Position Summary: The Planned Giving Officer is responsible for cultivating long-term philanthropic relationships with donors who seek to make a meaningful, faith-informed impact on the lives of vulnerable communities around the world. By offering guidance on legacy giving options—including bequests, charitable gift annuities, and beneficiary designations—the Officer helps supporters extend their commitment to Catholic social teaching, justice, and compassion for generations to come. This position is a key part of the Mission Advancement team, supporting the sustainable growth of Cross Catholic Outreach global humanitarian mission.

In addition to applying through our HR Portal (see below), copy Patricia Vahle at pvahle@crosscatholic.org

Educational or Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE, CGPP, beneficial.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 3–5 years of fundraising experience, preferably with direct experience in planned giving or major gifts - ideally within a nonprofit or faith-based context.
• Knowledge of estate planning, charitable gift vehicles, and donor stewardship strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; able to engage with donors about complex and sensitive topics with empathy and faith.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable discussing personal finances and estate plans with donors and their advisors.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases and Moves Management.
• Knowledge of charitable giving vehicles, and an basic knowledge of estate law, and tax implications for donors.
• Experience with donor management systems.
• Willingness to travel domestically and occasionally internationally. Occasionally work evenings or weekends for donor meetings or events.

DUTIES:

Relationship Management and Solicitation - 55%

• Manage a portfolio of 100–150 planned giving prospects and donors.
• Conduct donor visits (virtual and in-person) to cultivate and solicit legacy gifts.
• Collaborate with major gift officers and other frontline fundraisers to identify planned giving opportunities within their portfolios.
• Prepare customized proposals, gift illustrations, and written communications for donors and their advisors.
• With the Gift Acceptance Policy as a guide, coordinate with legal and finance teams to ensure proper gift documentation and administration.
• Promote legacy giving through educational seminars, email, and in person visits.

Cultivation and Stewardship – 35%

• Actively thank donors for support, welcome new donors to the organization and facilitate access to executive team and other departments.

Monitoring, Reporting and Documentation 10%

• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions in the CRM database.
• Track and report progress toward annual and long-term goals for planned gifts secured, expectancies documented, and pipeline growth.
• Serve as an internal resource on planned giving vehicles and tax-wise philanthropy.
• Stay current on relevant tax laws, estate planning trends, and philanthropic best practices.
• Other duties as assigned