Associate Director, Legacy Giving

African Wildlife Foundation; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

African Wildlife Foundation in Washington, DC, is seeking an Associate Director, Legacy Giving, to lead and grow AWF’s legacy pipeline. You will act as a hands-on builder‑operator, formalizing processes, systems, and SOPs while guiding a small team and executing key donor engagements.

You will report to the VP, Individual Giving, and drive a cohesive strategy across the development function, ensuring a robust legacy program that supports AWF’s mission.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years frontline fundraising experience, with at least 4 years in legacy giving.
• Proven track record in cultivating and closing legacy gifts of all sizes.
• Experience managing direct reports in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep CRM and donor research proficiency; ability to translate data for non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel internationally and work evenings/weekends for donor outreach.

Responsibilities

• Create and oversee a world-class legacy giving program for a future revenue pipeline.
• Develop systems, processes, and tools to communicate legacy fundraising across AWF.
• Serve as liaison between data functions and development to align systems with priorities.
• Design end-to-end legacy workflows integrating donor data and stewardship touchpoints.
• Attend director-level meetings to discuss cross-program legacy strategies.
• Lead, manage, and mentor Legacy Giving Associate; align goals and KPIs.
• Provide guidance while remaining hands-on in execution.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and mentor staff in legacy fundraising.
• Offer legacy gift training to staff outside the Individual Giving department.

Skills

Fundraising

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Data governance

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE/PMP preferred

Tools

Raiser’s Edge/NXT

PG Calc

Job description

District of Columbia
District of Columbia, USA

District of Columbia
District of Columbia, USA

Title: Associate Director, Legacy Giving

Division: Business Operations

Reports To: Vice President, Individual Giving

Matrix Management: N/A

Supervises: Legacy Giving Associate

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Legacy Giving, serves as the strategic integrator for AWF’s legacy giving program. This leadership role bridges the gap between high-level planned giving strategy and frontline execution. We are seeking a hands‑on builder‑operator to take ownership of a legacy giving program during a growth phase. This is not a turnkey role; while the program exists, it needs to be formalized, systematized, and actively run. You will lead as a player‑coach who enjoys developing others through hands‑on guidance and example while remaining deeply involved in execution.

The role will report directly to the VP, Individual Giving, and success within the first year will be defined by the establishment of a visible, functioning legacy pipeline and a clear marketing plan, alongside formalized SOPs that reduce team friction and ensure accurate donor documentation. Furthermore, you will ensure that the Legacy Giving Associate is effectively supported, mentored, and learning quickly under your guidance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Architecture

• Create and oversee a world‑class legacy giving program to ensure a consistent future revenue pipeline for AWF’s mission and programs.
• Develop the necessary systems, processes, and tools to communicate the role of legacy fundraising across AWF and ensure an integrated fundraising strategy.
• Serve as a primary liaison between technical data functions and the broader development department to ensure systems align with fundraising priorities.
• Design and implement end‑to‑end legacy workflows that integrate donor data, prospect wealth indicators, and stewardship touchpoints.
• Attend director‑level internal meetings to discuss and implement cross‑program legacy strategies.
• Lead, manage, and mentor Legacy Giving Associate, ensuring alignment with goals, KPIs, standards of practice, team culture, and professional development.
• Act as a player‑coach, providing patient, clear, and direct guidance while remaining comfortable with direct execution.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide strategic guidance on individual work plans.
• Mentor and provide legacy gift training for staff outside the Individual Giving department.

Donor Engagement & Pipeline Strategy

• Manage a portfolio of current donors while proactively adding prospects to the portfolio through cultivation and solicitation.
• Develop, plan, and implement a comprehensive prospect strategy to move donors from one giving level to the next.
• Build donor relationships through a variety of communication methods, including personal visits.
• Support colleagues and leadership as needed in gift planning strategy for estates, trusts, and other deferred giving opportunities.

Data Governance & Operational Oversight

• Ensure timely and consistent record‑keeping and data integrity within the organization’s eCRM database system.
• In partnership with the VP, Individual Giving, oversee budget development and monitor all legacy fundraising activities and produce regular reports regarding projected goals.
• Work with external legacy giving agencies (e.g., Stelter) to execute fundraising campaigns, increase engagement, and close new planned gifts.

Key Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 6 years of demonstrated frontline fundraising experience, with at least 4 years specifically focused on legacy giving programs. Proven track record in cultivating and closing legacy gifts of all sizes, including blended gifts.
• Leadership: Minimum of 2 years of experience managing direct reports with experience building and growing teams in a fast‑paced, results‑oriented environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep expertise in CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge/NXT) and understanding of industry-specific software such as PG Calc. Proficient in basic donor/prospect research and relevant analysis.
• Strategic Mindset: Proven ability to act as an integrator who can communicate technical or complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Operational Drive: A builder mentality with a track record of formalizing fundraising systems, workflows, and SOPs.
• Education & Ethics: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, CFRE) preferred. High ethical standards with commitment to AFP’s Donor Bill of Rights.
• Other Requirements: Flexibility to travel frequently (including internationally) and work evenings or weekends for donor outreach. Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Deadline: August 30,2026

Equal Opportunity Employer
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