SEATTLE REP is seeking a resourceful and highly talented Endowment and Planned Giving Director to join the Development team. This role is critical to the current and future success of Seattle Rep, with responsibility to build and execute a robust planned giving program resulting in an expanded pipeline of both realized and future gifts.   

ABOUT US

Seattle Rep is committed to producing the highest quality programming, and we believe that our ability to contribute to excellence in the arts depends on building a staff and community whose members come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

We are part of a growing movement in theater to ensure inclusion of those who have been excluded historically, focusing particularly on racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and women, ensuring they are at the decision-making table and reflected in our community.

Mission

Seattle Rep collaborates with extraordinary artists to create productions and programs that reflect and elevate the diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences of our region.

Vision

Theater at the heart of public life

Values

Artistic Vitality, Sustainability, Generous and Inclusive Practices

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Endowment and Planned Giving Director is a key senior position on the Development team and works in collaboration with Development colleagues and across departments to grow contributed revenue while building and maintaining strong relationships with donors, patrons, and community members alike. This experienced professional will drive the strategic growth and operational effectiveness of planned and endowment giving on an annual basis and will be key to achieving success in two long-term campaigns intended to build Seattle Rep’s financial capacity and position in the community.

At Seattle Rep, endowment and planned giving are closely intertwined. Currently, planned gifts without any specific donor designation are placed in a Board-designated reserve fund for use as needed to support the Theater’s general operations. With the creation of this position, we seek to grow planned giving overall through increased awareness of the additional lasting, long-term philanthropic impact that donors can have by directing their support (whether current or future) to Seattle Rep’s $13M endowment, which is separately held and managed by the Seattle Rep Foundation.

The Endowment and Planned Giving Director will create and oversee these programs, as well as manage a portfolio of donors. They will be expected to take initiative, execute core responsibilities collaboratively, and work well within a complex organization. They must model professionalism, demonstrate flexibility, navigate multiple projects amidst shifting priorities, and remain composed under pressure.

Typical duties include: 

Build and execute a strategy to grow the Planned Giving program and direct Endowment support   

• Provide vision and leadership for the Ovation Circle, Seattle Rep’s planned giving program, including initiatives to grow membership, increase future gift notifications, and increase realized gifts annually
• In collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer, create a tactical plan to grow direct endowment support as part of Act I of the Campaign for Seattle Rep
• Work in tandem with Chief Advancement Officer, Director of Development, Individual Giving Director, and Gift Officers to identify and capitalize on new opportunities to increase lifetime value of donors
• Implement moves management to advance prospects towards solicitation and continually replenish the pipeline of prospects
• Serve as key staff for the Planned Giving Committee and participate in meetings of the Seattle Rep Foundation board, Gift Acceptance Committee, and/or Campaign Committee meetings, as needed

Build and Manage Systems/Structure to support Planned and Endowment Giving

• Manage all aspects of planned giving administration, including, but not limited to:
  • Preparing and providing regular reports, including analysis of results
  • Ensuring accurate processing and documentation of all gifts and intentions
  • Managing and reconciling the planned giving program’s expense budget and contribution reports
• In collaboration with the Director of Development and Individual Giving Director, create and oversee execution of an overall communications strategy for endowment and planned giving (including, but not limited to, marketing and promotion, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, recognition, events, and reporting) to past donors, prospects, and Ovation Circle members in alignment with overall Development communications strategy and plans
• In collaboration with members of the Development team, ensure the timely and appropriate delivery and completion of acknowledgments, gift agreement letters, pledge payment documentation, and other materials
• In collaboration with the Finance Director, Chief Advancement Officer, and Director of Development, create and distribute annual endowment reporting to donors and monitor utilization reports of endowed funds
• In collaboration with the Individual Giving Director and Donor Stewardship Manager, create and execute cultivation and stewardship events that advance relationships with planned giving donors and prospects

Build and manage productive, sustainable relationships with donors

• Personally manage a portfolio of 100-120 donors at various stages of cultivation and stewardship, supporting annual, endowment, and planned gifts
• Develop and manage relationships with donors by representing Seattle Rep at on- and off-site events
• Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer, Managing and Artistic Directors, and other colleagues to leverage relationships, energy, and the skills/expertise of Trustees and volunteers in meeting goals
• Ensure that the health of donor relationships remains a priority amongst revenue growth goals

Serve as Planned Giving resource for Development team and organization

• Remain current on planned giving best practices, including tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets, and estates, and share with the team, as necessary
• Prepare and provide training and mentorship to Gift Officers on planned giving
• Manage relationships with planned giving consultants and vendors in collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Finance
• Represent the Seattle Rep at planned giving roundtables and other events

Serve as an essential contributor to Seattle Rep’s culture and success

• Add constructively to the collaborative and collegial health of the organization
• Foster a collaborative, creative environment and apply innovative approaches
• Add actively and constructively to the EDI (equity, diversity & inclusion) work of the organization, including attending all-staff training sessions
• Engage with and strive to embody Seattle Rep’s mission, vision, and values in all aspects of work
• Establish solid and cohesive working relationships throughout the organization, engaging staff at all levels in fundraising efforts, and promoting interdepartmental communication and cooperation
• Act as a strong collaborator, so that the talents and skills of Development staff are maximized and that the group works collectively for the common good
• Help create a culture of philanthropy among staff, Trustees, and donors

Minimum qualifications

• Five to seven years of development experience, with proficiency in planned giving programs
• Demonstrated success soliciting and securing endowment support
• Demonstrated understanding of advanced gift planning vehicles and an ability to communicate opportunities for asset-based planning
• Familiarity with the philanthropic landscape, as well as local and regional arts donors
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences in person and through proposals, letters, and other written materials
• A proven record of achieving aggressive fundraising goals, as an individual and as part of a team
• Well organized and able to prioritize multiple tasks within dynamic environment
• Thorough knowledge of Windows-based computer software, Microsoft Office, and relationship-management database systems
• A demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team and with peers, staff, and management
• An ability to work evenings and weekends with advance notice, and/or flexible hours to meet the demands of a deadline-driven position
• Diplomacy, discretion, and sense of humor
• Commitment to or knowledge of racial equity and social justice

Desired qualifications

• Experience working in a theater, arts, or other not-for-profit organization
• Seven to ten+ years of experience in planned giving
• Experience working with Tessitura database system

TO BE CONSIDERED

1. Submit a resume detailing related experience and education.
2. Attach a cover letter that outlines how your related experience and education qualifies you for the position.
3. Include a writing sample.
4. Applicants are reviewed the day after the position closes.

Seattle Rep has a mandatory vaccination policy for all employees, with accommodations for medical and religious exemptions only.

Contact hr@seattlerep.org with any questions regarding the application process.