Planned Giving and Endowment Manager

DEPARTMENT:  Philanthropy

REPORTS TO:  Director of Philanthropy

CLASSIFICATION: This is a regular part-time position eligible for limited benefits including paid sick leave and complimentary tickets to Playhouse performances (option for full-time and hybrid-remote work)

PAY RATE:  $35.00 per hour

LOCATION: La Jolla, California, on the beautiful campus of the University of California, San Diego

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Planned Giving and Endowment Manager will manage and steward La Jolla Playhouse’s Legacy Circle members. The primary focus of the position is to implement a planned giving and endowment program that fosters relationships with donors who are interested in leaving a legacy gift to ensure the long-term financial success of the Playhouse. The ideal candidate would bring a combination of fundraising expertise, relationship building and strategic planning skills to support the Individual Giving team. The Planned Giving and Endowment Manager will serve as a liaison to the planned giving community including wealth managers, tax advisors and estate attorneys.

ABOUT THE LEGACY GIVING CIRCLE:

Legacy members are strong believers in La Jolla Playhouse and its mission. They include La Jolla Playhouse in their estate planning through bequests in wills and trusts, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance, and other estate-planning vehicles. In addition to estate-type gifts, the focus will be to include current, outright gifts to the endowment. Planned gifts to La Jolla Playhouse qualify for the Federal Estate Tax Charitable Deduction.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

-Work closely with the Managing Director and Director of Philanthropy to strategize and maintain a timeline for solicitations for the Endowment Campaign.

-Work closely with the Planned Giving Chair and the newly formed Advisory Group which serves as a volunteer resource in helping to advise, cultivate and steward planned and endowment gifts.

-Work with the Individual Giving Team to strategize blended gift solicitations by developing cultivation, stewardship and planned giving approaches.

-Work with the Special Events team to organize 2-3 annual events for prospective and current Legacy members.

-Assist in planning and implementing activities to meet the long-term goal of building the Playhouse’s endowment through planned, estate and endowed giving.

-Implement a Planned Giving and Endowment Annual Plan, including written proposals, illustrations, gift agreements and testimonials and newsletter content that integrates with the Marketing and Communications Department’s communications to subscribers and donors.

-Formalize planned and endowment gifts with current portfolio of Legacy Circle donors.

-Create planned giving marketing materials, website communication and annual benefits package for Legacy Circle donors.

-Ensure planned gift documentation is up to date in Tessitura and donor files.

-Analyze proposed planned gifts to ensure they are structured on a sound financial basis and comply with the Playhouse policies and procedures and are up to date on relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing planned giving.

-Maintain accurate records of planned gifts and provide regular activity reports.

-Identify prospective new Legacy Circle members through Donor Search software.

-Manage planned giving budgets and timelines, etc.

-Attend VIP Celebration and Inner Circle Nights, Backstage Tours and other donor events and duties as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

-Proven track record in non-profit development, with knowledge of planned giving.

-Alignment with the mission and values of La Jolla Playhouse and a passion for the arts.

-Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff, volunteers, Board of Trustees and interns.

-High degree of integrity and discretion: able to exercise good judgement in various situations requiring professionalism, diplomacy and confidentiality.

-Excellent verbal, public speaking and written communication skills.

-A positive attitude and spirit of teamwork.

-Ability to assess situations and independently develop a plan of action.

-Ability to drive

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

-Certification in planned giving (e.g., Certified Specialist in Planned Giving) is a plus.

-Proven experience in planned giving, cultivating and closing charitable gifts of five figures or higher and/or related field within the nonprofit sector.

-Strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles, tax laws, and estate planning principles.

-Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university and/or 3-5 years related experience and/or training.

-Advanced knowledge of the entire MS Office software suite and ability to learn Tessitura database and understand moves management tracking.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

-Regular, predictable attendance required.

-Available to work nights and weekends as required.

-Normal office working conditions: sitting at a desk, typing and computer work.

-Frequently sits or stands for long periods of time.

-Frequently picks up and moves items weighing up to 20 lbs.

ABOUT LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE:

La Jolla Playhouse is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Award-winning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, the Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, including mounting 120 world premieres, commissioning more than 70 new works, and sending 36 productions to Broadway, garnering a total of 42 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.

We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. We lead with our values and encourage individuals with unique perspectives to apply. EOE

Submit a cover letter and resume via the application link.