Posted on January 15, 2013

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Legacy Giving Officer

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has an ambitious strategy to create a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty has ended – and we are seeking talented and passionate individuals to join our team and help us reach this goal. WSPA is the world’s largest international animal welfare organization, and continues to grow. Across our 15 international offices, we are developing programs and launching campaigns that will improve the lives of millions of animals worldwide.

In the U.S., we have opened a new office in New York City, and joining our team is an exciting opportunity to be involved on the ground floor of a stellar team of nonprofit professionals with the backing of an established world-class global organization.

THE POSITION

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), one of the world’s largest animal welfare organizations, has an exciting opportunity for a proactive Legacy Giving Officer.

This is a unique opportunity to help strengthen and build the U.S. fundraising program of an international organization in a new U.S. office in New York City. The Legacy Giving Officer will generate support from legacy giving prospects, as well as steward donors with existing legacy commitments. In addition to the U.S. development team, s/he will also work collaboratively with fundraisers in other country offices and the international fundraising team in London.

The Legacy Giving Officer reports to the U.S. Director of Development and will play a key role in a development department charged with raising more than $6M annually in 2013, with an ambitious plan for ongoing growth. S/he will help develop strategies to meet our annual goals and to expand/retain our legacy giving donor base. Using relationship building and development skills, the Legacy Giving Officer will have a significant impact on WSPA’s fundraising activities and help to build the future of a growing global organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify, cultivate and solicit potential legacy gift donors.
  
• Set goals for legacy gifts and regularly report progress to goal.
  
• Create pipeline of legacy gift prospects.
  
• Conduct a minimum of 100 annual calls on donors to solicit a legacy gift.
  
• Prepare call reports following visits or other contacts with donors.
  
• Respond to, and follow up, on legacy giving inquiries.
  
• Create a legacy giving marketing plan to cultivate and steward ongoing donors and legacy giving prospects.
  
• Create and maintain a legacy giving recognition society for donors.
  
• Create and implement stewardship plans to maintain ongoing relationships with donors who have made legacy giving commitments.
  
• Develop marketing materials to support contact, marketing and calls with potential donors.
  
• Develop legacy giving marketing through the WSPA website.
  
• Keep current on legacy giving trends and legal requirements.
  
• Other duties deemed necessary.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND/SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree with at least two (2) years of experience in the legacy giving and/or development fields.
  
• A proven track record of success in relationship-based fund development.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Web-based research skills.
  
• Familiarity with working with social media networks (Twitter, Facebook, etc.).
  
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
  
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
  
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  
• Proactive, flexible and team player.

PREFERRED BACKGROUND/SKILLS

Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge.

This is a full time, New York City-based position. Salary is commensurate with candidate’s experience and this position includes competitive benefits offered to full-time WSPA employees. For more than 30 years, WSPA has brought relief and protection to millions of animals across the world. Today, working in more than 50 countries, WSPA continues to collaborate with local communities, NGOs and governments to change animals’ lives for the better. WSPA also acts for animals at a global level, using the organization’s United Nations consultative status to give animals a voice. If you have the qualifications for this particular role, and share WSPA’s passion for animal welfare, please let us know of your interest by applying.

Application Instructions

Candidates wishing to be considered should send a cover letter including salary requirements, and a document-based version of your resume to: recruiter@wspausa.org. For consideration, the reference code WSPA-HR5-LG must be in the subject line. Applications without salary requirements may not be considered. Position will remain open until filled. WSPA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.