Director of Planned Giving

Title: Director, Planned Giving

Division: External Affairs / Individual Giving

Reports to: Vice President of Individual Giving

Matrix Management: N/A

Supervises: 1 Associate

Salary: $120,000 - $130,000

Location: Hybrid ,Washington, DC, preferred

Job Summary

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) seeks an experienced Director of Planned Giving to lead a key initiative in our five-year, $300 million fundraising campaign. Launched in 2023, the campaign includes a goal of $50 million in new planned giving commitments, helping ensure a strong revenue pipeline for future gifts supporting our mission and programs.

The Director of Planned Giving will oversee 1-2 staff, develop donor strategies, and collaborate with senior leadership to execute successful gift planning tactics. Focusing on estate, trust, and deferred gifts, the Director will work primarily with a US-based audience and help grow an existing legacy society of ~400 members. The position reports to the Vice President of Individual Giving and is based in Washington, DC (a hybrid work schedule is possible). Must have the flexibility to travel frequently (including internationally). Some evening and weekend hours for donor outreach or event participation will be required.

This Director of Planned Giving position offers an exciting opportunity to lead a critical fundraising program for a significant campaign while working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about securing meaningful gifts and building lasting relationships with donors.

Responsibilities

• Expand and grow the Planned Giving program to ensure a sustainable future revenue pipeline for the organization’s mission and programs.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding legacy gifts, including estates, trusts, and planned gifts.
• Collaborate with the VP of Individual Giving, Director of Major Gifts, Director of Annual Giving, and other senior leadership to align Planned Giving goals with broader fundraising objectives.
• Establish annual and monthly Planned Giving goals and provide regular performance reports to the VP of Individual Giving.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a Planned Giving associate, ensuring alignment with fundraising goals and KPIs.
• Foster a high-performance culture, providing professional development, training, and learning opportunities for team members.
• Manage a portfolio and steward existing legacy society members to ensure their continued engagement.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with donors to secure a long-term commitment to the organization’s mission.
• Collaborate with the organization’s Planned Giving agency (Stelter) to execute fundraising campaigns, increase donor engagement, and close new planned gifts.
• Work with the VP of Individual Giving to manage and monitor the budget for all legacy fundraising activities.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and consistent record-keeping of donor information in the organization's database (NXT).
• Promote and support an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion in all Planned Giving and donor relations.
• Participate in events and donor outreach, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• Travel frequently (including internationally) to engage with donors and participate in relevant events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least seven years of experience, specifically in planned giving, with a proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing legacy gifts.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to mentor and motivate a team to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing fundraising strategies in gift planning.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to build relationships with high-net-worth individuals and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in common industry databases and software including, but not limited to, Raiser’s Edge (NXT), PG Calc, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Commitment to promote the mission and values of the African Wildlife Foundation, including a personal passion for the environment, conservation, preservation, and wildlife.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.