Philanthropic Advisor

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, founded in 1967 has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life. With programs from Boston to Beijing, EDF is the only environmental group to receive an A rating from Wired magazine.

Position Overview: 

Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects located throughout the United States and identify, cultivate and solicit these donors and prospects to maximize income to EDF by closing irrevocable and revocable planned gifts, gifts to the EDF Donor Advised Fund (DAF) and gifts of complex assets. Outreach to financial planners and financial institutions to increase donations to the DAF. Participate in marketing all types of planned gifts to donors and donor prospects. 

The Philanthropic Advisor will be an experienced development professional with the skills and drive to implement all aspects of a comprehensive Planned Giving program. This position reports to the Director of Planned Giving and is based in New York.

Responsibilities: 

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and implement individual giving strategies, engage and motivate donors and prospects through written proposals and through personal contacts and visits.
• Market the EDF Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to the financial community, including financial advisors and other investment professionals, to EDF donors and close DAF gifts.
• Create and implement cultivation and stewardship plans for donors and understand and comply with all EDF gift-related policies and procedures.
• Assist in developing and executing strategic and creative planned giving and DAF marketing pieces including legacy society newsletter articles, advertisements, solicitations, Power Point presentations and brochures.
• Keep abreast of changes and emerging issues in the Planned Giving and DAF fields.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with other members of the Environmental Defense Development staff and assume other responsibilities as they arise.

Qualifications: 

Qualifications include but are not limited to:

• Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years work experience in Planned Giving, finance, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles, current trends in philanthropy, DAFs and basic estate and financial planning for individuals, including tax implications of charitable giving.
• Clear and understandable oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use listening as a key communication skill.
• Demonstrated ability to organize time, handle multiple priorities and deadlines, be self-motivated and able to participate effectively in a team.
• Possess general computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and gift planning and donor tracking software, preferably PG Calc and PledgeMaker.
• Ability to travel 25%.
• Excellent organizational and analytic skills.

To Apply: 

Qualified applicants should submit their cover letter, resume and salary requirements. 

Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, EDF is unable to respond to each application individually.  Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.

Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer.