What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Planned Giving position at U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation?
The position of Director, Planned Giving is part of a passionate and energetic team, all of whom are driven to advance our mission as well as their own professional and personal growth. The team works closely together to think strategically, address opportunities and challenges, as well as search for ways to improve both team and individual performance. This position reports to the Vice President, Development and works closely with the Executive Vice President of the Foundation, as well as with colleagues across the Alumni Association & Foundation and the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA). She/he will lead two direct reports in the Office of Planned Giving and work closely with the Foundation's Regional Development Team and Research & Portfolio Management Team.
Additionally, due to our unique public-private partnership, the Managing Development Director, Planned Giving will collaborate on complex giving and engagement opportunities with Naval Academy senior leadership, civilian / military faculty, as well as key alumni, parents, and friends volunteer leaders.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve in a leadership capacity as the program manager for the Office of Planned Giving, which includes, but is not limited to: staff management, strategic planning, program assessment, as well as oversee planned gift administration, reporting, stewardship (via the Robert Means Thompson Society), and marketing.
- Develop and manage a portfolio of principal and major gift planned giving donors who are capable of making significant investments in support of the Naval Academy and donors' own philanthropic goals.
- Work closely to advise, support, and educate the staff of the Foundation on both basic and complex planned giving strategies.
- Commitment to meet and exceed team and individual annual goals for dollars raised and corresponding tracked activity, such as meetings and other substantial interactions.
- Think and execute strategically to build upon an already robust Planned Giving program that will be integral in the Alumni Association & Foundation's next comprehensive campaign, including the promotion of new endowment funds, such as the Long Blue Line Fund and the Athletic Excellence Legacy Fund
- Integrate into a culture that emphasizes excellence, lifelong learning, and a performance management system that sets high expectations and drives results
Qualifications
- At least seven years' direct non-profit fundraising/development experience, preferably in higher education, including meaningful experience raising planned gifts in a comprehensive institutional development operation.
- Significant knowledge of planned giving strategies is required, including:
- Knowledge of planned giving vehicles
- Knowledge of current laws, trends, and news related to planned giving
- Knowledge of best practices for marketing to prospective planned giving donors
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Outstanding leadership and management skills
- Dedication to growth and professional development
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; Master's or advanced degree preferred
- Highly capable in Microsoft Office products and telecommunications software, such as videoconferencing platforms
- Aptitude for complex fundraising or sales database systems, preferably experience in Blackbaud CRM or similar systems
- Overnight travel for donor meetings as well as participation in evening and weekend events, including, but not limited to, Navy football games, academic conferences, and lectures as needed
- Approaches each day with grit and optimism, works with enthusiasm, thinks with intellect and acts with honesty and humility
- Perform or assist other duties as assigned