Planned Giving Officer (Remote)

National Geographic; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 123,500 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Flexible paid time off

Paid parental leave

National Geographic discounts and perks

Job summary

National Geographic seeks a dedicated professional for Planned Giving fundraising to manage donor relationships and secure significant gifts. The role requires at least 7 years of experience in fundraising, strong knowledge of planned giving, and organizational skills to handle complex situations.

Located in Washington, D.C., the position offers a hybrid work model, with two mandatory days in the office. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are included.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in nonprofit development or fundraising.
• Knowledge of tax and estate planning issues.
• Experience managing complex gift situations.

Responsibilities

• Secure $3.75M in commitments in year one.
• Manage a portfolio of Planned Giving donors.
• Lead stewardship efforts for legacy donors.

Skills

Planned giving vehicles knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

CRM system experience

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

How You’ll Contribute

The Advancement team cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals, as well as foundation, government and corporate partners who invest in the Society to drive impact through science, technology, education, exploration, and storytelling. The team collaborates with Society teams to build transformative and impact-driven strategic partnerships. The team also produces global events that deepen connections and leverage the Society’s power to convene, and directs robust annual, major and planned giving programs empowering the Society with a broad base of public support.

Impact Responsibilities

Planned Giving Fundraising (75%)

• Manage a portfolio of Planned Giving donors and prospects to secure philanthropic support for NGS activities and initiatives, including traveling frequently to cultivate donors and prospects in person to build these relationships and raising at least $3.75M in commitments in year one.
• Respond and manage long‑term follow up with planned giving marketing inquiries on planned giving vehicles including bequests, life income gifts, and non‑cash assets.
• Prepare proposals, tailored correspondence, and other materials for planned and blended gifts, making them clear and persuasive for donors and advisors.
• Conduct a minimum of 70 purposeful donor visits in year one (virtual or in‑person) including discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings, solo or in collaboration with major and principal gifts.

Donor Stewardship (15%)

• Lead stewardship efforts to keep legacy donors engaged and recognized for their contributions, including stewardship and cultivation activities for members of the Alexander Graham Bell Legacy Society.
• Participate in donor events as a representative of the National Geographic Society.

Strategic Collaboration and Administration (10%)

• Provide input to planned gift marketing materials and strategies, including key educational messages, identifying target audiences, and selecting donors to be featured.
• Work closely with the Senior Director, Planned Giving and Leadership Giving to integrate planned giving into the wider fundraising strategy and provide technical assistance to fundraisers to increase capacity to solicit planned gifts and gifts of non‑cash assets.
• Track all activities, including contact reports, in Raiser’s Edge database for accuracy and completion.
• Stay up to date on trends, best practices, and legal considerations in planned giving and philanthropy.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with National Geographic legal and finance staff, program staff, communications and marketing staff, and others to acquire the information needed to solicit and close gifts and build donor relationships effectively.
• Perform additional responsibilities, special projects, and assignments as required to support departmental goals and institutional priorities.

Qualifications

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 7+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in a nonprofit development/fundraising setting.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of planned giving vehicles and associated tax and estate planning issues, including gifts through wills, revocable trusts, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder unitrusts, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, beneficiary designation, securities, donor‑advised funds, and others.
• Demonstrated success in securing planned and outright gifts within a nonprofit environment, including experience managing larger or complex gift situations and blended gifts.
• Proficiency in PG Calc gift planning software to develop charitable gift annuity illustrations and contracts.
• Strong project‑management and organization skills.
• Self‑motivated and capable of working proactively and independently.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Creative thinking, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Database experience and ability with CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge.
• Understanding and appreciation of NGS mission and capacity to project aims and values of NGS to donors and prospects.
• Willingness to travel throughout your region on a frequent basis.
• Exceptional communication skills (written/verbal), sound judgment and professional demeanor when interacting with senior executives, high net worth individuals, and donors, including an older population.
• Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range for this position is $123,500.00 - $130,000.00.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; an engaging and comprehensive wellness program; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (may not apply to all roles that require work during high volume seasons or essential workers). Paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre‑tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer‑paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Hybrid – The majority of staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.

Application Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.