About our School
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 Director of Planned Giving who will work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer, Director of Development, Leadership/Annual Gift Officers, the Head of School, high-level volunteers including trustees, and other members of the development team.
The Director of Planned Giving works with a portfolio of planned giving donors and prospects; possesses a deep, current, and accurate knowledge of all aspects of planned giving including, but not limited to, life income gifts of all descriptions, IRA and pension fund charitable gifts, and all other forms of planned gifts; broadly and strategically markets the planned giving program; increases membership and stewards the legacy society; and fields any/all questions from colleagues and donors related to gift planning.
The Director of Planned Giving will enjoy a culture of philanthropy at Milton resulting from a successful $175 million campaign and significant marketing investments. The Director will play a key role in building current and future philanthropy at Milton.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute proactive strategies to drive both awareness for 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.
- Take ownership of the planned giving program, working autonomously and collaboratively with teammates to develop innovative approaches, initiatives, and proposals that engage donors and increase planned gifts.
- Manage the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of approximately 150 planned giving gift prospects; prioritize 1:1 contact (in person, when possible) with prospects; meet robust visit and solicitation metrics; maintain complete and timely records of contacts with prospects and volunteers; travel required.
- Set clear goals for cultivation strategies for prospects and execute strategies that result in the highest level ask for Milton’s fundraising priorities; focus on building long-term relationships with top prospects and donors.
- Promote, enhance, and significantly increase membership within the School’s legacy society; steward members, in partnership with Donor Relations.
- Create and execute a planned giving marketing plan, including special mailings, a website presence, and special events for key constituencies; widen marketing initiatives to educate and persuade younger alumni to include Milton in their earliest estate planning; includes work with outside vendors and collaboration with development’s Director of Advancement Communications and Donor Relations.
- Utilize data-driven insights and metrics to evaluate the success of the planned giving program, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to optimize performance and increase donor participation. Participate in short- and long-term strategic planning for the planned giving program.
- Provide leadership and facilitate relationships between planned giving prospects and the Head of School, faculty, and key volunteer leaders.
- Collaborate with a team of Leadership/Annual Gift officers; educate and train staff to be well versed in their understanding of planned giving; identify and qualify additional prospects by working independently and with colleagues; actively participate in prospect management meetings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualified candidates will possess a BA with a required eight years of development experience; including significant and successful planned gift fundraising with a proven track record of high-level solicitations. Management experience in a senior-level capacity with a complex non-for-profit organization. Development experience in an academic environment. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge, and expert knowledge of PGCalc is also required. The ability to move around the Milton Academy campus, work at a computer for up to 8 hours each day and lift medium sized packages is expected.
Milton Academy welcomes candidates who would add to the intellectual, racial, cultural, and gender diversity of the school community. Milton Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or ancestry, age, veteran status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are fundamental elements of Milton’s mission. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
The post Director of Planned Giving appeared first on Milton Academy.