Senior Planned Giving and Major Gifts Officer

Chicago, IL

Hybrid

Position Overview

This is an opportunity for you to play a critical role at an impactful organization in Chicago, IL. As the Senior Planned Giving and Major Gift Officer, you will be responsible for expanding the planned giving program, securing major gifts of $10,000 , and building on the donor base. In partnership with the Senior Director of Strategic Giving, you will manage 50-75 prospects, oversee the donor lifecycle, and drive revenue and department goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop measurable goals and outcomes for the planned giving program in collaboration with the Senior Director of Strategic Giving
• Create and execute a comprehensive marketing plan with Stelter, utilizing direct mail, email, and web presence to promote planned giving
• Act as the subject matter expert on gift planning, providing materials and guidance to the fundraising team
• Oversee the administration and reporting of all deferred/planned gifts, including bequests, trusts, life insurance, and real estate
• Liaise with gift processing and finance teams to ensure proper administration and accounting of planned gifts
• Prepare reports, proposals, correspondence, and briefing materials for donor solicitations
• Partner with the Cultivation and Stewardship Manager to develop a recognition program for planned gift donors
• Stay informed on tax laws and regulations affecting complex and deferred gifts
• Leverage technology and analytics to enhance donor engagement and grow the planned giving program
• Organize and support events for major and planned giving prospects
• Develop "top prospect" lists and individualized relationship action plans based on giving history and research
• Collaborate with senior leadership on major gift solicitations and donor recognition efforts
• Assist in cultivation and stewardship activities with the development team
• Prepare high-level documents, including gift proposals, presentations, and budget forecasts
• Maintain accurate donor records with timely updates on contacts and relevant data

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of development experience preferred
• Proven Major Gifts experience in a nonprofit, educational institution, or similarly complex environment
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage donors, volunteers, and colleagues effectively
• Team-oriented, enthusiastic contributor to Major Gifts and the broader organization
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment, able to multitask and manage multiple priorities
• Proactive, with a demonstrated ability to take initiative and embrace new projects
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience with development databases (Raiser's Edge/NXT preferred)

Compensation

• Salary: $85,000 - $95,000
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Parental Leave
• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
• $250.00 employee Referral bonus