Overview

The Major Gift Officer - Planned Giving represents the Knights of Columbus and the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and Institute (Shrine and Institute) in creating, cultivating, and activating relationships with donors and potential donors. This position is also responsible for developing and implementing strategies to secure major gifts and planned gifts to support the mission of Knights of Columbus Charities. This role involves identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors and prospects, with a particular focus on planned giving opportunities.

Core Responsibilities

• Donor Cultivation and Solicitation
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective major donors and planned giving prospects.
  • Develop and implement personalized strategies to engage and solicit major gifts and planned gifts.
  • Conduct face-to-face meetings, presentations, and follow-up communications with donors and prospects.
  • Work closely with Shrine staff and volunteers in order to enhance fundraising efforts and cultivate individual prospects.

• Planned Giving Program Management:
  • Develop and manage a comprehensive planned giving program, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and other planned giving vehicles.
  • Educate donors and prospects about the benefits of planned giving and how it can support their philanthropic goals.
  • Collaborate with legal and financial advisors to ensure proper documentation and compliance with planned giving agreements.

Skills Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles and strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, prospects, and professional advisors.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in donor database management and fundraising Software.
• Understanding charitable giving legal guidelines, specifically as it relates to fundraising and planned giving.
• Innovative strategic, entrepreneurial, and collaborative team player.
• Exceptional written communication skills and verbal interpersonal communication.
• Proven track record of cultivating, nurturing, closing, sustaining, and managing high-level portfolios.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with board and other volunteers in a collaborative and respectful manner, and comfortable interacting with a diverse network of high-net-worth supporters.
• Data-driven, results-oriented, and forward thinker who leverages metrics to demonstrate return on investment for donors and stakeholders.
• Goal-oriented individual with sound judgment and integrity, as well as a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the mission and goals of the organization
• Willing to try new approaches and take appropriate risks.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in major gift fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major and planned gifts with increased responsibility.

Compensation

The wage range for this role takes into account a broad array of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The range below applies as long as the work is performed in Connecticut; the Knights of Columbus reserves the right to adjust the wage range if the position is performed in another location. At the Knights of Columbus, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $110,000-$187,000.

Authorization to work in the United States is required

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Physical Demands

Ability to travel as needed
KofC Cares

Our mission is focused on family and faith, and we support our employees in seeking a balanced life.

Employee benefits include:

Time Away: 13 paid holidays per year in addition to vacation and paid sick leave, and flexible workweek schedules.

Professional Development: Certifications, designation, and tuition reimbursement.

Retirement Benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching company contributions, and cash balance retirement plans fully funded by the company.

Health and Wellness:

• Short-term disability and term life insurance fully paid for by the company;
• Up to 12 weeks of childbirth leave under STD policy.
• One week of fully paid parental leave for all new parents, including adoptive and foster parents.
• A variety of health insurance options, including premium-level family coverage and a pre-tax Health Savings Account with employer contributions. The Order's health plans do not cover abortion, sterilization, or contraception, and the Order has helped advocate for other employers who do not want to provide coverage.
• Long-term disability insurance;
• Dental insurance;
• Vision insurance;
• Health club membership reimbursement;
• Employee Assistance Program