The Director, Planned and Major Gifts is a strategic fundraiser responsible for driving philanthropic investment in support of the Institute’s mission. With a sophisticated understanding of the philanthropic landscape and the needs of the populations the Institute serves, this role identified, cultivates, and solicits individuals capable of making significant current and deferred gifts. This position leads all aspects of the Institute’s planned giving program, ensuring its growth, visibility, and long-term sustainability, while also managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, with a strong emphasis on securing six- and seven-figure commitments. The incumbent is results oriented and brings expertise in gift strategies and fundraising tactics that advance and amplify the Institute’s fundraising outcomes. This role collaborates closely with philanthropy leadership, marketing, finance, clinical program staff, and external advisors to advance institutional priorities, expand geographic reach, and integrate planned giving into comprehensive fundraising efforts.

1. Establish annual fundraising, portfolio, and activity goals in collaboration with the Assistant Vice President, Philanthropy.
2. Develop and execute fundraising strategies to increase philanthropic support for the Institute
3. Manage a portfolio of up to 100 major and planned giving donors and prospects with capacity for giving $100,000+, with a strong emphasis on cultivating
$250,000+ commitments. Determine fundraising strategies, craft proposals, and personally communicate and visit with prospects to get them more engaged
with the Institute.
4. Achieve annual metrics goals, including the completion of 80 or more meaningful donor and prospect visits per year, qualification of new major gift
prospects, total fundraising, and proposals submitted.
5. Serve as the Institute’s lead strategist for planned giving, responsible for program vision, growth, and long-term donor pipeline.
6. Expand planned giving commitments, strengthen donor engagement, and ensure best-practice stewardship of planned gifts.
7. Stay current with evolving charitable giving regulations and estate tax laws and proactively inform and update Foundation staff and colleagues.
8. Partner closely with Marketing to develop and execute a comprehensive planned giving marketing strategy, including planned giving website,
marketing materials, and mailings.
9. Oversee strategy and stewardship for key donor groups, including the Winthrop Phelps and Sterling Societies. Maintain advisory council activities, and overall program growth.
10. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward planned giving and major gift prospects through visits, communications, events, and tours.
11. Support institutional priorities by collaborating with the Assistant Vice President, Philanthropy on goal-setting and strategic planning. Works with the
Assistant Vice President, Philanthropy to staff and execute strategy for the Washington, D.C. Committee, including annual cultivation events. Identify
opportunities for geographic expansion.
12. Serve as a resource to gift officers on planned giving strategies and the integration of planned giving into comprehensive solicitations.
13. Collaborate with Foundation colleagues, leadership, and clinical program staff as appropriate in pursuing funding opportunities.
14. Build and maintain relationships with local wealth advisors, estate attorneys, and financial planning professionals to strengthen referral networks and elevate the Institute’s visibility within professional advisory communities.
15. Represent the Institute at relevant networking gatherings and professional advisory councils.
16. Serve as primary liaison with the Finance Department for the administration of planned and life-income gifts. Utilize Raiser’s Edge to prioritize donors and prospects while maintaining HIPAA compliance.

EDUCATION:
• Bachelor’s degree in related field of study is required.
• Master’s or law degree is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum seven years of professional experience as a not-for-profit fundraiser in health or education is required.
• Three years of management experience is required.
• Experience in planned giving and blended gifts is required.