Director, Gift Planning

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing, and New Delhi (a subsidiary of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd.). NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Position Summary NRDC is seeking a Director, Gift Planning to secure planned gifts by identifying and building relationships with those donors who have a propensity for making future gifts for the organization. The Director will manage two additional planned giving officers and work closely with the Senior Director, Gift Planning, and major and membership gift officers to conduct solicitations for planned gifts. Responsibilities Create and execute front-line comprehensive strategy and workplan in line with department goals and increase planned giving donors nationally. Strategically manage a portfolio of prospects (200-300) with capacity and interest from identification to securing planned gifts. Partner with membership gift officers to identify, cultivate and motivate members to make significant gifts, assisting them with gift planning strategies to increase the number of planned gifts nationally. Strategize with Major Gift and Membership Gift Officers to identify planned giving prospects from their respective portfolios and increase the number of blended gifts to NRDC. Plan events that maximize donor and prospect cultivation opportunities. Cultivate prospects and current gift planning donors through in-person visits, phone calls, and written correspondence. Develop a strong working knowledge of NRDC funding priorities and campaign objectives to articulate a compelling case for support to all constituents. Manage and mentor a gift planning team by partnering, coaching, equipping and encouraging development staff to pursue planned gift opportunities, assisting them in the design and implementation of individualized strategies for the identification, cultivation, and solicitation and stewardship of planned, major and blended gifts as appropriate. The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s responsibility. Other duties may be assigned. Minimum Education & Experiences Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience required. 7+ years of previous work experience in gift planning fundraising or related experience with proven success of 6-7-figure planned gifts. 3+ years of previous experience in direct supervision or management of others. Skills, Abilities, Competencies Proficiency in Salesforce (or similar database) and PGCalc. Creative problem‑solving skills to engage and cultivate relationships with donors. Efficient multi‑tasker and flexible in working towards philanthropy goals. Familiarity with financial, legal and investment topics relating to gift planning and the ability to communicate those topics in lay person’s language. Enthusiastic, outgoing, and can handle simultaneous, ongoing projects. Ability to work independently and with a team. Excellent oral and written communication skills. A commitment to continued education regarding gift planning and fundraising in general. Keen interest in nature and the environment is preferred. Ability to travel up to 50% regionally and nationally to visit donors, prospects and colleagues. Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles is essential. Benefits We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and is commensurate with skills and experience. Internal equity will be reviewed and considered to determine a final offer. For this position, the salary range is $145,000 to $170,000. NRDC operates under a hybrid work model. Employees are required to come to the office 8 days per month. EEO Statement NRDC is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in our work and in our workplace. We believe that celebrating and actively welcoming diverse voices and perspectives is essential to solving the planet's most pressing environmental problems, and we encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under‑represented in the environmental movement. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. #J-18808-Ljbffr