Description

The Planned Giving Associate is responsible for building meaningful, trust-based relationships 
with donors and introducing them to charitable giving strategies that align with their values and 
financial goals. This role focuses on marketing and securing planned gifts, including wills and 
bequests, charitable gift annuities, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), and life estate 
arrangements.

The title of this position will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the 
selected candidate, with consideration given to titles such as Director, Vice President or 
Planned Giving Officer. This is an ideal opportunity for a relationship-driven fundraising 
professional who has demonstrated success working with donors and is ready to grow into the 
specialized field of planned giving. The ideal candidate is someone highly regarded in their 
current organization, someone their colleagues would hate to lose—but who is eager to expand 
their impact through more complex and meaningful gift planning work.

Core Responsibilities
Donor Development & Relationship Management
Build authentic, trust-based relationships with donors, taking time to understand their 
personal, financial, and charitable goals. 
Identify, qualify, and actively cultivate planned giving prospects through both new 
outreach and existing donor relationships. 
Initiate and guide thoughtful conversations around legacy giving, helping donors explore 
options that align with their values and long-term vision. 
Steward donors through the full lifecycle of a planned gift—from initial conversation and 
illustration through documentation, fulfillment, and ongoing relationship. 
Maintain consistent, meaningful contact with donors through personal visits, calls, and 
written communication.

Planned Giving Marketing & Outreach
Actively promote charitable planned giving opportunities with a focus on: 
o Wills and bequests 
o Charitable gift annuities (including deferred and flexible options) 
o Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) 
o Life estate gifts and other non-cash asset strategies 
Participate in and support donor events, seminars, and small-group educational 
opportunities designed to introduce planned giving concepts. 
Work closely with development staff to identify planned giving opportunities within their 
portfolios and support donor conversations. 
Represent Yellowstone Foundation in the community as a knowledgeable and trusted 
resource for charitable gift planning.

 Content Development & Communication
Write clear, compelling, and donor-focused content including: 
o Planned giving articles for publications and newsletters 
o Targeted donor emails and correspondence 
o Educational materials that simplify complex planned giving strategies 
Translate technical gift planning concepts into language that is approachable, accurate, 
and inspiring. 
Support the development of proposals, illustrations, and written summaries for donors 
and their advisors. 

Professional Growth & Technical Development
Demonstrate a strong desire to learn and grow within the planned giving field, including 
technical, legal, and tax-related aspects of charitable gift planning 
Participate in workshops, conferences, and continuing education opportunities to build 
expertise 
Seek mentorship and actively engage in hands-on learning opportunities within 
Yellowstone Foundation’s established planned giving program 

Collaboration & Internal Partnership
Partner closely with the Chief Planned Giving Officer and internal team members to 
design and implement donor strategies 
Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure consistent, strategic messaging around 
planned giving 
Support broader development efforts by integrating planned giving into annual, major, 
and campaign fundraising strategies 

Requirements

Education & Experience Required
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. 
Demonstrated success in a relationship-based role such as fundraising, donor 
development, financial services, sales, or client advisory work. 
Proven ability to build trust and maintain meaningful, long-term relationships with donors, 
clients, or stakeholders. 
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, 
professionally, and with warmth. 
High level of integrity and professionalism, especially when working with sensitive 
financial, family, and legacy conversations. 
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple 
donor relationships and projects simultaneously. 
A track record that reflects consistency, follow-through, and a commitment to excellence. 
Excellent professional references that speak to character, work ethic, and relational 
effectiveness. 

Preferred
Experience in nonprofit fundraising or development, particularly in annual giving, major 
gifts, or donor relations. 
Exposure to or familiarity with planned giving concepts such as bequests, charitable gift 
annuities, or qualified charitable distributions. 
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and grow a portfolio, program, or book of business 
Skills & Competencies.
Relational by Nature – Naturally connects with people, listens well, and builds trust 
over time. Understands that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful and 
transformational gifts. 
Credible and Trusted – Operates with integrity and discretion. Donors and colleagues 
view this person as dependable, thoughtful, and professional in all interactions. 
Curious and Eager to Learn – Has a genuine desire to grow in the field of planned 
giving, including the technical, financial, and legal aspects. Asks good questions and 
seeks to understand both people and complex gift strategies. 
Communicates with Clarity and Care – Able to take complex ideas and explain them 
in a way that is clear, approachable, and donor-focused—both in writing and in 
conversation. 
Collaborative Team Member – Works well with colleagues across departments, values 
input and contributes to a unified approach to donor engagement and stewardship.