Planned Giving Specialist / Senior Planned Giving Specialist (Level commensurate with experience)

Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Inc.•Yorktown Heights, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Planned Giving Specialist plays an important role in advancing the mission of Guiding Eyes as a key member of the Planned Giving team. This position supports the administration of bequests and leads donor acquisition and stewardship efforts that drive both immediate impact and long-term sustainability. As part of a robust and growing Planned Giving program, this role ensures the accurate, timely, and thoughtful administration of estate gifts while maintaining a high level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail. In parallel, it fosters meaningful relationships with donors, providing responsive, high-touch engagement and a strong sense of connection to the organization’s mission. This position will help share the story of the organization’s life-changing work with donors and the broader community. Through thoughtful stewardship, personalized outreach, and compelling storytelling, this role inspires confidence in the impact of philanthropic support – helping to build lasting partnerships, expand the organization’s reach, and transform lives, one guide dog team at a time. We’re seeking a proactive, thoughtful communicator who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. If you are passionate about building meaningful connections, delivering exceptional donor experiences, and contributing to work that transforms lives, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Self-motivated and dependable, with the ability to build meaningful connections with donors, supporters, and the public, demonstrating poise, warmth, and a passion for advancing Guiding Eyes’ mission.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and respond thoughtfully and tactfully, both verbally and in writing.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Flexible and adaptable team player who is comfortable taking on new challenges and supporting shared goals across a collaborative environment.
High level of discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
Consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, professional demeanor, and welcoming presence.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience working with Salesforce or a similar CRM, or demonstrated ability to learn quickly.
Demonstrated interest in charitable estate and gift planning and willingness to develop knowledge of planned giving fundamentals.
Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of donor engagement, events, and organizational priorities.
Willingness and ability to travel as needed, including, but not limited to, day trips, overnight stays (which may include weekends), and airline travel within the U.S. and Canada.
Comfortable working in an environment with large, active dogs.
Must be authorized to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Experience in fundraising, development, or a related nonprofit environment.
Familiarity with, or interest in, charitable estate and gift planning, including planned giving vehicles and related tax considerations.
Experience with planned giving software such as PG Calc.

Responsibilities

Review and manage all incoming planned giving correspondence, ensuring accurate and timely updates in Salesforce and the organized maintenance of paper and electronic files.
Manage new bequest setups with diligence and attention to detail, including entering and verifying donor and bequest information in Salesforce, reviewing donor history, preparing acknowledgment letters, and establishing tracking systems.
Administer active bequests and trusts with a focus on precision and follow-through, including recording distributions, processing gifts, preparing acknowledgments, maintaining communication with attorneys and executors, and ensuring records are complete.
Complete claim processes for beneficiary-designated assets (IRAs, brokerage, and bank accounts) with accuracy and persistence.
Support audit processes by assembling documentation in a timely and organized manner.
Assist with Charitable Gift Annuities, ensuring careful tracking, compliance, and follow-up, including monitoring payments and supporting recovery efforts.
Respond thoughtfully to planned giving inquiries, ensuring each donor receives clear, timely, and personalized information.
Support the Pathfinder Society (legacy society) with a focus on meaningful recognition and engagement, including preparing materials, maintaining records, and assisting with stewardship-related travel and events.
Help coordinate consistent and personal outreach, including birthday and holiday communications.
Prepare donor lists for publications with a high level of accuracy and respect for donor recognition preferences.
Assist in maintaining communication lists to ensure donors receive information in their preferred format.
Maintain accurate and respectful records of both current and deceased donors.
Provide support to Development initiatives, cross-functional projects, events, and campaigns in alignment with organizational priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the departmental and organizational mission.