Planned Giving Officer
La Crosse Area Family YMCA
Summary
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.
Job description
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.
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.
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
- Preferred: Knowledge of planned giving
- Preferred: Experience working with volunteers, boards, or donor committees
Benefits
- Free adult Y membership
- Family membership discount
- 50% discount on Y programs
- 403(b) retirement account
- 12% retirement contribution
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible work schedule
- Professional development opportunities
Company overview
The La Crosse Area Family YMCA is a nonprofit community organization founded in 1883 that serves the La Crosse, Wisconsin region with comprehensive health, wellness, and community development programs. As a mission-driven organization, it focuses on strengthening community by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and each other through three core areas: empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action across communities. The Y operates multiple branches including the Dahl Branch in La Crosse and Houser Branch in Onalaska, offering extensive fitness facilities, group exercise classes, aquatics programs, youth sports, childcare services, and specialized initiatives like the Healthy Living Center collaboration with Emplify Health. The organization serves over 2,300 aging adult members and provides critical community outreach through its Food Program, which distributed 260,000 meals last year, along with cancer survivorship programs (LIVESTRONG and YOUTHSTRONG), veteran-focused Wellness Warriors, and community health worker services. With 501-1,000 employees, the YMCA maintains a strong commitment to accessibility through its Membership For All program and relies on philanthropic support to serve diverse community needs.