Advancement Officer, Major & Legacy Giving

Job Title: Advancement Officer for Major & Legacy Giving (Hybrid)
Department: Institutional Advancement
Reports to: Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Direct Reports: None
FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Summary
The Advancement Officer for Major & Legacy Giving secures transformational support for Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary through major and planned gifts. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Officer manages a portfolio of up to 120 major and legacy giving constituents and leads the Seminary's full planned giving program, including bequests, planned gift vehicles, the legacy society, and estate administration.
The ideal candidate is an experienced major and planned gifts officer who understands the motivations of mainline Christianity and appreciates the value of theological education and the Seminary's Presbyterian-Reformed tradition. This position requires relational depth, technical knowledge of charitable gift planning, sound judgment with sensitive donor and family matters, and a self-motivated desire to learn and grow.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Major Gift Portfolio
• Manage a portfolio of up to 120 major and legacy giving constituents, serving as a point of contact and trusted adviser.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects using disciplined moves-management practices.
• Develop individualized strategies and written proposals for major gifts to the annual fund, endowment, and institutional priorities.
• Receive high-capacity donors identified by the Advancement Director for Annual Giving and other Advancement staff, and coordinate transitions to ensure continuity of relationships.
• Partner with the Vice President, the President, and other Seminary leaders in the cultivation and solicitation of principal and major gift prospects.
• Meet annual goals for portfolio contacts, visits, solicitations, and dollars raised, as set by the Vice President.
• Maintain accurate records of donor contacts, strategies, and outcomes in the donor database.
Legacy and Planned Giving
• Lead the Seminary's planned giving program, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, retirement plan and beneficiary designations, and gifts of real estate and other non-cash assets.
• Identify and cultivate donors with planned giving potential, and document bequest and other planned gift intentions.
• Develop and oversee the legacy society, including member recognition, communications, and stewardship events.
• Partner with Marketing and Communications on planned giving marketing and educational materials.
• Work with donors' professional advisers, including attorneys, financial planners, and trust officers, to structure gifts that meet donor goals and Seminary policies.
Estate Administration and Gift Agreements
• Manage the administration of realized bequests and estate gifts, working with executors, trustees, the Business Office, and legal counsel through settlement.
• Prepare gift agreements and endowed fund agreements in collaboration with the Vice President and the Business Office.
• Ensure planned gifts comply with the Seminary's gift acceptance policies and applicable laws, and consult outside counsel on complex gifts as needed.
• Partner with the Associate Director of Advancement Services to ensure accurate recording and reporting of planned gift intentions, expectancies, and realized gifts.
Collaboration and Events
• Participate in the planning, execution, and follow-up of development events in partnership with Advancement staff.
• Collaborate with the Advancement Associate for Stewardship on recognition and stewardship of major and legacy donors.

Qualifications

Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. Equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered.
Certifications/Training: Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), or planned giving certification preferred.
Experience: Minimum of five years of fundraising experience, including demonstrated success closing major gifts and working knowledge of planned giving vehicles and estate administration, preferably in higher education or a faith-based nonprofit environment.

Special Requirements/Skills
• Demonstrated appreciation for mainline Christianity and a deep commitment to the mission of theological education and the Seminary's Presbyterian-Reformed tradition.
• Broad cultural competency, with a working understanding of diverse faith traditions represented within and beyond the Seminary community.
• Proven record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major and planned gifts.
• Working knowledge of charitable gift planning, including tax implications of planned gift vehicles.
• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including comfort discussing estate and financial matters with donors and their families.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Driven to meet goals and key performance indicators.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage a portfolio and multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge NXT, planned giving software, and Microsoft 365.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Schedule and Work Location
This is a full-time, exempt position. The Advancement Officer for Major & Legacy Giving works a hybrid schedule as defined by the supervisor. Regular on-site presence is required. The position requires evening and weekend availability in support of donor visits, development events, and institutional priorities. Travel of up to 40% is required, primarily within the five-state region of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, and beyond as needed.