Director-Gift Planning Foundation Phoenix Note Quick

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Note:

Phoenix Children’s Foundation seeks a strategic and innovative Director of Gift Planning to lead the advancement of our gift planning program, encompassing both current and deferred giving strategies. As a key member of the Individual Giving leadership team, the Director will oversee a team of three Gift Planning Officers and one Coordinator, working in partnership with Major Gift Officers and professional advisors to drive significant philanthropic revenue through blended gifts, asset-based contributions, and legacy commitments.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in charitable estate planning, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for transforming pediatric healthcare through philanthropic investment. This is a leadership role that requires both strategic vision and frontline fundraising success, with a focus on scaling impact through integration across the development enterprise.

• Strategic Leadership & Program Design
  • Lead the vision and strategy for an integrated gift planning program that maximizes current and future support through complex and blended gift structures.
  • Establish annual goals and long-term growth strategies aligned with Phoenix Children’s fundraising priorities and revenue targets.
  • Serve as an internal subject matter expert on planned giving instruments including bequests, donor-advised funds, charitable remainder and lead trusts, retained life estates, IRA qualified charitable distributions, and gifts of appreciated assets.
• Team Management
  • Supervise and coach three Gift Planning Officers and one Coordinator, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
  • Support team members in portfolio management, proposal development, and professional growth.
  • Collaborate with peers in Major Gifts, Principal Gifts, and Development Services to ensure integration and consistency across the donor experience.
• Donor and Advisor Engagement
  • Manage a personal portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects with an emphasis on blended and complex gifts.
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with estate attorneys, financial advisors, and wealth managers to promote philanthropic planning among Phoenix Children’s constituents.
  • Represent Phoenix Children’s at estate planning councils, advisor forums, and donor education events to grow the Foundation’s reach and reputation.
• Innovation & Integration
  • Drive innovation in digital will-making tools, legacy marketing campaigns, and advisor engagement strategies.
  • Partner with Major Gift Officers to develop customized gift plans that align with donor goals and institutional priorities.
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives to increase asset-based giving, including real estate, business interests, and non-cash assets.
• Stewardship and Compliance
  • Oversee the management and reporting of expectancies, ensuring accurate documentation, forecasting, and stewardship.
  • Maintain compliance with ethical standards, internal policies, and applicable tax and legal regulations.
  • Work with Development Services and Finance teams to ensure timely realization and documentation of estate distributions.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in gift planning, estate administration, or financial planning, preferably in a healthcare or higher education setting.
• Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing complex and blended gifts.
• Strong knowledge of charitable estate and tax planning strategies, current trends in philanthropy, and legal aspects of gift planning.
• Proven leadership experience with staff management, mentorship, and program development.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust and credibility with donors, advisors, and colleagues.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification (JD, CFP, CAP®, AEP®, or CGPP™) strongly preferred.

• Strategic and forward-thinking with a growth mindset
• Technically proficient in planned giving vehicles and donor engagement strategies
• Collaborative and diplomatic, with a high degree of emotional intelligence
• Results-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills
• Committed to the mission…