Gift Planning Advisor

Our partners at Seattle Foundation are ecstatic to find a devoted Gift Planning Advisor who is dedicated to bridging philanthropists with the urgent demands of our community!

Position Highlights

• Salary: $95,000 - $105,000 Annually
• Type: Permanent; Full-Time, Salary/Exempt
• Location: Hybrid Work Model; Offices located downtown Seattle, WA

About Seattle Foundation

“The heart and science of philanthropy” is the intersection of philanthropic passion and data-driven solutions to create lasting change. As the community’s foundation, Seattle Foundation’s mission is to ignite powerful and rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Position Overview:

This is an exciting position bridging the interests and passions of generous philanthropists and critical community needs and opportunities—both during the donor’s lifetime as well as through their legacy. By building relationships and making strategic connections within and outside the Foundation, the Gift Planning Advisor is a trusted partner to Seattle Foundation philanthropists and a network of professional advisors. The Gift Planning Advisor must possess strong emotional intelligence alongside technical knowledge and project management skills. The Gift Planning Advisor is trusted to guide donors, their families, and their team of professional advisors as they prepare and/or execute new funds and estate plans.

Reporting to the Director of Gift Planning this role is responsible for establishing new funds (i.e. donor advised funds), non-profit endowment funds, structured planned gifts, and documented bequests. As part of the Gift Planning group, they are one of the first people prospective donors will meet and professional advisors will call for guidance when making referrals.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Participate in the identification and cultivation of new and existing relationships to achieve the Foundation’s resource development goals according to Seattle Foundation’s strategic plan.
• Utilize interpersonal savvy and confidence to network, motivate, and skillfully craft giving strategies to benefit donors, advisors, nonprofit beneficiaries, and the foundation.
• Participate in the development and cultivation of professional advisor relationships.
• Provide team support and stewardship for various constituent groups emphasizing existing fundholders and donors, new fundholders and donors, professional advisors, and Changemakers.
• Respond to inquiries and follow up on requests from existing donors, prospective donors, and professional advisors.
• Assist in the administrative process of establishing gift plans and new funds of all types by drafting fund agreements correspondence, and other necessary follow up.
• Demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to accountability by honoring donor intent, furthering donors’ charitable goals, and seeking to engage charitable partners to address the most pressing needs of the community.
• Cultivate our network of Professional Advisors (i.e., estate planning attorneys, accountants, wealth management advisors, investment advisors, CPA’s and trust officers) to increase quantity and quality of referrals to secure outright and deferred gifts to the foundation.
• Maintain accurate records for all contacts with donors, prospective donors, and professional advisors
• In partnership with the Director of Gift Planning, develop and execute a marketing plan to increase the number of new Changemaker Circle members.
• Plan and execute professional advisor educational workshops, such PACE Seminars and “Lunch & Learn” presentations at professional advisor firms.
• Develop strong relationships throughout the community with existing donors, prospective donors, and professional advisors to share knowledge of charitable giving strategies and techniques and promote the comparative benefits of charitable partnerships with the Foundation.
• Represent and position the Foundation as an effective and impactful charitable partner through community presentations and engagement.
• Participate in appropriate cultivation/education events and gatherings for donors, prospective donors, and professional advisors.
• Collaborate with the Director of Gift Planning, and the communications team to develop collateral materials that highlight the Foundation's products and services as a charitable partner and knowledgeable community leader.
• Maintain current knowledge of philanthropic trends, legislation, and planned giving techniques that impact the field of philanthropy in general and charitable funds in particular.
• Participate in local, regional, and statewide groups to promote working with community foundations

Serve as a personal advisor to an assigned portfolio of: 

• Prospective donors of all fund types, providing the initial consultation to the prospective donors to meet their philanthropic needs and intentions, and cultivating until a decision is made. 
• Bequest donors (Changemakers Circle members), providing consistent service, stewardship and engagement opportunities until gift is realized. 
• Seattle Foundation’s Professional Advisor Council (PAC), serving as a lead in stewarding and managing regular meetings, engagement opportunities, and regular communications. 
• Non-fundholder donors to cultivate, solicit, and steward to support Seattle Foundation’s initiatives and operations.

Requirements

• A proven track record in the field of philanthropy and/or a background in financial planning or planned giving; customer service; a legal or accounting background with concentration around trust and estates would also be appropriate for this position.
• Strong commitment to the Seattle Foundation’s mission and vision and connection to the Seattle community.
• Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation or willingness to obtain.
• Commitment to continuous learning especially around trends and equity in philanthropy and regulations as they relate to community foundations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working cross-functionally.
• Deep attention to detail, organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage and execute multiple projects and priorities.
• Clear and direct written and oral communication skills.
• Understanding of a constituent management system and its importance of development work.
• Candidate must reside in Washington

Benefits

• Salary: $95,000-$105,000 Annually
• 100% Paid by employer: medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, LTD. 403(b)
• Retirement matched at 5%; increasing to 10% over time, 100% immediate vesting.
• PTO: 3 weeks’ vacation, 2 weeks sick, 4 wellness days, 15 holidays,
• $1,200 annual remote work benefit, $750 annual wellness benefit, $1,200 annual transit benefit; Professional development stipend, optional Flex plan and dependent coverage.

Safety and Health Requirements:

Seattle Foundation places the health and safety of its employees and the communities we serve as our highest priority. To support this priority, we require that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Waivers are available for accepted medical and religious exemptions.