Planned Giving Officer (PGO)

Introduction

The Archbishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church entrusted to him.  In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community.  In order to fulfill his mission, the Archbishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people).  He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.  Each position employed in the Chancery helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description. 

Position Summary

The Planned Giving Officer (PGO) supports the Archdiocese of Seattle’s Development Department by advancing a pastoral, donor-centered planned giving program that strengthens the long-term financial sustainability of the Church’s ministries and priorities.

Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, major gift leadership, and development staff, the PGO manages relationships with donors who have expressed interest in legacy and deferred giving, identifies and cultivates new planned giving prospects, and supports the stewardship and recognition of individuals and families who have included the Archdiocese in their estate plans.

This part-time role (8–10 hours per week) requires a high level of discretion, professional judgment, and pastoral sensitivity, as well as deep familiarity with planned giving vehicles, donor-centered philanthropy, and Catholic mission.

Key Responsibilities

A. Planned Giving Program Strategy & Management

• Support the overall strategy and goals of the Archdiocese’s Planned Giving Program in alignment with Development Department priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and legacy society members, maintaining regular, meaningful contact appropriate to donor interest and readiness.
• Assist in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and documentation of planned gift intentions, including bequests, charitable gift annuities (CGAs), charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, beneficiary designations, and other deferred gifts.
• Provide guidance and support to donors considering planned gifts, serving as a trusted and pastoral resource throughout the discernment process.

B. Donor Engagement, Stewardship & Recognition

• Ensure thoughtful stewardship and recognition of donors who have made or disclosed planned gift intentions.
• Support legacy society communications, recognition activities, and stewardship touchpoints.
• Coordinate with Development staff to ensure donor records accurately reflect planned gift intentions and recognition preferences.
• Assist in preparing donor-facing materials related to planned giving, including illustrations, summaries, and informational resources.

C. Prospect Identification & Collaboration

• Partner with the Development Data Analyst and Chief Development Officer to identify donors with strong planned giving capacity and affinity.
• Utilize donor data, giving history, and engagement indicators to support discovery and qualification of new planned giving prospects.
• Collaborate with development colleagues to integrate planned giving opportunities into broader donor strategies where appropriate.

D. Documentation, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure proper documentation of planned gifts, beneficiary notifications, and estate commitments in coordination with Development leadership.
• Support coordination related to estate fulfillment, endowment agreements, and planned gift administration as needed.
• Provide periodic reports and analysis to the Chief Development Officer regarding planned giving activity, pipeline health, and progress toward goals.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and donor intent.

E. Training & Department Support

• Serve as a planned giving resource to Development staff, providing guidance, training, and best practices related to legacy giving.
• Assist in educating colleagues and leadership on planned giving strategies, donor conversations, and opportunities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support Development Department priorities.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of and commitment to Catholic teaching, Catholic social teaching, and the mission and values of the Archdiocese of Seattle.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in nonprofit development, planned giving, or related philanthropic work, including direct donor engagement.
• Demonstrated experience with planned giving vehicles and donor-centered stewardship.
• Knowledge of estate planning concepts, charitable gift laws, legacy society programs, and planned giving marketing.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive donor matters.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently within a limited weekly schedule.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor database systems; experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Familiarity with Catholic Church culture and ministry context strongly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Donor-centered relationship management
• Planned giving strategy and execution
• Discretion and ethical judgment
• Collaboration and cross-functional communication
• Strategic thinking within a part-time structure
• Commitment to stewardship and mission alignment

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an office or remote setting with extended time at a computer.
• Occasional in-person meetings with donors, staff, or clergy may be required.
• Some flexibility in schedule may be needed to accommodate donor availability.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.

Salary : $60