Hiring Organization Information
Position Information
Seattle Rep is committed to producing the highest quality programming, and we believe that our ability to contribute to excellence in the arts depends on building a community whose members come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.
We are part of a growing movement in theater to ensure inclusion of those who have been excluded historically; focusing particularly on racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and women, ensuring they are at the decision-making table and reflected in our community.
Mission
Seattle Rep collaborates with extraordinary artists to create productions and programs that reflect and elevate the diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences of our region.
Vision
Theater at the heart of public life
Values
Artistic Vitality, Sustainability, Generous and Inclusive Practices
SEATTLE REP is seeking an experienced, resourceful, and highly talented Planned Giving Officer to join the Development Team. This is a new role, critical to the current and future success of Seattle Rep, with responsibility to re-launch a Planned Giving Program resulting in an expanded pipeline of both realized and future gifts.
The Planned Giving Officer (PGO) is a key position on the Development team and reports directly to the Major Gifts Director. The PGO works in collaboration with Development colleagues and across departments to identify new prospects while strengthening the relationship with current members of our Ovation Circle. In collaboration with the MGD, this experienced professional will drive the strategic growth and operational effectiveness of our Planned Giving Program on an annual basis.
The Planned Giving Officer will create and oversee this program, as well as manage a portfolio of donors. They will be expected to take initiative, execute core responsibilities collaboratively, and work well within a complex organization. They must model professionalism, demonstrate flexibility, navigate multiple projects amidst shifting priorities, and remain composed under pressure.
Typical Duties Include:
Develop and execute strategy to grow the Planned Giving Program
- In collaboration with the MGD, create tactical plan to grow membership, increase future gift notifications, and increase realized gifts annually
- Work in tandem with other development staff to identify and capitalize on new opportunities to increase lifetime value of donors
- Manage a portfolio of 75-125 active planned giving prospects using successful identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship methods to meet and exceed personal and team fundraising goals
- Implement move management to advance prospects towards solicitation and to continually replenish the pipeline of prospects
- Participate in meetings of the Seattle Rep Foundation board, Planned Giving Committee, and/or Campaign Committee meetings as needed
Build and manage systems/structure to support planned giving
- Manage all aspects of Planned Giving administration, including but not limited to:
- Prepare and provide regular reporting, including analysis of results
- Ensure accurate processing and documentation of all gifts and intentions
- Manage and reconcile the Planned Giving Program's expense budget and contribution reports
- Create and oversee execution of overall communications strategy for Planned Giving (including but not limited to marketing and promotion, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, recognition, events, and reporting) to past donors, prospects, and Ovation Circle members in alignment with overall Development communications strategy and plans
- Ensure the timely and appropriate delivery and completion of acknowledgements, gift agreement letters, pledge payment documentation, and other materials
- Create and execute cultivation and stewardship events that advance relationships with planned giving donors and prospects
Build and manage productive, sustainable relationships with donors
- Develop and manage relationships with donors by representing Seattle Rep at on- and off-site events
- Partner with the CAO, Managing and Artistic Directors, and other colleagues to leverage relationships, energy, and the skills of trustees and volunteers in meeting goals
Serve as Planned Giving resources for Development team and organization
- Remain current on planned giving best practices, including tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets, and estates, and share with team as appropriate
- Prepare and provide training and mentorship to Gift Officers on planned giving
- Represent Seattle Rep at planned giving roundtables and other events
Serve as an essential contributor to Seattle Rep’s culture and success
- Add constructively to the collaborative and collegial health of the organization
- Foster a collaborative, creative environment and apply innovative approaches
- Add actively and constructively to the equity, diversity and inclusion work of the organization, including attending all-staff training sessions
- Engage with and strive to embody Seattle Rep’s mission, vision, and values in all aspects of work
- Establish solid and cohesive working relationships throughout the organization, interdepartmental communication and cooperation
- Help create a culture of philanthropy among staff, Board members, and donors
Minimum Qualifications:
- Two years of development experience with proficiency in Planned Giving programs
- Demonstrated understanding of advanced gift planning vehicles and an ability to communicate opportunities for asset-based planning
- Familiarity with the philanthropic landscape, as well as local and regional arts donors
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences in person and through proposals, letters, and other written materials
- A proven record of achieving aggressive fundraising goals, as an individual and as part of a team
- Well organized and able to prioritize multiple tasks within dynamic environments
- Thorough knowledge of Window-based computer software, Microsoft Office, and relationship-management database systems
- Commitment to racial equity and social justice practices, and a desire to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive work environment
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience working in a theater, arts, or other not-for-profit organization
- Three years or more of experience in Planned Giving
- Experience with Tessitura database system