Planned Gifts Director-Foundation

Job Objective:

Responsible for identifying, cultivating, closing and stewarding planned and estate gift commitments to grow the organization’s long‑term endowment and strengthen the future major‑gift pipeline. Focuses exclusively on planned/estate gifts while collaborating with Annual Fund, Major Gifts colleagues, Thompson & Associates and external advisors.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and report suspected violations.
• Identifies, researches and qualifies prospects for planned and estate gifts; develops and maintains a prioritized prospect list and robust schedule of personal visits.  
• Cultivates relationships with donors, grateful patients, volunteers, annual fund members, senior/retirement communities, non‑designated country club members in the Coachella Valley and professional advisors to generate planned‑giving prospects and referrals.  
• Conducts confidential, personalized meetings to discuss planned‑giving options (bequests, CRTs, CGAs, charitable lead trusts, life estates, retirement plan beneficiary designations, etc.).  
• Coordinates technical estate‑planning consultations with Thompson & Associates and other external advisors; review documentation with internal Gift Officers and legal counsel as needed.  
• Prepares and presents planned‑giving proposals and illustrations using Crescendo (or equivalent); explains financial and tax implications to donors and advisors.  
• Negotiates, documents and closes planned‑gift commitments in accordance with gift acceptance policies; ensure timely issuance and accurate recording of gift documentation.  
• Stewards planned‑gift donors, manages legacy society membership and recognition and implements donor acknowledgement processes.  
• Maintains an accurate planned‑giving pipeline in the CRM; documents move management and provides regular pipeline and forecasting reports.  
• Collaborates with Annual Fund, Major Gift Officers and Marketing to integrate planned‑giving strategies into fundraising campaigns and communications; supports gift processing workflows. 
• Develops and delivers donor and professional advisor education programs (seminars, estate‑planning workshops, webinars) and produces planned‑giving marketing collateral and digital content. 
• Advises and trains development staff to identify planned‑giving opportunities and appropriately introduce planned‑gift conversations.  
• Provides timely, accurate responses to donor and prospect inquiries and maintains up‑to‑date records, notes and follow‑up communications.  
• Participates in community events and outreach that supports planned‑giving awareness and donor cultivation.
• Supports the Vice President and Senior Director in implementing planned‑giving policies, procedures and strategic initiatives.
• Develops and implements planned giving programs which incorporate planning, strategizing, prospect research, personal solicitations, follow-up and long-term donor/prospect, professional advisor engagement and education. 
• Identifies a pool of current, past and lapsed donor capable and inclined to make planned gifts. 
• Engages in ongoing professional development in planned giving, tax and estate law updates, Crescendo and CRM best practices and fundraising trends.  
• Attends relevant workshops, seminars and conferences to maintain technical proficiency and advisor relationships.
• May be required to travel to donor meetings, partner offices and Foundation events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Skils:

• Solid understanding of tax, estate and real‑estate related techniques as they relate to gift planning
• Ability to articulate and promote strategic planned‑giving opportunities and personalize proposals
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other relevant software applications
• Ability to work collaboratively with Foundation colleagues, professional advisors and community partners
• Comprehensive knowledge of planned‑giving vehicles and benefits (bequests, CRTs, CGAs, life estates, retirement plan beneficiary designations, etc.)
• Highly developed written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Personal characteristics associated with successful development officers: sound judgment, initiative, discretion and a professional demeanor
• Proficient with Crescendo (or equivalent planned‑giving illustration software) and donor CRM (Raiser’s Edge experience preferred)