Planned Giving Officer

National Geographic Society•Washington, DC

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Advancement team cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals, as well as foundation, government and corporate partners who invest in the Society to drive impact through science, technology, education, exploration, and storytelling. The team collaborates with Society teams to build transformative and impact-driven strategic partnerships. The team also produces global events that deepen connections and leverage the Society’s power to convene, and directs robust annual, major and planned giving programs empowering the Society with a broad base of public support. The Planned Giving Officer (PGO) reports to the Senior Director, Planned Giving and is responsible for planned giving prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure of gifts. The PGO personally manages a strategic portfolio of committed and prospective planned giving donors in a selected territory representing approximately one third of the United States. The PGO will respond in a timely manner to requests for information through our comprehensive marketing plan that generates inquiries by phone, mail, and email. The PGO is also responsible for the stewardship of legacy donors based on their selected territory.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
7+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in a nonprofit development / fundraising setting.
Demonstrated knowledge of planned giving vehicles and associated tax and estate planning issues, including gifts through wills, revocable trusts, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder unitrusts, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, beneficiary designation, securities, donor-advised funds, and others.
Demonstrated success in securing planned and outright gifts within a nonprofit environment, including experience managing larger or complex gift situations and blended gifts.
Proficiency in PG Calc gift planning software to develop charitable gift annuity illustrations and contracts.
Strong project-management and organization skills.
Self-motivated and capable of working proactively and independently.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Creative thinking, writing, editing and proofreading skills.
Database experience and ability with CRM systems such as Raiser's Edge.
Understanding and appreciation of NGS mission and capacity to project aims and values of NGS to donors and prospects.
Willingness to travel throughout your region on a frequent basis.
Exceptional communication skills (written/verbal), sound judgment and professional demeanor when interacting with senior executives, high net worth individuals, and donors, including an older population.
Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of Planned Giving donors and prospects to secure philanthropic support for NGS activities and initiatives, including traveling frequently to cultivate donors and prospects in person to build these relationships and raising at least $3.75M in commitments in year one.
Respond and manage long-term follow up with planned giving marketing inquiries on planned giving vehicles including bequests, life income gifts, and non-cash assets.
Prepare proposals, tailored correspondence, and other materials for planned and blended gifts, making them clear and persuasive for donors and advisors.
Conduct a minimum of 70 purposeful donor visits in year one (virtual or in-person) including discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings, solo or in collaboration with major and principal gifts.
Lead stewardship efforts to keep legacy donors engaged and recognized for their contributions, including stewardship and cultivation activities for members of the Alexander Graham Bell Legacy Society.
Participate in donor events as a representative of the National Geographic Society.
Provide input to planned gift marketing materials and strategies, including: providing key educational messages, identifying target audiences, and selecting donors to be featured.
Work closely with the Senior Director, Planned Giving and Leadership Giving to integrate planned giving into the wider fundraising strategy and provide technical assistance to fundraisers to increase capacity to solicit planned gifts and gifts of noncash assets.
Track all activities including contact reports in Raiser’s Edge database for accuracy and completion.
Stay up to date on trends, best practices, and legal considerations in planned giving and philanthropy.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with National Geographic legal and finance staff, program staff, communications and marketing staff, and others to acquire the information needed to solicit and close gifts and build donor relationships effectively.
Perform additional responsibilities, special projects, and assignments as required to support departmental goals and institutional priorities.

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision insurance
engaging and comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31
paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
learning and development opportunities
Lifestyle Spending Account
pet adoption assistance and insurance
pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks