ACLU of Southern California
JOB DESCRIPTION

DIRECTOR OF GIFT PLANNING

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The ACLU of Southern California was founded in 1923, three years after the national ACLU office was established in New York. Since its inception, the ACLU of Southern California has been fighting to preserve and expand the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. For the past 84 years, is has served Californians as an organization that inspires and reinforces the rights of all Americans.

The Director of Gift Planning is part of a 9-person Development Department. The Director of Gift Planning serves as the expert in planned giving for the department, handling a portfolio that requires a range of activities from prospect identification to solicitation and stewardship. The Director of Gift Planning works in collaboration with the Director of Development, and other key staff.

REPORTS TO: Director of Development

OVERSEES: Direct Report: Gift Planning Officer

CLASSIFICATION: Fulltime, Exempt

GENERAL INFORMATION:
The Director of Gift Planning has overall responsibility for developing a comprehensive program that will attract deferred gifts in support of the ACLU of Southern California’s development goals. In collaboration with the Director of Development and foundation board, has responsibility for the design of a gift policy and promotion of a variety of “ways of giving” that will offer the most attractive avenues for support. This includes promotional activities such as seminars, volunteer trainings, recruitment of “DeSilver Society” members, articles for newsletters/website/mailings that offer information, a spotlight on planned giving at the ACLU, opportunities for an exchange of information and for the development of personalized prospect approaches. Stewarding of planned gift donors, report generation, goal setting and monitoring of progress against goal is an important part of the success of the program.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage gift planning program: Develop and implement an annual work plan of gift planning goals, strategies, and timeline designed to cultivate and solicit significant support. Work closely with the firm that manages our endowment, pooled income funds, gift annuities, and charitable trusts.
• Seek planned gifts benefiting the ACLU: Meet with donors to discuss gift opportunities. Prepare presentations for donors on the tax and financial implications of planned gifts. Prepare specific proposals and agreements. Provide general information about the ACLU and its programs. Act as the liaison between donor, financial/legal representation and the ACLU of Southern California.
• Maintain records on planned gift donors and prospects: Maintain accurate and up-to-date information on planned giving activities, donors, and prospects using our fundraising database, Raiser’s Edge. Provide regular planned gift reports to Director of Development and Executive Director.
• Identify gift planning prospects: Coordinate systematic identification of gift planning prospects using Raiser’s Edge donor database, conducting research, and working with local and national staff and volunteers. Respond to donor inquiries and key indicators.
• Manage DeSilver Society: Build membership in the Society through mailings and events.
• Market Planned Giving program: Facilitate the conceptualization and production of planned giving marketing materials, as well additional related communications and publications to promote gift planning.
• Manage Investment portfolio: Responsible for working cooperatively with Finance Department on multiple investment accounts. Including making necessary calculations to determine the present value of various “split interest” charitable giving arrangements, including unitrusts and gift annuities. Responsibilities may include review of investment roll forward schedules to determine accuracy of cost basis, market value, gains and losses of multiple investment accounts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five years demonstrated success in organizing, implementing and marketing a planned giving program and in major gift development. Experience with all aspects of gift and estate planning. Knowledge of tax issues and various planned giving and endowment vehicles. Facility with complex information, able to calculate and explain complicated financial data.
• Superior talent in attention to detail with the ability to plan program, evaluate progress and monitor expenses. Excellent organization and time management skills with strong ability to manage responsibilities independently and follow through on all assignments and projects.
• Must be able to work effectively with and quickly gain the respect and support of various constituencies who will provide important lead development, including senior staff, trustees, national office staff members, consultants, current donors, volunteers and other community leaders.
• Experience in managing investment portfolios a plus. Demonstrated working knowledge of preparing investment roll forward schedules preferred.
• Demonstrated record of being an effective communicator through written and oral presentations, correspondence, and acknowledgements.
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.
• A track record of planned giving database mastery with PG Calc or similar program, including the ability to generate a variety of individualized and program reports; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge and PowerPoint a plus.
• Sophisticated planned giving seminar presentation experience and the ability to undertake travel; occasionally outside of normal business hours.
• A successful track record of personally identifying, cultivating and soliciting planned gifts.
• Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful and flexible.
• Commitment to the mission and programs of ACLU, with a broad appreciation for and sensitivity to the culture and traditions of the organization.
• Good judgment and conflict-resolution skills.
• A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance.
• Understands the highly confidential nature of fundraising and can keep confidences.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional overtime, irregular hours, and travel as needed.
• Bachelor’s Degree, MBA, or financial and estate planning certificate, knowledge of financial and estate planning and charitable tax laws required. J.D. preferred.

REVIEWS: Performance reviews scheduled the 3rd month, 5th month, 6 month and then annually.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Salary competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include generous health and dental plans and ample sick and vacation time.

The ACLU/ACLU Foundation of Southern California is an affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, lesbians and gay men, people with disabilities and other minorities are encouraged to apply.

Please send resume and cover letter to:

Lindsay Rachelefsky
ACLU of Southern California
1616 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

No phone calls, please.