Description:
As Program Manager - Planned Giving (Bequests), you will be responsible for leading and expanding a well-established bequest program, ensuring strong donor engagement and long-term financial sustainability. You will cultivate relationships with current and prospective bequestors, manage estate administration, and oversee stewardship initiatives to enhance donor trust and commitment. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, you will play a key role in advancing the organisation's mission through strategic planned giving efforts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement strategies to grow the bequest program, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
- Donor Engagement: Cultivate and maintain relationships with confirmed and potential bequestors through personal interactions, events, and ongoing communication.
- Estate Administration: Manage and execute bequests, ensuring legal compliance, ethical considerations, and that donor wishes are honoured.
- Stewardship & Recognition: Oversee and enhance stewardship activities to acknowledge and engage bequestors, strengthening their connection to the organisation.
- Team Management: Supervise and mentor the Senior Officer - Planned Giving (Bequests), providing guidance and support to maximise their impact.
- Data & Reporting: Maintain accurate donor records, track pipeline growth, and provide reports to senior leadership, ensuring informed decision-making.
- Collaboration & Outreach: Work with internal teams (marketing, fundraising, finance) and external stakeholders (lawyers, executors) to enhance planned giving initiatives.
Requirements:
The successful candidate is a strategic and relationship-driven fundraising professional with a passion for philanthropy and a deep understanding of planned giving. They are highly organised, confident in engaging with donors and executors, and have a proven track record in growing and managing bequest programs. A strong communicator, they can build trust, steward long-term donor relationships, and navigate complex estate matters with professionalism and empathy.
Key Attributes of the Ideal Candidate:
- Experience: 5+ years in bequests, major gifts, or fundraising, with a solid understanding of estate administration and donor stewardship.
- Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain meaningful connections with donors, executors, and key stakeholders.
- Strategic Thinker: Ability to develop and implement plans to grow the bequest pipeline and ensure long-term program sustainability.
- Autonomous & Collaborative: Works independently while also engaging cross-functionally with fundraising, marketing, and finance teams.
- Detail-Oriented & Organised: Manages donor records, estate documentation, and reporting with precision.
- Confident Communicator: Comfortable with public speaking, donor meetings, and presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Values-Driven: Passionate about making a lasting impact, aligned with the organisation's mission and values.
Conditions:
The company offers a rewarding career opportunity in a values-driven, community-focused organisation where you can make a real impact. With a well-established planned giving program, you'll have the chance to shape its future while being supported by an experienced team.
What's on Offer:
- Competitive Salary: $100K - $108K + salary packaging benefits.
- Flexible Work Options: Compressed hours, WFH 1 day per week.
- Gifted Leave: Additional leave around Christmas.
- Professional Development: Training and career growth opportunities.
- Supportive Culture: Collaborative, values-driven workplace focused on excellence.
- Employee Benefits: Salary packaging up to $15K, EBA pay increases (3% + 2.75%).
- Meaningful Impact: Play a key role in securing long-term support for a respected NFP.