments to plan and deliver meaningful donor experiences, such as private tours, cultivation events, and recognition opportunities.
Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans to recognize and retain donors.
Provide exceptional donor service, ensuring timely communication, acknowledgment, and follow-up.
Coordinate recognition opportunities for major and planned giving donors to strengthen engagement and loyalty.
Record all donor interactions, proposals, and progress in the CRM system (e.g. Raiser’s Edge) to support accurate records and effective Moves Management.
Prepare reports tracking performance metrics such as donor engagement, retention, and planned giving commitments.
Maintain confidentiality and ensure accuracy of donor records and documentation.