Senior Gift Planning Officer

Within Advancement and Alumni Relations, the Senior Gift Planning Officer reports to the Director of Gift Planning.

 

As Senior Gift Planning Officer, the incumbent is responsible for initiating outreach to donors and prospects, encouraging and assisting them in making planned and outright gifts to Caltech, and for stewarding those who have already made such arrangements. They will have direct responsibility for a portion of the Institute’s dollar goal and will be responsible for their own portfolio of prospects and donors, as well as collaboration with other fundraisers on campus, including senior leadership.

·        Establishes relationships with planned giving donors and prospects that incorporate visits, proposals, and ongoing stewardship. Maintains personal responsibility for a portfolio of approximately 100 - 150 donors and prospects and is expected to make 8 – 10 donor visits per month and submit approximately 20 – 30 proposals per year. Expected to close $5 -$10M in new gifts and commitments per year between life income gifts, documented bequest intentions and outright gifts. Proposals and closed gifts should come through a combination of development of personal portfolio and consulting with major gift officers on planned and blended gifts in their portfolios.

·        Communicates complex gift and tax issues to donors, responsible for proposals that address advanced planned giving concepts, such as gifts of LLC and closely held stock interests and gifts of real property.

·        Uses specialized gift planning knowledge to evaluate donor expectations, goals, and financial situation in order to recommend optimal gifting options; responds effectively to unique donor circumstances.

·        Collaborates with other development officers to maximize donor and prospect interactions that will further cultivate and/or enhance the connection between the donor and the Institute.

·        Researches and provides detailed information upon request on topics including donor advised funds, gift annuity registration, current legislation, and numerous tax issues. Participates in collaboration and interaction with internal counsel. Serves as a key resource for OGP and other development staff on planned giving, tax, and estate/trust issues.

·        Provides leadership and guidance to support personnel and junior fundraisers; provides weighted input and recommendations on key department decisions.

·        Participates in the development and publication of marketing materials and publications highlighting and showcasing activities and achievements within the department.

·        Participates in development-specific and campus events as a representative of OGP.

·        A Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of progressively responsible experience in planned giving and management/oversight of planned giving functions is required.

·        A proven track record of successful planned gift solicitations at the six and seven figure level.

·        The candidate must have excellent interpersonal and communication (written/verbal) skills, advanced knowledge of various planned giving vehicles and expertise with financial planning techniques and related tax laws.

·        Must be a proven team player.

·        A self-starter; consistently meet aggressive goals and deadlines; manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously; and be able to exercise sound judgment while working with highly sensitive information and with a diverse prospect population.

·        Management experience in motivating professionals to conceptualize, design and implement a complex gift planning program within a major research university.  

·        Must have demonstrated success in professional environments that manage using metrics; relate well to and inspire confidence among older and/or prominent individuals, members of the academic community and those in legal and financial services professions.

·        Must be willing to travel throughout the United States on a frequent basis.

·        Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel.

·        Demonstrate the ability to practice and adhere to organizational values.  

·        An advanced degree or certification, such as a CFP, J.D., M.B.A. or CSPG is highly desirable.

·        A preference for candidates who are proficient in specialized planned giving software.

·        An authentic curiosity about science and technology and a strong appreciation for the extraordinary intellectual accomplishments and challenges of Caltech’s faculty and students.

·        A working understanding of a research university environment is helpful.