Planned Giving Development Specialist

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Working under the supervision of the Planned Giving Operations Manager, the Planned Giving Development Specialist is part of the Planned Giving Team. The primary responsibility of this position is assisting with the processing of bequest gifts, especially beneficiary designations and other basic bequests as assigned. The PG Development Specialist will also be responsible for stewarding PG donors, their advisors and representatives.

Job Responsibility:

1. In close collaboration with PG staff, provide oversight and management of gifts from estates that CRS is notified of. Work closely with financial planners, attorneys, and estate representatives to bring estate gifts to completion.
2. Work collaboratively with PG Bequest Specialist to ensure timely processing of all estate distributions.
3. Provide attentive and appropriate levels of stewardship to personal representatives, financial advisors, executors and trustees, including oversight of the Legacy Circle stewardship program.
4. Maintain all related records in Clear View database.
5. Go into the CRS Baltimore office up to four times a month to scan and file mail.
6. Cross-train with other Planned Giving staff in order to respond to a wide range of donor inquiries and provide backup for their stewardship.
7. Contribute to the development of digital and print mail pieces.
8. Stay current regarding CRS programming, news, and world events.
9. Other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: All Charitable Giving Units including Leadership Giving, Donor Services, Analytics Unit, Annual Giving; Office of Legal Counsel; Finance; Marketing & Communications.

External: CRS donors and their personal representatives, attorneys and financial advisors, other PG vendors and consultants.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

1. BA or BS minimum requirement
2. 2-3 years related experience as a fundraiser, customer service agent, account representative, or similar field. Experience with planned gifts is a plus, but not required.
3. Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize.
4. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Ability to learn and explain sophisticated gifts in a clear and easily understood manner to donors.
5. Strong analytical and research skills.
6. Familiarity with processing legal documents and forms, particularly estate-related documents a plus.
7. Computer literacy (MS Office: Word, Outlook, Excel); knowledge of fundraising databases a plus**.**

Personal/Professional Skills:

1. Strong time management skills, a structured and detailed oriented individual who is able to work under tight deadlines.
2. Requires minimal supervision. Takes initiative and asks pertinent questions, yet knows when to involve others. Good problem-solving skills.
3. Ability to work well with others including co-workers, supervisors and various units within Charitable Giving.
4. Positive and energetic attitude, enjoys and works well in a collegial, team-oriented, sharing environment, yet self-motivated with personal initiative for expanding the planned giving portfolio.
5. Friendly and outgoing manner, flexible and attentive approach, and open to many options to reach agreed upon goals.
6. Understands of basic fundraising concepts and donor psychology.
7. Project a positive donor service attitude in all aspects of duties internally and externally.
8. Willing to acquire a working knowledge of various planned gift vehicles.

Physical Requirements/Environment: Hybrid – will need to be able to go into CRS’ Baltimore office up to 4 times per month

Foreign Language Required: N/A

Major Responsibilities of Position: Gift Administration, Donor Stewardship

Disclaimer Clause: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position.

NOTE: All interested applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application.

EOE/M/F/D/V

About Us

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

About the Team

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer