Senior Officer, Planned Giving

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization that was established to respond to the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. The IRC's mission is to help people survive and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of conflict and disaster. The organization operates in over 40 countries and has a significant presence in the United States, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various humanitarian efforts. The External Relations (ER) department within the IRC plays a crucial role in fundraising and building relationships with donors, ensuring that the organization can continue its vital work. The Philanthropy team specifically focuses on engaging High-Net-Worth Individuals and managing planned giving initiatives, which are essential for securing long-term financial support for the IRC's programs.

Job Overview:
The Senior Officer, Planned Giving, is a pivotal role within the Philanthropy team, responsible for managing relationships with donors and prospects across the Eastern United States. This position aims to increase the number of legacy gift commitments and foster a growing and engaged legacy society. The Senior Officer will be accountable for securing and sustaining planned gifts, which involves direct interaction with prospects and donors, as well as collaboration with Philanthropy colleagues. The role requires a deep understanding of the needs of older donors, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to think strategically about donor engagement. The Senior Officer will also be responsible for generating new leads, soliciting planned gifts, and crafting cultivation and stewardship strategies to inspire donors. Additionally, the position involves working closely with other development officers and local leadership to enhance awareness of planned giving and develop educational opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: developing and managing a large portfolio of planned gift prospects and donors; providing timely follow-up to new marketing leads to educate prospects; crafting and implementing meaningful engagement opportunities for planned giving donors; planning and executing regional donor trips; promoting engagement with the IRC legacy society; collaborating with Major Gifts and Principal Gifts colleagues; ensuring high-quality interactions during visits and communications; meeting individual goals for meetings and prospect conversions; reviewing donor file data to identify prospects; inputting opportunity data into Salesforce; and promoting inclusive behavior within the organization. The role also requires the Senior Officer to demonstrate a commitment to the IRC’s values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Officer position should possess 6-8 years of experience working with individual donors, particularly in complex giving conversations. They should have a strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles and benefits, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with older donors about the IRC’s mission and planning tools. The ideal candidate will be able to independently prioritize tasks, collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels, and demonstrate outstanding attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM databases such as Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge is essential, along with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality of donor information. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including overnight travel, are also required.

Educational Background:
While the job posting does not specify a particular educational background, candidates are typically expected to have a degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business administration, or a related area. Advanced degrees or certifications in fundraising or philanthropy may be advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically 6-8 years of working directly with individual donors. This experience should include engaging in complex conversations about giving and planned gifts, as well as a proven track record of successfully managing donor relationships and securing contributions. Candidates should be adept at navigating the nuances of donor engagement and possess a strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with donors and colleagues. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they align with the demographics of the donor base in the Eastern US.

Additional Notes:
The Senior Officer position is hybrid, requiring the ability to work on-site in the New York City office while also allowing for remote work. The role involves travel to meet with donors and prospects, and applicants must have a suitable home or alternate workspace for remote work. The compensation for this position ranges from $93,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on various factors such as the labor market, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.