Position Overview
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Individual Philanthropy, the Vice President, Planned Giving will be responsible for setting the strategy for UNICEF USA’s planned giving program, enabling ambitious fundraising goals in line with the organization’s Strategic Plan and fostering a culture of philanthropy within the organization. The Vice President leads on planned giving strategy and execution and works in close partnership with his/her peer Vice Presidents overseeing other individual donor programs of Direct Response, Major Giving, and Principal Giving to maximize coordination and increase possible impact for UNICEF.
This includes but is not limited to the oversight of the marketing and direct response acquisition and cultivation of planned giving donors, portfolio management, establishment and execution of gift vehicles, management of the legacy society, and training of staff across the Philanthropy Division. The Vice President will provide inspiration, guidance, and technical expertise to a team of planned giving officers as well as to other portfolio-holding fundraisers to build relationships and partnerships with philanthropists that can lead to a pipeline of legacy gifts and the use of various gift planning vehicles to increase current and future giving for UNICEF USA.
Position Description
Specific Responsibilities of the Vice President, Planned Giving:
Strategy
• Lead planned giving program vision and strategy to enable an annual fundraising goal of $25M+
• Partner with the Senior Vice President of Individual Philanthropy and the Philanthropy Division leadership team to design, implement and integrate effective strategies and incentives to identify, qualify, cultivate, steward, and solicit planned giving donors, driving collaboration across the individual giving continuum
• With Philanthropy Division leadership, set transparent KPIs and analyze performance metrics for the Planned Giving team, help to maximize performance through clear expectations, and align goals with desired outcomes
• Forge a strong partnership with the Vice President of Philanthropy Advancement to ensure his/her respective teams align with the Planned Giving strategic objectives, including but not limited to:
• Effectively leverage regional boards and committees; special events; donor stewardship;
• Partner with the Prospect Development team to manage the planned giving qualification process, pipeline, and portfolio and fundraiser KPIs and analytics, and approve all Planned Giving policies and documentation; data integrity; Responsible for the annual Planned Giving goal-setting process and quarterly pipeline projection
Execution
• Work with internal and external counsel as needed to be aware of changing tax laws and in the execution of gift agreements or estate gifts requiring such
• Draft and execute charitable plans and provide subject matter expertise on UUSA’s grantmaking and legacy giving. This position needs knowledge of and comfort with technical aspects of major and planned gift fundraising, including types of gifts, assets accepted, vehicles, and gift planning strategies, and a strong relationship management orientation.
• Work with directly or oversee relationships with vendors through staff management, including those offering data modeling, direct mail services, digital consulting, and others
• Develop and maintain relationships with professional advisors as key referral sources and partners for planned giving and other opportunities and serve as a point of contact for advisors seeking information on behalf of clients
• Oversee the training of frontline staff and volunteers in the use of assets, applicable current law, and understanding of gift vehicles that are available for their donors
• In addition to consultative portfolio work, manage own portfolio of 20 donors
• Develop and implement blended solicitation strategies for high-net-worth individuals/families in consultation with colleagues
Management
• Supervise, directly or indirectly, the full UUSA Planned Giving staff, currently a team of five
• Build the capacity of major/principal gift fundraisers including providing or arranging for professional development and training opportunities, to foster learning, inspiration, awareness of philanthropic trends, and sharing of best practices
• Represent UUSA’s planned giving donor fundraising program at key meetings and events
• Other duties as assigned
Ideal Skills and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of fundraising or relevant experience preferably in fundraising, development, estate planning, or financial services/wealth management, with a preference for a proven record of success leading a planned giving team
• Communications, development, or marketing experience in a corporate or nonprofit setting preferred
• Experience personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned giving donors
• Ability to build effective relationships internally and to inspire staff, highlighting a strong emotional intelligence
• Familiarity with broader philanthropic community, influencers, and trends
• Experience in a complex, multi-team environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, including all aspects of donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Must possess a strong work ethic, and be a motivated, enthusiastic team player who deeply embraces the mission of UNICEF USA
• Experience with CRM databases and data-driven decision strategies
• Must be willing to travel domestically and occasionally internationally (25%)
• Must demonstrate UNICEF USA Core Values (T.R.A.I.T.S): Trust, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Teamwork, and Service
Note: Position is open until filled.
