The Denver Foundation seeks a community-focused director of planned giving and complex assets who centers on mission-based work supporting the foundation’s vision, mission, and purpose. Our director of planned giving and complex assets is a fundraising position responsible for managing a portfolio of current and prospective donors, estate, and complex gift management and closing. The Director also leads the foundation’s fiduciary programs and manages the relationship with our planned giving administrator. This position will serve as a technical resource and subject-matter expert on these topics to the Impact department and the organization.
The director of planned giving and complex assets reports to the major gifts officer and requires at least seven years of experience in fundraising and/or donor service. The role also requires at least five years of experience in planned giving and/or trust/estate administration, experience with complex asset donations, including real estate, knowledge and understanding of charitable sector tax incentives and gift vehicles, and knowledge and understanding of the local nonprofit sector.
This is a full-time position in Denver, Colorado. We work on a hybrid schedule of at least two days in the office (Monday and Thursday required). The starting salary for this position is $95,000 to $105,000 per year. This position is salaried, exempt, and eligible for all the foundation’s benefits. Benefits include paid time off, retirement (403(b)) contribution, tuition assistance, and medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. The starting salary will be based on experience.
The Denver Foundation is excited to be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. For nearly 100 years, people in Metro Denver and across Colorado have trusted The Denver Foundation to steward charitable funds to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities. In partnership with generous donors and community partners, we lead a community-wide effort to build a better future for everyone. The foundation's vision is a Metro Denver that is racially equitable in its leadership, prosperity, and culture, and we are a catalytic leader that engages in critical issues and accelerates systems change. To achieve this, all staff must intentionally apply Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to their practice. The ideal candidates for this position are committed to racial equity.
The director of planned giving and complex assets will work with other colleagues from the impact department to steward and recognize current Community Legacy Society members, work with prospects to build the pipeline for planned gifts and work with staff and legal counsel to help the foundation accept complex assets and bequests. This position will play a key role in The Denver Foundation’s Centennial Campaign while working in partnership with the chief impact officer and the major gifts officer to develop a comprehensive plan for increasing planned giving opportunities for endowed funds. This director will also grow the endowed assets ratio of the foundation’s balance sheet through new endowed funds and bequests to The Fund for Denver, steward a portfolio of the foundation's Community Legacy Society members to ensure they feel appreciated, recognized, and connected to the foundation’s work in the community, and host the annual Community Legacy Society stewardship event.
Additional responsibilities and essential functions of the role include:
- Identify and cultivate new planned gifts to the foundation, elevating the foundation’s value proposition for personalized and impactful charitable legacies. Emphasize the foundation’s expertise and flexibility in accepting complex assets (including digital assets, real estate, closely held business interests, etc.)
- Promote giving to and through The Denver Foundation via personal consulting with donors and advisors about the importance of permanent and flexible funds with a racial equity focus that is collaborative and provides community-based solutions
- Serve as the primary point person for gift acceptance, including working with donors, advisors, and banks on securities transfers, coordinating with legal counsel on complex assets, and managing and liquidating estate gifts. Coordinate with the Executive Committee to manage incoming gifts using our Gift Acceptance Policy.
- Use appropriate tools to develop gift and financial models for donors and prospects
- Maximize pipeline opportunities through engagement with external organizations, associations, and partners
- Serve as liaison to the Finance, Infrastructure, and Technology (FIT) department, especially around issues on gift acceptance, complex assets, asset liquidation, and audit-level review
- Participate in speaking engagements and planned giving seminars, and work with the Communications department to develop marketing materials
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in the following key areas:
- Front-line fundraising and working with donors
- Complex assets donations, including real estate
- An understanding of move management and utilizing a customer relationship management system
- Back-office skills
- Building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
- Collaboration
Candidates must possess the following:
- At least seven years of experience in fundraising and/or donor service
- At least five years of experience in planned giving and/or trust/estate administration
- Experience with complex asset donations, including real estate
- Knowledge and understanding of charitable sector tax incentives and gift vehicles
- Knowledge and understanding of the local nonprofit sector
- A learning orientation that’s focused on building a continuous improvement and learning culture through assessment of outcomes and promoting organizational change
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills
- High level of confidentiality and professionalism
- Strong attention to detail and customer service orientation
- An unwavering commitment to racial equity
- Belief in the model of community foundations
- Commitment to the philosophy of the Impact Group, bringing together all philanthropy at the foundation
A full job description is attached to this posting. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Denver Foundation practices and champions inclusiveness in our community. We honor all community members' diverse strengths, needs, voices, and backgrounds. Candidates from traditionally marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply.