Director, Major and Planned Gifts

Description

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.

Longwood Gardens is seeking a seasoned, entrepreneurial leader to build a major and legacy giving function. In partnership with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Director, Major and Planned Gifts will be charged with designing and setting the direction for Longwood Gardens’ first major gift and planned giving programs. This will include:

• the development of a comprehensive prospect identification and management system for both major and legacy giving prospects,
• the implementation of a portfolio system, ensuring clear boundaries and systems for coordination between the CEO, CPO, Director of Development, and Director, Major and Planned Gifts fundraising activity, and 
• the integration of the new Major Gift program into the existing fundraising program, ensuring a seamless relationship in concert with the existing Innovators Program.

Longwood Gardens is seeking a full-time Director, Major and Planned Gifts to join our growing Philanthropy team. Additional responsibilities include:

• Create a first-rate, data-driven, and donor-centered major gifts program
• Oversee their own portfolio of approximately 125-150 donors and prospects with the capacity to give at the five- and six-figure levels
• In partnership with the CPO, lead efforts to design the major and planned gift strategy to support major, multiyear initiatives, including those set forth in the 2030 Strategic Plan, 30-Year Site Master Plan and Longwood at Granogue Master Plan
• Personally secure contributions at the $25,000 level and above
• Manage the pipeline of the institution’s top philanthropic prospects, ensuring the continued advancement of donor relationships to Longwood
• Maintain all records relating to these prospects and ensure that all information pertinent to them is entered into the database, as appropriate
• Create and execute solicitation and engagement strategies for major donors and planned gift donors, including gift alignment 
• Support and manage the CEO and CPO’s fundraising portfolios
• Coordinate and integrate strategies regarding prospects with other department plans, including the solicitation of planned, blended, and/or Innovator gifts, as appropriate
• Prepare the CPO and CEO for solicitation meetings as necessary, and ensure contact reports and follow-up moves are executed in a timely fashion 
• Partner with the Philanthropy and Operations teams to develop and execute events for major and legacy donors and prospects

Requirements

We are looking for an individual with excellent strategic relationship management skills with a proven track record of exercising good judgement in a variety of situations, and possess expert written and verbal communication, record keeping, and organizational skills. The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in progressively senior fundraising roles 
• CAP and/or CFRE Certification a plus
• Strong track record of closing gifts at the five- and six-figure levels
• Campaign experience strongly preferred
• Ability to approach work with an entrepreneurial mindset, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor is a must
• High level of familiarity with and comfort discussing various planned giving vehicles
• Demonstrated experience in planning and execution of various types of events
• Demonstrated high degree of professionalism and ability to work with various groups, including Trustees, donors and executive leadership 
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize when faced with competing deadlines 
• Ability to maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality, and understanding nuances particular to UHNW families
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evening and weekends, and occasional travel, is required

Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.