Description

The Gift Planning Officer will report to the Director of Gift Planning and work closely with the gift planning team on all aspects of the gift planning program. Responsibilities include: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospective and existing donors, maximizing their annual, capital and planned gifts to the college; establishing long-term relationships with donors; marketing and communications; event and meeting planning; internal and external administrative duties; working in collaboration with other offices of development and relationship managers to meet Bowdoin’s fundraising objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Initiates and executes development strategies for alumni, parents, and friends to secure support through comprehensive gift plans including, but not limited to, gifts of: bequests and beneficiary designations; life-income vehicles; real estate; personal property; life insurance; closely held stock; gifts-in-kind; as well as outright gifts of cash and stock.
• As a frontline fundraiser, develops, solicits, and stewards a personal caseload of approximately 120 prospects, and establishes and maintains long-term donor relationships with the College. Frequent travel to engage prospective and current donors in their comprehensive support of the College through annual, capital, and planned gifts.
• Collaborates with the gift planning and communications teams in an annual strategic marketing and stewardship plan for the purposes of educating constituents about gift planning and growing membership in the Bowdoin Pines Society.
• Develops and maintains technical expertise and knowledge of complex planned gifts and applies this expertise with donors and their advisers.

Requirements

Education/Skills Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree preferred
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• Thorough understanding of philanthropy with a commitment to liberal arts colleges generally and to the mission and goals of Bowdoin specifically
• Keen interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated capacity to organize and manage multiple programs and projects simultaneously, working both independently and creatively in a collaborative, busy, team oriented environment
• Ability to set and accomplish goals within specified deadlines
• Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing gifts
• Familiarity with computer systems and software programs used in development and gift planning settings (i.e. Raiser’s Edge and PG Calc) and the willingness to use technology
• Aptitude for and ability to discuss complex gift planning concepts with constituents; capable of representing Bowdoin’s interests while interacting with alumni, parents, friends, staff of the College, College counsel, donors’ advisers and personal representatives
• Absolute confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion required

Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents:

A minimum of 7 years of development/fundraising or related (e.g., financial planning, law) experience required; 7+ years experience specifically in gift planning preferred.
Demonstrated successful track record working with leadership-level donors.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to comply with the College’s Motor Vehicle Policy required.

This is a full-time salaried position requiring the time necessary to fulfill job expectations. Standard administrative hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional weekend and evening work required. Department staff work a hybrid schedule, with 3 days in the office.
Ability and willingness to travel 20-25% of the time.