Position: Associate Director of Major and Planned Gifts

Department: Development & Alumni Relations

Location: Caroline Saltonstall Building

Hours: Full-time; generally 8:30 AM-5:00 PM M-F but some weekend and evening flexibility required

FLSA: Exempt

Workers Comp. Code:

Milton Academy is an independent college preparatory K–12 school, boarding and day in grades 9–12, located south of Boston.

Milton Academy cultivates in our students a passion for learning and a respect for others. Milton students grow by developing their own identities, learning from and listening to the lived experiences of others, and living and working among peers whose differences they accept with respect and care.

In our ongoing work to create the anti-oppression environment at Milton—free from bias, injustice, and bigotry—that our values demand, we encourage each other to explore our own histories and identities, be open to learning from others, seek to understand the world around us with a critical lens, and strive to practice ways of interacting with one another that ensure all students and adults feel safe, supported, and able to express all aspects of their identities without judgment or hate.

In our dynamic community, we honor that Milton students challenge each other to build a foundation upon which to leave Milton and partner with their future communities to help create a more just world and in those spaces that are dissonant to our values, to have the courage to speak up and live by our motto, “Dare to be true.”

Summary of Position:

The Development and Alumni Relations Office seeks an experienced, strategic, pro-active, results-oriented development professional to serve as the Associate Director of Major Gifts, Planned Giving. This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting prospects capable of making 6+ figure gifts, as well as serving as the key point of contact for planned giving under the direction of the Director of Development. This position will work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer, Director of Development, Major/Annual Gift Officers, the Head of School, high-level volunteers including trustees, and other members of the development team.

The Associate Director of Major and Planned Gifts works with a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors; possesses a general knowledge of the most common aspects of planned giving including, but not limited to, life income gifts of all descriptions, IRA and pension fund charitable gifts, and other forms of planned gift. Will work with consultants to strategically market the planned giving program, and explore solutions to the team’s more complex planned giving needs. This position will build membership in and guide stewardship of the Forbes Goodwin Society.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Manage the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of approximately 150 major and planned giving gift prospects; prioritize 1:1 contact (in person, when possible) with prospects; meet robust visit and solicitation metrics of at least 12-15 substantive contacts/month.

• Advance the success of Milton’s fundraising program through pro-active portfolio management; moving prospects through the donor engagement process in a way that maximizes philanthropy for Milton’s top fundraising priorities.

• Develop and execute proactive strategies to drive both awareness of and success in the planned giving program, including identifying and cultivating potential donors, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, stewarding current legacy members, and securing planned gifts.

• Demonstrate a proactive mindset by researching and staying informed about trends, best practices, and emerging marketing and gift opportunities in the planned giving field, and applying this knowledge to enhance major and planned gift solicitations.

• Develop a working knowledge of Milton Academy in general and funding priorities specifically to articulate a compelling case for support to all constituents.

• Promote, enhance, and build membership within the Forbes Goodwin Society; steward members, in partnership with Donor Relations.

• Work with outside vendors to create and execute a planned giving marketing plan.

• Under the guidance of the DOD, serve as the in-house planned giving expert. Participate in short- and long-term strategic planning for the planned giving program and how to maximize philanthropic support.

• Facilitate relationships between major and planned giving prospects and the Head of School, faculty, and key volunteer leaders.

• Under the direction of the DOD serve as a liaison with legal counsel and other external consultants to ensure program and/or specific gifts are in compliance.

• Assist the Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Development with other assignments, as needed.
  
  Supervision to be received: Reports directly to the Director of Development

Supervision to be exercised: No direct reports

Education/Certification/Licensure

Required: Bachelors’ degree

Preferred:

Experience

Required: 7+ years of development experience, including significant and successful planned gift fundraising with a proven track record of high-level solicitations. Ability to use PGCalc to develop planned gift illustrations.

Preferred: Development experience in an academic environment. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge.

Physical Abilities: Must be able to work at a computer for up to 8 hours each day in conjunction with OSHA requirements. Must be able to lift medium sized packages (up to 10 pounds). Must be able to move around the Milton Academy campus.

Other required experience and abilities:

Required:

• Be a genuine, invested, curious, and flexible team player.

• Ability to work independently as a self-starter.

• Proven fundraising, leadership, and consensus building skills.

• Ability to motivate, and inspire groups and individuals across organizational charts.

• Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing major and planned gifts.

• Specialized knowledge related to planned giving fundraising.

• Ability and skill set to work effectively with alumni, parents, donors, and professional advisors.

• Ability to manage and balance competing priorities, complex situations, and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Extensive experience and proven success in prospect management.

• Eagerness to travel.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Demonstrated analytical skills and problem solving skills.

• Proven ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively in a directed team effort.

• Results-oriented and a proven track record in setting and achieving ambitious goals.

• Understanding of, and strong commitment to, the mission of Milton Academy; familiarity with the independent school environment helpful.

All interested internal candidates must complete an application for promotion or transfer and forward to your supervisor as soon as possible.

The essential functions and basic skills have been included in this job description; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

An equal opportunity employer, Milton embraces diversity and the pursuit of excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race (including natural and protective hairstyle), color, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, religious creed, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, citizenship, national or ethnic origin or any other status protected by applicable law.