The Gifts Planning Manager will serve as the principal gift-planning fundraiser with current individual donors, prospects and professional advisors. The position will assist in the development and contribute to the implementation of fundraising goals/strategies with an emphasis on major gifts, planned giving and some grant writing. Additionally, this position will work closely with members of Donor Relations on the identification, solicitation and cultivation of prospects for major and planned gifts and will provide stewardship of such donors and contributions.
Essential Duties:
- Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
- Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions through planned giving; develop and preserve relationships with existing supporters and major gift prospects; identify new target audiences.
- Conduct measurable personal visitations to develop one-on-one relationships with potential donors.
- Secure donations or bequest commitments from individuals.
- Participate in capital campaign efforts with major gift efforts from both individuals and foundations, assist with donor profiles and proposed gift solicitation strategies.
- Work closely with the Zoo’s Donor Relations Team and coordinate the Planned Giving Advisory Committee to develop and review donor and prospect lists; integrate planned gifts into the Zoo’s overall revenue-generating strategy, and initiate methods to market the planned giving program.
- Serve as liaison for the Planned Giving Advisory Committee by scheduling meetings, engagement, and arranging for hospitality.
- Collaborate with the Senior Vice President of Intuitional Advancement in the coordination of all fundraising activities, including grant and proposal writing. Plan, implement, and execute events aimed at strengthening the existing planned giving program, and establishing new initiatives.
- Manage the Antler Society Program; contact, visit, and develop relationships with members.
- Monitor records of contributed funds and timely acknowledgment to donors. Maintain record-keeping system in Salesforce.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate various prospect cultivation and donor recognition programs to engage and increase the interest of major donors.
- Explain the tax advantages of contributions to potential donors.
- Communicate with professionals such as attorneys, trust officers and financial planners to assist their clients in considering gift options.
- Educate volunteers, staff, and donors on planned giving through seminars and estate planning presentations.
- Stay up to date on new or changing donation options and related tax implications and reporting requirements to inform both donors as well as the Zoo’s Gift Acceptance Policy decisions.
- This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.
- Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments.)
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in related field such as non-profit, business, public administration or accounting preferred.
- Minimum three years’ experience in charitable gifts, specifically required in planned giving.
- Prior experience with non-profit management, budgeting and evaluation techniques preferred.
- Knowledgeable in appropriate tax laws, gift administration, planned giving instruments and financial institutions.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to deliver presentations to various audiences.
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to establish effective relationships with prospects, donors, trustees, staff and professional advisors.
- Must be proficient in Windows applications, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Salesforce is a plus.
- Ability to exercise and maintain the highest level of discretion related to donor/prospect information.
- High level of self-direction, self-motivation and ability to set priorities, reach goals, evaluate and report results.
- Ability to effectively secure significant donations from individual, corporate and foundation prospects.
- Experience working with volunteers on fundraising.
- Must have reliable transportation for off-site functions and visits as well as possess a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to work occasional evening, early morning or weekend work required.
- Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.
Perks
- The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation is committed to maintaining the health and well-being of its employees.
- We offer a wide range of benefits for qualified employees designed to address the diverse needs of our employees and their families, such as: Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Coverage (Domestic Partnership Benefits Available) Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long Term Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Sick Leave (PSL)
- 401(k) Plan with Match
- Phoenix Zoo Membership
- Employee WILD Rewards Program
- Service Awards
- Employee Cultural Exchange Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program (for qualified courses)
- Outside Vendor Discounts
