The Planned Giving Officer will identify, cultivate, and solicit planned gift prospects in support of Farm Sanctuary’s annual fundraising goals. In addition, the Planned Giving Officer will promote legacy giving, serve as a steward to donors who have already included Farm Sanctuary in their estate plans, and ensure that all Legacy Society members receive proper recognition. Position works in collaboration with the Major Gifts team and reports to the Director of Development & Communication.

Responsibilities

Working with the Director of Development & Communication, assess and expand current planned giving programs.
Identify, cultivate and solicit planned gift prospects. This may include but is not limited to:
Handling all planned giving correspondence.
Performing donor visits associated with gift cultivation, consultations, and stewardship, traveling to prospect locations if necessary.
Coordinating sanctuary tours as appropriate, traveling to participate in tour if necessary.
Inform and educate donors on the benefits of planned giving and communicate various planned gift vehicles that will address their philanthropic and financial goals while also supporting Farm Sanctuary.
Develop and maintain a portfolio of planned giving prospects and existing donors.
Maintain and develop procedures in coordination with headquarters office to ensure effective record keeping.
Handle all requests for information on planned giving opportunities, including online, mail, and telephone inquiries.
Coordinate the production of all related written materials, including web content, printed materials, and any other item designed to promote planned giving.
Analyze current membership and develop appropriate planned giving opportunities for Farm Sanctuary supporters.
Identify prospective major gift donors within Legacy Society membership and develop an appropriate strategy with Major Gifts team for cultivation and solicitation.
Maintain current knowledge of federal and state tax laws that impact planned giving options.
Maintain deep and ongoing understanding of Farm Sanctuary’s mission, values, and programs
Special projects, assignments, and other duties as directed.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in financial planning, estate planning, financial or investment management, or a relevant field — An advanced degree is preferred.
A minimum of three years’ experience in planned giving fundraising with a demonstrated ability to close gifts
Demonstrated success engaging and building relationships with key stakeholders
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills necessary to tailor messages to various audiences and be an effective representative for Farm Sanctuary
Strong project management skills — Ability to manage systems, set priorities, and work independently is essential.
Knowledge of fundraising principles and techniques in a large organization — Knowledge of gift planning vehicles, marketing techniques, and relevant financial and legal technical issues is essential.
Ability to clearly articulate Farm Sanctuary’s mission, goals, and values to donors
Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information secure
Proficiency with MS Office — Experience working with philanthropic databases is preferred.
To represent organizational mission in member relations, candidate must be vegetarian/vegan or aspiring to be vegan by the time of accepting this position.
Knowledge of animal protection movement and issues is preferred.

Job Specifications

Full-time, exempt position
Position available no earlier than October 1, 2015
Requires significant travel (at least 50 percent of hours) to manage a portfolio with a broad geographic range
Flexibility to work some weekends and evenings consistent with a front-line fundraising role required
Position location flexible with preference for Los Angeles, CA, or major city to accommodate nationwide travel requirements

How to apply

All interested applicants are required to complete Farm Sanctuary’s Employment Application. Instructions for sending supplemental materials will be provided within the application.

For questions or to request a copy of the employment application by mail, please contact humanresources@farmsanctuary.org.