Philanthropy Advisor, Planned Giving in Chicago, Illinois at International Fellowship of Christians & Jews, Inc

The Fellowship is an organization of bridge builders whose vision is that Jews and Christians will reverse their 2,000-year history of discord and replace it with a relationship marked by dialogue, understanding, respect and cooperation. Together we are able to help more than a million Jews in need each year. Our success is built on a culture that celebrates the differences in who we are, what we have experienced, and how we think.

(WESTERN and CENTRAL US) The position of Philanthropy Advisor for Planned Giving is intended to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of planned giving donors and prospects. In this position, the Philanthropy Advisor will present appropriate gift planning strategies, utilizing tools, techniques and vehicles that will assist donors in maximizing the value of their charitable gifts to The Fellowship. Essential to this position is having the ability to oversee current Fellowship efforts and international current events that provide opportunities to expand our donor base. This is a fully remote position covering territory within the Western and Central United States.

We are seeking an individual with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, Non-Profit Management or the equivalent experience in major gifts or planned giving with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in planned giving with proven fundraising track record, or a substantially related field such as major gift fundraising, estate planning, financial planning or law. Additionally, individuals with a strong availability to build relationships with a wide range of donors, understanding their needs and passions will be a marker for success in this position. Professional certification or membership in professional non-profit or other relevant organization strongly desired, such as: Certified Fund Raising Executive; Certified Specialist in Planned Giving; Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy; Certified Financial Planner, or Juris Doctorate preferred.

Essential responsibilities include:

• Cultivate, establish and enhance relationships with portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Work closely with Gift Planning team to formulate and direct strategies for prospect identification, evaluation, cultivation and solicitation.
• Meet with current and potential donors to determine capability and propensity for a planned gift to The Fellowship.
• Achieve individual financial goals as part of the overall strategy for the department.
• Manage all aspects of trips from research and planning to reporting and follow up, including targeting key donors in particular areas.

Technical & Individual Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of the US philanthropic landscape, prospect research methodology, best practices and evolving trends in philanthropy.
• Experience with moves management strategy and the capability to design and execute donor-centric engagement activities.
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of estate planning and planned gifts.
• Proven skills in sales execution, customer relations, or business management.
• Ability to negotiate and close solicitations.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office 365 products.
• Experience using customer relationship management database.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop authentic relationships with high wealth prospects and individuals with diverse backgrounds.
• Strong presentation skills; exceptional negotiating skills and compassionate listening skills
• Possesses sensitivity to varied cultures and religions, with especially strong knowledge of the Jewish and Christian communities, and the ability to bridge cultural divides. Ability to empathize with the strongly held religious and/or political belief systems of both.
• Ability to travel for day and overnight trips, domestically and some internationally.

Come and experience all The Fellowship offers and make an impact with collaborative team members, professional growth opportunities and mission focused work. We offer competitive salaries and a full suite of benefits. Our office is located on Wacker Drive, across from the Chicago Riverwalk. Please submit your resume and salary requirements.

Key words: Planned Giving, Fundraising, Moves Management

We are an equal opportunity employer (EOE).