Director of Planned Giving

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Director of Planned Giving in the Philanthropy Department to be based at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center located in Annapolis, MD.

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION

Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home. Through our education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration efforts, we work together toward our vision of a healthy and resilient Chesapeake Bay ecosystem where people, plants, and animals thrive together.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

The Director of Planned Giving provides strategic leadership for CBF's planned giving program, ensuring long-term philanthropic support through legacy gifts. The Director manages a portfolio of planned giving prospects, serves as a subject matter expert on planned giving and related tax and estate laws, partners with gift officers to advance blended asks, oversees marketing and communications, and enhances stewardship of legacy society members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategy and Program Development

• Provide strategic leadership for the planned giving program, designing and implementing approaches that integrate planned giving into fundraising efforts at every donor level.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward.
• Coach and support the Philanthropy team on planned gift cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Design and execute multi-channel marketing strategies to generate leads and uncover previously undisclosed gift commitments.
• Engage CBF leadership and industry professionals in promoting CBF's planned gift opportunities.
• Ensure planned giving messaging is consistent, relevant, and engaging throughout proposals, solicitor talking points, and marketing campaigns.
• Analyze program metrics to assess performance, inform strategy, and guide future investment.

Program Administration

• Serve as the primary point of contact for legacy society members, planned gift inquiries, and accepting gifts of property.
• Prepare gift illustrations and proposals as needed.
• Oversee the receipt and administration of realized planned gifts, ensuring all legal, financial, and distribution requirements are met.
• Ensure accurate documentation of planned gifts, donor engagement, and marketing campaigns.
• Ensure compliance with state regulatory requirements for charitable gift annuities and adherence to best practices for planned gift counting and valuation.
• Oversee and manage relationships with third-party vendors providing services related to the program.

REQUIREMENTS

• Five or more years of progressive experience in planned giving, including soliciting and closing planned gifts, managing donor portfolios, developing marketing strategies, and coaching gift officers.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including mentoring staff, anticipating program needs, and setting standards for quality and performance.
• Proven ability to analyze program metrics to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to exercise tact, discretion, compassion, and confidentiality.
• Experience working collaboratively in cross-functional environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and donor CRM databases.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically to CBF regional offices and to engage donors throughout the watershed.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree required. Graduate degree preferred.

COMPENSATION: $90,000 - $100,000 per year, commensurate with experience with generous benefits.