Director of Major and Planned Gift Giving

Position Title: Director of Major and Planned Gifts
Department:
Development

Reports to:
Chief Development Officer
Position Type:
Full Time, Exempt

Pay Range:
$100,000 to $130,000 annually
Job
Level: Experienced Level

The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden’s mission is to cultivate our natural, horticultural, and historic resources for learning, enjoyment, and inspiration. This vibrant gem is the result of an exciting partnership between the nonprofit Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation (LAAF) and the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). As it celebrates its 77th year, the Arboretum invites you to explore its stunning 127 acres, brimming with diverse plant life and captivating history. Join over 600,000 passionate and enthusiastic visitors each year and immerse yourself in a world of beauty, learning, and wonder.

Position Summary:

The Director of Major and Planned Gifts is a full-time, onsite position that will work closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to create and implement a highly visible and effective planned gift program. In addition, the Director of Major and Planned Gifts will also cultivate, engage, solicit, and steward new and existing donors to increase essential philanthropic support.

Essential Duties:

• Direct and implement the Arboretum’s Major Gifts and Planned Giving programs in support of ongoing operations, programs, capital projects, and endowment growth. Assist CDO with establishing current year and long-term goals and objectives, strategic planning, and growth plans for the Arboretum’s fundraising programs.
• Develop and steward a portfolio of donors by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding them to contribute major gifts ($10,000+) and planned gifts. In collaboration with the CDO, support the development of metrics and tracking of key performance indicators to ensure the success of the Development Plan.
• Launch and implement an expanded program to attract and educate Planned Gift donors, to grow the Arboretum’s Samuel Ayres Legacy Society, and ensure a pipeline of future legacy gifts. This includes development of marketing materials related to planned gifts and blended gifts via print and digital communications.
  
• Develop and execute an ongoing major gift, planned giving, and stewardship program that includes in-person and phone contact along with electronic and print communication to maintain and deepen relationships. As appropriate, coordinate communication approaches with other Development, Marketing, and Senior Staff.
• Collaborate effectively with Senior Staff and Trustees on planning and execution, including development of gift proposals and solicitation in order to create effective donor cultivation.
• Develop and maintain an understanding of all Arboretum programs and priorities to create and execute customized solicitation strategies that best integrate donor interests with the strategic objectives of the Arboretum.
• Coordinate the scheduling of donor visits, preparing all parties as appropriate.
• Stay current on developments within the field of Philanthropy and Planned Giving to bring value to donor relationships.
• Support the growth of the Benefactor program and participate in planning and communication; attend Benefactor events to further engage and steward Arboretum supporters.
• Support the Development Department in special fundraising initiatives that may develop from time to time.
  
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

These specifications are general guidelines based upon the minimum ordinarily considered essential to satisfactory performance in this position. Individual skills and abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.

The following is required to effectively perform in this position:

• Proven success in raising major gifts ($10,000+), managing donor portfolios, and securing planned gift commitments.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communications to enhance positive relations with prospects and donors.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and proposals in a clear, compelling, and authentic voice.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect and relate to donors in an authentic, relationship-driven approach.
  
• Collaborative team player with the ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions across all stakeholder groups from donors to staff to external audiences. Ability to effectively represent the organization in public forums.
• Must be technologically savvy, with computer skills to meet the needs of the job, preferably including Blackbaud’s Altru or other Customer Relationship Management software; Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook.
• Current knowledge of fundraising procedures and best practices.
• A customer orientation, providing a level of concierge care to our highest-level supporters while maintaining information in confidence.
• A positive, friendly disposition to represent the Arboretum and the ability to collaborate with others.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and five years of effective performance in a Major Gift/Planned Gift role or successful progression into that role.
• A valid Driver’s License, car, and personal automobile liability insurance or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation needed to perform job-related essential duties that may include offsite donor and donor prospect meetings.
• The Director of Major and Planned Gifts must be able to perform this job safely, without endangering the health or safety of him/herself or others

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position does not currently have supervisory responsibility.

Working Conditions:

The working environment for this position is a shared office that is clean and comfortable. It may include some minor annoyances such as noise, odors, and drafts. This position is in a non-confined, office-type environment in which he or she is free to move about at will.

Physical Activity:

In the course of performing this work, the Director of Major and Planned Gifts will spend the majority of the time sitting, speaking, and listening with significant computer work and regular telephone work. He or she may be required to lift up to 15 lbs. (i.e. office supplies, files, event supplies, etc.).