Director, Gift Planning - NYC, Chicago, or D.C.

Location: Hybrid, preferably based in New York City, Chicago, or Washington, D.C.; Santa Monica and San Francisco will also be considered for exceptional candidates ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, and ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America’s foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act. NRDC is seeking a Director, Gift Planning, to work with the Development Team in any of our U.S.-based offices. Our team works across the United States and around the world, with offices in Beijing and New Delhi (a subsidiary of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd.). POSITION SUMMARY NRDC is seeking a Director, Gift Planning to secure planned gifts by identifying and building relationships with those donors who have a propensity for making future gifts for the organization, and manage two additional planned giving officers. As a member of the Gift Planning team, this individual will work closely with the Senior Director, Gift Planning, the Gift Planning team, and major and membership gift officers to conduct solicitations for planned gifts. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSCreate and execute a front-line comprehensive strategy and work plan in line with department goals and increase planned giving donors nationally Strategically manage a portfolio of prospects (200-300) with capacity and interest from identification to securing planned gifts Partner with membership gift officers to identify, cultivate, and motivate members to make significant gifts, assisting them with gift planning strategies to increase the number of planned gifts nationally Strategize with Major Gift and Membership Gift Officers to identify planned giving prospects from their respective portfolios and increase the number of blended gifts to NRDC Plan events that maximize donor and prospect cultivation opportunities Cultivate prospects and current gift planning donors through in-person visits, phone calls, and written correspondence Develop a strong working knowledge of NRDC funding priorities and campaign objectives specifically to articulate a compelling case for support to all constituents Manage and mentor a gift planning team by partnering, coaching, equipping, and encouraging development staff to pursue planned gift opportunities, assisting them in the design and implementation of individualized strategies for the identification, cultivation, and solicitation and stewardship of planned, major, and blended gifts as appropriate Other duties may be assigned. REQUIREMENTS Minimum Education & Experience:Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience required 7+ years of previous work experience in gift planning, fundraising, or related experience with proven success of 6-7-figure planned gifts 3+ years of previous experience in direct supervision or management of others Skills, Abilities, Competencies Proficiency in Salesforce (or similar database) and PGCalc Creative problem-solving skills to engage and cultivate relationships with donors Efficient multi-tasker and flexible in working towards philanthropy goals Familiarity with financial, legal, and investment topics relating to gift planning and the ability to communicate those topics in layperson’s language Enthusiastic, outgoing, and can handle simultaneous, ongoing projects Ability to work independently and with a team Excellent oral and written communication skills A commitment to continued education regarding gift planning and fundraising in general A keen interest in nature and the environment is preferred Ability to travel up to 50% regionally and nationally to visit donors, prospects, and colleagues Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles is essential. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Frequently: Perform desk-based computer tasks Frequently: Ability to interact and communicate with employees and others as necessary Frequently: Attend planned meetings and collaborate with management and coworkers Occasionally: Ability to attend events and activities in the office or offsiteNRDC is committed to advancing DEI in our work and in our workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and is commensurate with skills and experience. Internal equity will be reviewed and considered to determine a final offer. For this position, the salary range is $145,000 - $170,000. NRDC operates under a hybrid work model. Employees are required to come to the office 8 days per month. Hours of employment may sometimes require working flexible and/or longer hours, including nights and weekends, when necessitated by projects.To Apply: Natural Resources Defense Council has retained the services of Chris Spagnola and Jessica Martinez, Partners with ThinkingAhead Executive Search. To apply for the role, please submit your résumé and cover letter here: https://careers-nrdc.icims.com/jobs/5619/director%2c-gift-planning/job For inquiries about the role, please email: Chris Spagnola at cspagnola@thinkingahead.com Jessica Martinez at jmartinez@thinkingahead.com The application screening process is ongoing until a candidate is hired. For further information about NRDC, please visit www.nrdc.org.