Career Corner

Planned Giving Bequest Specialist (Specialist II)

Posted April 25, 2022
Reports To:Planned Giving Operations Manager
Department: Charitable Giving - Planned Giving

Job Summary:
Working under the supervision of the Planned Giving Operations Manager, the Planned Giving Bequest Specialist is responsible for evaluating and processing gifts from Wills, Revocable Trusts and Beneficiary Designations. This entails securing all related gifts by monitoring the probate and estate liquidation process, includes interaction with estate attorneys, personal representatives, banks, internal CRS departments and acknowledgements for assets in the portfolio.

Job Responsibilities:
1. Receive and process wills, trusts and beneficiary designations to closure.  Includes all required action steps with internal CRS departments (General Counsel, Domestic Finance, Donor Services, etc.) as well as communication with attorneys and trustees.
2.    Identify bequests that have legal, financial or reputational risks to CRS for tracking and timely follow-up, including those that require review by CRS General Counsel.
3.    Proactively follow up with estate attorneys and executors to ensure timeliness and accuracy of distributions and prepare acknowledgement letters.  Ensure estate status is updated once every six (6) months.
4.    Review and prepare documents for signature (receipts, refunding bonds, inheritance or annuity claim forms, etc.) and forward to appropriate signatory.
5.    Maintain electronic and physical records of all bequests. Monitor and update donor database to ensure all gifts are correctly recorded.  
6.    Run monthly reports of bequest gifts received and reconcile with Donor Services and Analytics Unit.
7.    Run monthly Campaign reports to ensure that bequest gifts are accurately identified and counted.
8.    Assess incoming estates and complete accrual process with Domestic Finance as needed.
9.    Identify Irrevocable Trusts received by CRS, prepare initial summary, complete necessary communication with estate attorney, and ensure ongoing coordination with the Finance Department.
10.    Keep abreast of latest legal and tax developments regarding estates and estate planning.
11.    Identify, recommend and implement business processes improvements associated with estate gifts.
12.    Cross-train with other PG staff in order to respond to donor inquiries and provide backup for the administration of such gifts.
13.    Stay current regarding CRS programming, news, and world events.
14.    Contribute to PG marketing efforts.
15.    Contribute to the expansion of the Professional Advisor Network.
16.    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.
External: CRS donors and their personal representatives, attorneys and financial advisors  

Qualifications:
1.      BA or BS minimum requirement; specialized paralegal or legal assistant certification required.

2.      5-7 years related work experience in fundraising, planned giving or similar experience.

3.      Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Ability to explain sophisticated planned gifts in a clear and easily understood manner to PG donors.

4.      Strong analytical and research skills.

5.      Experience in processing legal documents and forms, particularly estate-related documents

6.      Maturity, ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.

7.      Computer literacy (MS Office: Word, Outlook, Excel); knowledge of fundraising databases a plus 

8.      Notary Public Certification or willingness to obtain.

Personal/Professional Skills:
1.      Strong time management skills, a structured and detailed oriented individual who can 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.      Works well within a collegial, team-oriented system.  Maintains a positive attitude within the work environment.
4.      Friendly and outgoing manner, flexible and attentive approach, and open to many options to reach agreed upon goals.
5.      Understanding of basic fundraising concepts and donor psychology.
6.      Willing to acquire a working knowledge of various planned gift vehicles.

Physical Requirements/Environment: Hybrid working environment, largely remote but must be able to go to Headquarters on an as needed basis.
Foreign Language Required: N/A
Major Responsibilities of Position: Legal, Gift Administration, Finance and 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

Please apply for this position here.