Director Major and Planned Gifts, American Osteopathic Foundation

Job Description

Job Description

This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of 2 days per week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) on-site. Office is located in downtown Chicago, IL.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director, Major and Planned Gifts reports directly to the CEO, works collaboratively with the Director of Development and the Campaign Director in the identification, cultivation, engagement, solicitation and stewardship of individuals who may have an interest in supporting the American Osteopathic Foundation.

The Director, Major and Planned Gifts will focus primarily on major gift development and solicitations, including planned and deferred gifts. To be successful, the ideal candidate will possess expertise and demonstrate success in the field.

Performance in this position will be measured by the degree of success in securing gift commitments. The position will be well versed in, and support, all of the Foundation’s funding programs. An emphasis should be placed on matching donor’s interests with the appropriate gift opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS to set up, or directly solicit, high-five, six and seven figure gifts to support the AOF’s mission.

• KEEP abreast of the latest developments in the areas of major gifts, estate planning, and charitable donations. Maintain a good understanding of tax laws related to aspects of Planned Giving.
• ATTEND workshops, seminars, conferences, and keeps current with professional reading and all phases of major gifts. Remain current and conversant with American Osteopathic Foundation programs, mission, and vision.

• PROVIDE INFORMATION ON ESTATE PLANNING. Respond to donor inquiries, in concert with CFO or external experts. Create educational cultivation events for donors or groups across the country to build an active pipeline. Maintain a close relationship with AOF’s financial advisors.

• IDENTIFY PROSPECTIVE DONORS through the research of office records, referrals, direct mail, seminars, and other means, as appropriate. Maintain an active, effective record system and execute efficient follow-up procedure.

• DEVELOP AND CULTIVATE PROSPECTS INTERESTS through careful cultivation to involve them in the programs of the AOF. Patiently and persistently intervene with the prospect through correspondence, engagement, and planned contacts. Answer questions and keeps the prospect mindful of AOF progress, initiatives, and programs.

• DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS who can play a significant role in identifying and leading prospects into a giving experience with American Osteopathic Foundation.

• RESEARCH VARIOUS CONTRIBUTION OPTIONS when developing plans for the use of donor gifts through grant agreements, letters of intent, or similar means. Work closely with the AOF staff in developing a strategy for donors whom others have the primary contact.

• WRITE THE PROPOSAL When appropriate, commits the plan to paper in a manner that is both convincing and understandable to the prospect.

• MAINTAIN THE COMMITMENT OF THE DONOR. Make certain that the donor maintains confidence in AOF and in the wisdom of his/her/their decision. Keep the donor informed of all activities and aspects which affect the Foundation.

• MAINTAIN AN ONGOING RELATIONSHIP with the donor and on a regularly planned basis. Pursue the possibility of additional gift planning with the donor or a referral.

• CARRY FORWARD TO OTHERS THE MISSION OF AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC FOUNDATION. Understand that the major gift program is a significant part of the total philanthropy effort. Maintain a personal commitment to the mission of AOF and is an enthusiastic booster of its cause.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, develop, and implement ways to identify, cultivate and solicit prospects/donors for major gifts.
• Work with the CEO and Foundation Board Members who have primary responsibility for major gifts.
• Create specific material that relates to fundraising—and particularly those pieces that may have an impact on major giving. Provides information for the website.
• Be continually attentive to the direct mail program and how it might identify those who have the potential to make major gifts.
• Remain conversant with Planned Giving programs/information.
• Develop an ongoing program for marketing gift planning to all constituencies of the AOF. The program is specific, time-phased, and in writing.
• Maintain giving records and software for proposals.
• Work, as needed and as appropriate, to assist other staff and board members in the strategy of their prospects.

CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS

• MENTAL ACUTITY The ability to acquire and apply the requisite technical knowledge (i.e., a conceptual understanding of estate planning).
• JUDGMENT AND DECISION MAKING The agility to think on one’s feet; to evaluate relevant information, recognize alternatives, and reach logical conclusions based on the evidence at hand, to handle inquiries in a practical and effective way.
• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING The discipline to structure personal activities to maximize productivity and efficiency; to arrange documentation and information in a systematic manner; to establish objectives and measurable plans for accomplishment of goals; to set priorities.
• VERBAL AND LISTENING SKILLS The talent to speak effectively and to make oneself understood both in personal, informal settings, and before a group; to listen effectively to acquire and respond with relevant information; to project an image of credibility and sincerity in one’s communication.
• WRITING The ability to present a written message in a clear, direct, interesting, and effective manner.
• HUMAN RELATIONS UNDERSTANDING AND SKILL The sensitivity to perceive and react with consideration to the needs and feelings of others; skill in developing relationships that enhance understanding, communication, and friendliness.
• THE ABILITY TO MOTIVATE The skill to influence, persuade, motivate, and convince others of the worthwhileness of the cause and appropriateness of the gift.
• HIGH INITIATIVE Work in accordance with self-imposed standards and discipline; is a self-starter; willing to devote extra effort to get a job done.
• PERSISTENCE T o pursue objectives despite disappointments and rejections.
• SELF-ASSURANCE Realistic confidence in abilities; commands the respect of others.
• FLEXIBILITY Ability to adapt and respond appropriately to a variety of situations.
• MATURITY The willingness to delay immediate gratification and short-term rewards in order to achieve long-range goals; emotional and behavioral self-awareness; concern and consideration for the consequences of actions; ability to handle frustration and ambiguity constructively.
• COMMITMENT Loyalty to American Osteopathic Foundation and a strong supporter of the profession.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE A Bachelor’s Degree is

required and an advanced degree is desirable. A proven record of success in the field is essential.

Annual Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00

Offered Benefits Include: Medical, Dental, Vision, LIfe & AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability, EAP, Legal and Identify Theft plans, 401(k) (Roth and Pre-Tax)

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

American Osteopathic Foundation is unable to sponsor work visas at this time.