The Planned Giving Officer advances the mission of the La Crosse Area Family YMCA by building and sustaining the YMCA's legacy giving program through the growth and stewardship of the 1883 Society. This 20-hour-per-week position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned giving donors whose philanthropic investments will support the YMCA's future generations.
The Planned Giving Officer develops meaningful relationships with YMCA members, donors, volunteers, alumni, and community partners to increase awareness of legacy giving opportunities and strengthen the Association's endowment and long-term financial sustainability.
Responsibilities
1883 Society Leadership - Lead growth and management of the 1883 Society, including annual goals and member records. Coordinate recognition, appreciation, and stewardship events for members.
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship - Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and legacy donors. Build relationships through visits, calls, and individualized cultivation plans. Ensure donors are thanked and recognized.
Planned Giving Development - Educate donors on legacy gift options such as bequests, beneficiary designations, and trusts. Identify likely prospects and collaborate with donors and their advisors. Document and track planned giving commitments.
Marketing & Communication - Partner with Development and Marketing to promote the 1883 Society and share legacy gift stories. Lead informational sessions for members, volunteers, and community groups.
Volunteer Engagement - Recruit and support volunteer ambassadors for the 1883 Society. Partner with board members and serve as staff liaison to planned giving and endowment committees.
Administration & Reporting - Maintain confidential donor records and track planned giving activity and pipeline. Prepare reports for the Director of Development, CEO, Development Committee, and Board of Directors. Participate in development team meetings and planning.
Shifts
Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week with a flexible schedule that includes occasional evening and weekend donor events.
Requirements
- Passion for the YMCA mission and strong relationship-building skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, with discretion and confidentiality.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Proficiency with donor databases and Microsoft Office.
- Preferred: Experience in fundraising, donor relations, financial services, estate planning, or nonprofit development; knowledge of planned giving; experience working with volunteers, boards, or donor committees.
Success Measures
- Growth in active 1883 Society membership, plus retention and engagement of existing members.
- Number of documented legacy gift commitments secured.
- Endowment commitments generated through legacy giving efforts.
- Donor visits and stewardship contacts completed, and growth of the planned giving prospect pipeline.
Benefits
- FREE adult Y membership (+ discount on Family Membership)
- 50% discount on Y programs
- 403 (b) retirement account
- 12% retirement after 2 years and 1,000 hours per year
- Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Flexible work schedule
- Professional development opportunities
Skills Required
- Passion for the YMCA mission and strong relationship-building skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Proficiency with donor databases
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Experience in fundraising, donor relations, financial services, estate planning, or nonprofit development
- Knowledge of planned giving
- Experience working with volunteers, boards, or donor committees
What We Do
The La Crosse Area Family YMCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching its community by promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for all, focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
