Scion Executive Search (www.scionexecutivesearch.com) has been retained to conduct the search for a Planned Giving Officer at Guide Dogs for the Blind (www.guidedogs.com). This exciting position reports to the International Director of Planned Giving (IDPG) and this person will also be traveling to visit donors for the planned giving program. This individual would need to be located within commuting distance to GDB’s office in San Rafael, CA and this role is based on-site 100% to start and can transition into a hybrid on-site/remote role after initial training/acclimation to the role.

They are comfortable with candidates who have experience with donors, major donors, cultivation, and any exposure to planned giving as they are open to training and mentoring the right person.

OVERALL SUMMARY: The primary responsibilities of the Planned Giving Officer are to identify, cultivate and solicit new planned giving intentions, steward donors who have already included Guide Dogs for the Blind in their estate plans and ensure that all Legacy Society members receive proper and appropriate recognition. The position will also require the ability to educate constituents about the benefits of planned giving and to prepare planned gift proposals on various types of charitable giving vehicles when necessary.

ABOUT: Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) Since 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) has been creating partnerships between people, dogs, and communities. With exceptional client services and a robust network of instructors, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, we prepare highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired from throughout the United States and Canada.

All the services for our clients are provided free of charge, including personalized training and extensive post-graduation support, plus financial assistance for veterinary care, if needed. Our work is made possible by the generous support of our donors and volunteers; we receive no government funding.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Guide Dogs for the Blind empowers lives by creating exceptional partnerships between people, dogs, and communities.

VISION STATEMENT:

Guide Dogs for the Blind envisions a world with greater inclusion, opportunity, and independence by optimizing the unique capabilities of people and dogs.

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit planned gift prospects, by phone, virtually and preferably, when possible, on a face-to-face basis. Provide one-on-one consultations as needed, traveling to prospect locations when possible.  Handle correspondence, calls, donor visits and tours associated with gift cultivation and stewardship.
• Inform and educate donors about various planned gift vehicles that will address their philanthropic and financial goals while providing support for Guide Dogs for the Blind.  Includes the ability to prepare illustrations and gift proposals of planned giving vehicles.
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of planned giving prospects and existing donors, serving as a philanthropic planning advisor to them and their advisors.
• Respond to all requests for Planned Giving materials received through website, mail, and telephone.  Follow-up on all leads to determine if new Legacy Society membership is appropriate. Prepare gift annuity and charitable remainder trust proposals as needed.  
• With the IDPG maintain high visibility among estate planners and other professionals and help manage planned giving advisory committees.  
• Collaborate with the IDPG to manage the production of planned giving publications, web content, and other materials designed to promote gift planning.
• Coordinate communications and activities for the Legacy Society and other planned giving presentations and educational events planned throughout the year.
• Analyze the existing contributor base and assist in developing planned giving vehicles attractive to current and potential Legacy Society members.
• Identify prospective major gift donors within Legacy membership and develop an appropriate strategy with our Major Gifts staff for cultivation and solicitation.
• Keep abreast of changes in federal and state tax laws that impact planned giving options.
• Adhere to our organization's safety policies and procedures and encourages others to do the same.  Promptly reports incidents and accidents according to campus procedures.

POSITION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum three to five years’ experience in fundraising- either planned giving or major gifts, or a combination of the both. Demonstrated competencies in developing and maintaining quality relationships with a portfolio of constituents.
• Seeking a go-getter who can engage and create relationships and cultivate and solicit either planned gifts or major gifts. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills. Ability to listen is essential.
• Demonstrated success in positions requiring accountability for both result and process-oriented and result-oriented goals.
• Self-starter, able to manage multifaceted events, projects, and duties independently and concurrently.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Ability to work periodic evening and weekend events and to travel locally or throughout the U.S. for planned giving consultations as needed.
• Compliance with all professional, legal, and ethical guidelines related to fundraising and planned giving functions.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge database a plus.
• Undergraduate degree required.
• Advanced degree, gift planning and/or financial experience a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

For this role, GDB offers a competitive annual base salary of $120-150k based on experience plus a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, a 403 (b) retirement plan with employer match, and a generous paid time off program including 11 paid holidays, 11 paid days off, 10 sick days, LOAs, carpool, employee lunch program, employee assistance, employee referral program, school visitation, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, dog friendly workplace, and service awards after periods of service to the organization.

Relocation assistance is a possibility.

HOW TO APPLY:

Scion Executive Search (www.scionexecutivesearch.com) has been retained to lead this search. For immediate consideration please reply to this posting with your resume/curriculum vitae and cover letter in Word format. Thank you.

ABOUT OUR FIRM:

Scion Executive Search is a retained executive search firm connecting executive nonprofit leadership to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions across the country. Cultivated in the nonprofit sector, we provide expert search strategies and leadership for your organization. Our executive candidates are true agents for change, and we are experts at matching their talents, motivations, and passions to your organization’s mission. Scion Executive Search has led hundreds of successful executive searches.

Scion Staffing and Scion Executive Search are listed in Forbes 2021 America's Best Professional Recruiting Firms list and Forbes 2021 America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms list. Scion Staffing is honored to be on the 2021 Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. Additionally, we have been recognized as a recruitment leader by ClearlyRated, as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times for over ten years running. More information about Scion Executive Search can be found online at www.scionstaffing.com. 

GDB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Scion Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employers and does not discriminate based on race, age, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or belief. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and for the candidates we represent.