Senior Planned Giving Advisor

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President of Major and Planned Giving, The Senior Planned Giving Advisor serves as the organization’s expert in charitable gift planning, providing strategic counsel, technical expertise and donor engagement strategies that drive significant philanthropic investment. This individual partners closely with frontline gifts officers to identify, cultivate and secure blended gifts that combine current and future commitments, ensuring that donors achieve their philanthropic goals while advancing the mission of the organization.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the lead planned giving resource for gift officers and senior leaders, providing counsel on complex philanthropic conversations, donor structuring strategies and blended giving opportunities.
• Collaborates with gift officers in donor strategy development, including participating in cultivation meetings, donor visits and proposal preparation.
• Manages a select portfolio of high-value planned giving prospects and donors where personal leadership is essential.
• Travels nationally (up to 30% of the time) for in-person donor and prospect meetings.
• Maintains up-to-date expertise in charitable estate planning, deferred gifts and tax law, ensuring the organization’s recommendations reflect current best practices.
• Develops tools, templates and resources that equip frontline fundraisers to advance planned and blended gift discussions.
• Advises on marketing strategies for planned giving, including donor communications, campaigns, and recognition societies.
• Partners with legal, finance and development operations teams to structure, document, and steward complex gifts.
• Serves as an ambassador for planned giving within the organization, providing ongoing training, coaching and thought leadership to elevate gift planning across teams.
• Demonstrates a deep and abiding adherence to ethical standards in fundraising and donor stewardship
• Advances relationships with qualified prospects by positioning themselves as a trusted partner for donors looking to achieve meaningful philanthropic goals.
• Creates individual goals and a comprehensive plan for each person in the portfolio; tracks portfolio activity and progress.
• Prepares proposals and other supporting materials for donors who have been solicited for or have otherwise expressed an interest in a planned gift.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in planned giving, major gifts, or related fields, with demonstrated expertise in structuring complex charitable gifts.
• Deep knowledge of estate planning, charitable trusts, tax law, and blended gift vehicles, specifically charitable gift annuities.
• Proven ability to advise, train and partner with frontline fundraisers in donor-facing situations.
• A primary orientation towards long-term relationship-building and donor-centered cultivation strategies.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, especially in simplifying complex concepts for donors and colleagues.
• Willingness to travel throughout the United States on a frequent basis.
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge donor management system or similar CRM database preferred.
• Strong planning skills and ability to prioritize tasks to achieve goals in a timely manner.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and values, with the ability to communicate vision and impact to donors.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. JD preferred but not required.

Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation preferred.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected minimum salary for this role is $140,000. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

TO APPLY

If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply via our Careers Page at https://oceanconservancy.org/our-people/career-opportunities/. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.