Senior Planned Giving Officer

Senior Planned Giving OfficerChicago, ILHybrid - 3 days onsitePosition OverviewJoin a purpose-driven team working to end hunger and tackle its root causes through community partnerships, advocacy, and direct food distribution. Every role contributes to a powerful mission that helps provide millions of meals annually to individuals and families in need. Be part of a movement creating lasting change by increasing access to nutritious food and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.As the Senior Planned Giving Officer, you will lead the organization's planned giving strategy, driving the growth of the legacy gift pipeline and strengthening long-term donor engagement. You will manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and select major gift donors, guiding relationships through all stages of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, including blended and deferred gift opportunities. In close partnership with the Director of Strategic Giving, you will ensure planned giving efforts are fully integrated into the broader individual giving strategy while leveraging data-driven insights to shape program design, donor engagement, and long-term philanthropic impact.ResponsibilitiesLead strategy for the Planned Giving program, growing legacy commitments and long-term donor pipelinesManage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and select Major Gift donors aligned with legacy givingServe as primary relationship manager, advancing both outright and planned gift conversationsPartner with internal stakeholders to align Planned Giving, Major Gifts, and overall donor strategyGuide donors from annual and major gifts into legacy commitments through values-based engagementOversee strategy and stewardship of the legacy societyManage portfolio segmentation and ensure donors progress through key stages (identification → confirmation)Develop strategies for complex donor journeys, including blended (outright + deferred) giftsCollaborate on marketing efforts to drive planned giving lead generationBalance short-term revenue goals with long-term donor relationships and legacy outcomesAnalyze and interpret planned giving and blended gift data across pipelines and campaignsPartner with finance and external advisors to ensure accurate and timely documentation of planned giftsMaintain accurate, up-to-date donor records, including contact reports and key data updatesQualificationsBachelor's degree with 7+ years of fundraising/development experienceProven success securing five- and six-figure major and planned giftsStrong expertise in Major Gifts, Planned Giving, and legacy giving strategiesExperience managing planned giving and/or blended gift portfoliosSkilled in cultivating and advancing complex, long-term donor relationshipsExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsHighly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple prioritiesAdaptable and effective in fast-paced environmentsProactive, with demonstrated initiative and ownership of new projectsData-driven, with experience in forecasting and strategy developmentExperience preparing executive-level reports and presentationsProficient in Microsoft OfficeFamiliarity with fundraising databases (Raiser's Edge/NXT preferred)Collaborative team player and engaged contributor to broader organizational goalsWillingness to travel locally and work occasional evenings/weekendsCompensationSalary: $115,000 - $130,000Health, dental, and vision insurance coverageEmployer-paid life and disability insuranceEmployee Assistance Program403(b) retirement plan with employer contributionGenerous paid time offParental leaveOn-site gym$3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program$250 employee referral bonusCareer Blazers Nonprofit Search maintains a broad focus so that your search can be thorough, and inclusive of all relevant options. We carefully consider your desired outcome, skills, and experience. The professionals at Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintain your confidentiality and will not send your resume to a client without your approval.Career Blazers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.