Job Information
Seattle Rep Endowment & Planned Giving Director in Seattle, Washington
Department/Team:
Development
Position reports to:
Chief Advancement Officer
FLSA classification status:
Full time; exempt
Pay range:
$60,000-$78,000 annually
Application deadline:
July 11, 2022
SEATTLE REP is seeking a resourceful and highly talented Endowment and Planned Giving Director to join the Development team . This role is critical to the current and future success of Seattle Rep, with responsibility to build and execute a robust planned giving program resulting in an expanded pipeline of both realized and future gifts.
ABOUT US
Seattle Rep is committed to producing the highest quality programming, and we believe that our ability to contribute to excellence in the arts depends on building a staff and community whose members come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.
We are part of a growing movement in theater to ensure inclusion of those who have been excluded historically, focusing particularly on racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and women, ensuring they are at the decision-making table and reflected in our community.
Mission
Seattle Rep collaborates with extraordinary artists to create productions and programs that reflect and elevate the diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences of our region.
Vision
Theater at the heart of public life
Values
Artistic Vitality, Sustainability, Generous and Inclusive Practices
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Endowment and Planned Giving Director is a key senior position on the Development team and works in collaboration with Development colleagues and across departments to grow contributed revenue while building and maintaining strong relationships with donors, patrons, and community members alike. This experienced professional will drive the strategic growth and operational effectiveness of planned and endowment giving on an annual basis and will be key to achieving success in two long-term campaigns intended to build Seattle Rep’s financial capacity and position in the community.
At Seattle Rep, endowment and planned giving are closely intertwined. Currently, planned gifts without any specific donor designation are placed in a Board-designated reserve fund for use as needed to support the Theater’s general operations. With the creation of this position, we seek to grow planned giving overall through increased awareness of the additional lasting, long-term philanthropic impact that donors can have by directing their support (whether current or future) to Seattle Rep’s $13M endowment, which is separately held and managed by the Seattle Rep Foundation.
The Endowment and Planned Giving Director will create and oversee these programs, as well as manage a portfolio of donors. They will be expected to take initiative, execute core responsibilities collaboratively, and work well within a complex organization. They must model professionalism, demonstrate flexibility, navigate multiple projects amidst shifting priorities, and remain composed under pressure.
Typical duties include :
Build and execute a strategy to grow the Planned Giving program and direct Endowment support
Provide vision and leadership for the Ovation Circle, Seattle Rep’s planned giving program, including initiatives to grow membership, increase future gift notifications, and increase realized gifts annually
In collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer, create a tactical plan to grow direct endowment support as part of Act I of the Campaign for Seattle Rep
Work in tandem with Chief Advancement Officer, Director of Development, Individual Giving Director, and Gift Officers to identify and capitalize on new opportunities to increase lifetime value of donors
Implement moves management to advance prospects towards solicitation and continually replenish the pipeline of prospects
Serve as key staff for the Planned Giving Committee and participate in meetings of the Seattle Rep Foundation board, Gift Acceptance Committee, and/or Campaign Committee meetings, as needed
Build and Manage Systems/Structure to support Planned and Endowment Giving
Manage all aspects of planned giving administration, including, but not limited to:
Preparing and providing regular reports, including analysis of results
Ensuring accurate processing and documentation of all gifts and intentions
Managing and reconciling the planned giving program’s expense budget and contribution reports
In collaboration with the Director of Development and Individual Giving Director, create and oversee execution of an overall communications strategy for endowment and planned giving (including, but not limited to, marketing and promotion, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, recognition, events, and reporting) to past donors, prospects, and Ovation Circle members in alignment with overall Development communications strategy and plans
In collaboration with members of the Development team, ensure the timely and appropriate delivery and completion of acknowledgments, gift agreement letters, pledge payment documentation, and other materials
In collaboration with the Finance Director, Chief Advancement Officer, and Director of Development, create and distribute annual endowment reporting to donors and monitor utilization reports of endowed funds
In collaboration with the Individual Giving Director and Donor Stewardship Manager, create and execute cultivation and stewardship events that advance relationships with planned giving donors and prospects
Build and manage productive, sustainable relationships with donors
Personally manage a portfolio of 100-120 donors at various stages of cultivation and stewardship, supporting annual, endowment, and planned gifts
Develop and manage relationships with donors by representing Seattle Rep at on- and off-site events
Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer, Managing and Artistic Directors, and other colleagues to leverage relationships, energy, and the skills/expertise of Trustees and volunteers in meeting goals
Ensure that the health of donor relationships remains a priority amongst revenue growth goals
Serve as Planned Giving resource for Development team and organization
Remain current on planned giving best practices, including tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets, and estates, and share with the team, as necessary
Prepare and provide training and mentorship to Gift Officers on planned giving
Manage relationships with planned giving consultants and vendors in collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Finance
Represent the Seattle Rep at planned giving roundtables and other events
Serve as an essential contributor to Seattle Rep’s culture and success
Add constructively to the collaborative and collegial health of the organization
Foster a collaborative, creative environment and apply innovative approaches
Add actively and constructively to the EDI (equity, diversity & inclusion) work of the organization, including attending all-staff training sessions
Engage with and strive to embody Seattle Rep’s mission, vision, and values in all aspects of work
Establish solid and cohesive working relationships throughout the organization, engaging staff at all levels in fundraising efforts, and promoting interdepartmental communication and cooperation
Act as a strong collaborator, so that the talents and skills of Development staff are maximized and that the group works collectively for the common good
Help create a culture of philanthropy among staff, Trustees, and donors
Minimum qualifications
Five to seven years of development experience, with proficiency in planned giving programs
Demonstrated success soliciting and securing endowment support
Demonstrated understanding of advanced gift planning vehicles and an ability to communicate opportunities for asset-based planning
Familiarity with the philanthropic landscape, as well as local and regional arts donors
Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences in person and through proposals, letters, and other written materials
A proven record of achieving aggressive fundraising goals, as an individual and as part of a team
Well organized and able to prioritize multiple tasks within dynamic environment
Thorough knowledge of Windows-based computer software, Microsoft Office, and relationship-management database systems
A demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team and with peers, staff, and management
An ability to work evenings and weekends with advance notice, and/or flexible hours to meet the demands of a deadline-driven position
Diplomacy, discretion, and sense of humor
Commitment to or knowledge of racial equity and social justice
Desired qualifications
Experience working in a theater, arts, or other not-for-profit organization
Seven to ten+ years of experience in planned giving
Experience working with Tessitura database system
TO BE CONSIDERED
Submit a resume detailing related experience and education.
Attach a cover letter that outlines how your related experience and education qualifies you for the position.
Include a writing sample.
Applicants are reviewed the day after the position closes.
Seattle Rep has a mandatory vaccination policy for all employees, with accommodations for medical and religious exemptions only.
Contact hr@seattlerep.org with any questions regarding the application process.