Director, Estate and Gift Planning

American Cancer Society

. Develop, manage, and implement a comprehensive program to secure deferred gifts such as bequests, trusts, and annuities .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeRemote • Illinois • United StatesLead💰 $110,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in planned giving strategies, relationship management, and nonprofit fundraising. Proficient in utilizing Salesforce for tracking and reporting while maintaining strong organizational and communication skills.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Planned Giving ExperienceNonprofit FundraisingSalesforce ProficiencyCAP or CFRE CertificationExcellent Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Planned Giving StrategiesFundraising TechniquesPortfolio ManagementEstate Planning KnowledgeTax Law Awareness

Soft Skills

Strong JudgmentOrganizational SkillsConfidentiality MaintenanceRelationship BuildingCollaborative Behavior

Tools & Technologies

SalesforceCrescendoPlanned Giving Software

Certifications & Qualifications

CAP CertificationCFRE Certification

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit SectorCharitable Giving TrendsDeferred GiftsBequestsTrustsAnnuities

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, manage, and implement a comprehensive program to secure deferred gifts such as bequests, trusts, and annuities
Build, cultivate, and steward relationships with planned giving prospects and donors
Build relationships with estate and financial planning professionals to secure and retain planned gifts
Meet personally, by phone, and virtually with prospects, donors, and professional advisors
Grow and manage a portfolio of qualified, active prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, execution, and stewardship
Meet annual targets for personal visits, planned gift proposals, and new planned gift commitments
Use Salesforce to track, qualify, and report prospect, donor, and advisor contacts and progression
Collaborate with philanthropy and other colleagues to expand blended gift proposals and cultivate planned giving prospects
Stay current on estate and gifting techniques, applicable tax laws, and charitable giving trends
Maintain knowledge of the American Cancer Society's lifesaving work
Model collaborative behavior consistent with the Society's cultural beliefs and values

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree and/or equivalent experience
3+ years' experience in nonprofit fundraising, or equivalent experience in nonprofit networking/relationship building
Planned Giving experience preferred
CAP or CFRE certificate/license listed
Valid driver's license
Reliable vehicle
Reliable internet connection
Experience with planned giving software (Crescendo/Salesforce) preferred
Strong judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality
Impeccable organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Computer proficiency
Three or more travel days a week required within designated territory

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous paid time off policy
Medical benefits
Dental benefits
Retirement benefits
Wellness programs
Professional development programs to enhance staff skills