How to apply for Director, Gift Planning

About Ocean Conservancy

Ocean Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C., with over 50 years of experience delivering science-based solutions to protect the ocean from climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. It unites science, people, and policy to secure a healthy ocean for all, making it a compelling place for those passionate about environmental conservation. Working here offers the chance to contribute to meaningful, evidence-based change on a global scale.

About the role

The Director, Gift Planning will lead Ocean Conservancy’s planned and blended giving program, reporting to the Vice President of Major and Planned Giving. This role involves setting strategic priorities, growing the pipeline of planned gifts, expanding donor engagement, and integrating gift planning into the major gifts program. As the senior technical expert, the Director will provide counsel on complex gifts and guide sophisticated donor strategies to increase philanthropic investment in ocean conservation.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with major gifts officers to strategize on donor cultivation, reviewing complex gift proposals, and providing technical counsel on charitable gift vehicles. You could also spend time analyzing pipeline data, developing training for fundraisers, or personally engaging with high-level donors to discuss planned giving opportunities. The role balances strategic leadership, donor interaction, and cross-team collaboration to advance Ocean Conservancy’s mission.

Who Ocean Conservancy is looking for

• Extensive experience in planned giving, charitable gift planning, or a related field, with a proven track record of growing planned giving programs and securing complex gifts.
• Deep knowledge of charitable gift vehicles (e.g., bequests, charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities) and tax implications, with the ability to provide strategic counsel to donors and fundraisers.
• Strong leadership skills to set strategic priorities, manage a team, and collaborate across departments, particularly with major gifts and development teams.
• A passion for ocean conservation and alignment with Ocean Conservancy’s mission, with excellent communication skills to engage donors and stakeholders effectively.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience in building and scaling planned giving programs, specifically mentioning metrics like increases in bequest commitments or pipeline growth.
• Demonstrate your ability to work with complex gifts and blended giving strategies by providing concrete examples of gifts you have closed or advised on.
• Show your understanding of Ocean Conservancy’s mission and how planned giving can support their long-term goals; reference specific campaigns or initiatives if possible.
• Emphasize your collaborative skills, as this role requires integration with the major gifts program and other teams.
• If you have experience in environmental or conservation nonprofits, be sure to highlight it, as it will resonate strongly with Ocean Conservancy’s focus.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your track record of growing planned giving programs and securing complex gifts, with quantifiable results.', 'Your expertise in charitable gift planning and ability to serve as a senior technical expert, including knowledge of gift vehicles and tax strategies.', 'Your alignment with Ocean Conservancy’s mission and how you can contribute to their strategic priorities through planned giving.', 'Your collaborative approach and experience integrating planned giving with major gifts programs to maximize philanthropic investment.']

Research before applying

• Review Ocean Conservancy’s website, annual reports, and recent campaigns to understand their mission, strategic priorities, and funding needs.
• Research the leadership team, especially the Vice President of Major and Planned Giving, to understand their background and vision for the development program.
• Look into Ocean Conservancy’s major initiatives (e.g., climate change, plastic pollution) to identify how planned giving can support these areas.
• Explore recent news or press releases about Ocean Conservancy’s fundraising successes or challenges to tailor your application.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you assess and grow Ocean Conservancy’s current planned giving pipeline? What strategies would you prioritize?
• Describe a complex or blended gift you successfully secured. What was your approach, and what challenges did you overcome?
• How do you collaborate with major gifts officers to identify and advance planned giving opportunities? Provide an example.
• What trends do you see in planned giving, and how would you adapt Ocean Conservancy’s program to stay ahead?
• How would you educate and engage donors about planned giving opportunities that align with their values and Ocean Conservancy’s mission?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being too generic about planned giving without demonstrating specific expertise in complex gifts and blended giving strategies.
• Failing to show a genuine connection to Ocean Conservancy’s mission or the environmental sector; this role requires passion for the cause.
• Not providing concrete examples of how you have grown a planned giving program or collaborated with major gifts teams, as this role demands a proven track record.