Why join our team?

With a mission that spans the globe, the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment. Our team is exceptional, and we offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have a remarkable 401k match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement. Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first, and we have a lot of fun while doing it. Working for the USO isn't just a job – it's a calling, and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do.

Don't just take our word for it. An independent external survey found that:

• 97% of employees enjoy their work
• 90% are satisfied with their pay and benefits
• 95% would recommend working here to friends and family
• 95% would recommend our USO services to a friend.

Administer probate and trust related matters to generate timely estate distributions making sure donor intent is honored and USO interests are always protected. This position sits on the Planned Giving team reporting to the Sr. Director of Planned Giving and with cross-department partnerships with colleagues in Development Operations (Gifts Administration) and Finance.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)

Development Operations

• Respond to all legal correspondence received related to wills, trusts and other estate matters, and other related inquiries received via emails and phone. Provide appropriate contact information to deceased donor’s representatives. Ensure USO receives all legal paperwork from estate executor, attorney, trust officer etc.
• Monitor the flow of legal documents, trust statements, estate inventories and proper sequence of probate. Conduct appropriate follow up as needed to ensure timely receipt of anticipated distributions from estates.
• Recognize issues and provide recommendations to the supervisor on estate and trust issues/situations to expedite their resolution.
• Upon receipt of paperwork and other estate notifications, create, track, and maintain hard copy files in the office and electronic files in CRM database, creating a system whereby all follow up items are initiated by the due date. Document all actions taken, such as trustee communications or authorized signature requests, within the CRM database on the donor/estate records.
• Monitor and handle all matters relating to split-interest (booked and non-booked) and perpetual trusts. Review account statements received on bequests, perpetual trusts and split interest trusts and enter the current asset value and USO’s estimated portion of estate into the database.
• Review accountings, inventories and fees charged by attorneys, personal representatives, trustees, and other expenditures to ensure that administrative expenses are reasonable. Coordinate with attorneys, executors, brokers, trust officers and other not-for-profit agencies to ensure USO receives correct estate distribution amount as quickly as possible. Coordinate with Development Operations’ Gifts Administration Team and Finance Departments to ensure gift designations and/or restrictions are honored. Keep supervisor posted on all relevant matters and refer all necessary matters to his/her attention promptly. Assist with litigation matters as needed.
• In cooperation with the data entry team, search both databases for donor records related to the estate documents received. Ensure entire giving history for the donor is imported into Raiser’s Edge CRM and create an “Estate of….” record and link the two accounts. In cooperation with Development Operations( gifts administration) and finance teams, provide key documentation required to recognize the revenue from an estate.
• Monitor and maintain accuracy of all donor and estate related information in CRM database obtaining decedent’s full name, last residential address, phone, date of birth, date of death and obituary. Ensure names are removed from all USO mailing lists and constituent attributes updated to reflect status. Determine surviving family members or friends and send a sympathy letter. Forward appropriate contact information of surviving family members to appropriate MGPG team members for purpose of determining appropriate stewardship.
• Prepare weekly report of newly opened/closed files, distributions received, follow-up items and notes regarding other significant estate matters. Provide monthly report of similar activity to supervisor and designated finance team members by the 5^th business day of the following month.
• Maintain general understanding of current tax reform legislation and stay apprised of changes and developments that could impact legacy donors. Attend webinars, programs, and conferences focused on gift planning and estate settlement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• 5+ years’ work experience in estate settlement
• Relevant experience in a non-profit, military, multicultural and/or global organization preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communications as well as knowledge of various software programs including but not limited to Raiser’s Edge, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Willingness and ability to work non-standard hours to accommodate, when necessary, interaction with colleagues or external contacts in all U.S.-based time-zones.
• Ability to achieve desired results while working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Ability to interact with USO Leadership, the general public and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism.
• Donor Accounting Knowledge: Demonstrates knowledge and skills to handle remittance processing, posting of funds and analyzing/researching donor accounts
• Legal Research Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrates skills required to perform in-depth legal research and understands how to use online and other legal databases
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment related to technical matters.
• Ability to handle confidential information with tact and poise.
• Working knowledge of basic business and accounting functions and budgeting.
• Demonstrated initiative/self-motivation, able to adapt quickly and easily to changing organizational needs.
• Must be a strong advocate of the USO’s mission.

Details

• This hybrid position is located in Arlington, VA. Preference will be given to local candidates within commuting distance to the location.
• USO locations will adhere to local area and DOD guidelines regarding COVID vaccination/testing requirements. Employees may be required to be vaccinated or tested regularly per local requirements.
• Resume and cover letter are required for full consideration.
• Background check – education, criminal and driving required.
• The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

If that’s not enough to convince you, here are some direct quotes from employees:

• The organization truly cares about the people who work here.
• I have been with the USO for 4 years and have consistently been able to grow in my knowledge and position. It is a fun place to work and my work/life balance is manageable. The way the organization has handled COVID has been top notch - I never felt fearful that I would lose my job or be put in a situation where I did not feel safe. The benefits are great - PTO and 401k matching are top level.
• There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas: organizational core values for all, work-life balance, impact we can actually see (and even experience as a staff member- the feeling of making an impact is priceless), autonomy with respect to current position within the organization.
• Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community. I couldn't think of a better organization to work for.
• The mission alone provides a positive and meaningful purpose, where people should want to work and be a part of. Most of the people who work for the USO and volunteer for the USO have giving hearts and want to make a difference. This also makes the organization a place where people would want to work.
• The mission and opportunities to make a Difference are amazing. There is no doubt that the USO is one of the most forward-facing, frontline serving nonprofits that I know of.

Apply today and be a force behind the forces