Associate Director of Gift Planning

Role Description

Remote Position: Based in Metro Phoenix, Arizona OR Las Vegas, Nevada

The Associate Director of Gift Planning is a full-time remote mid-level position within the Gift Planning program, alongside the Senior Director of Gift Planning. The primary purpose of the position is to provide Division-wide support for Directors of Gift Planning to achieve their annual Gift Activity goals. They will support the Gift Planning team by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, securing, and stewarding individual donors, targeting deferred gifts.  

• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Collaborative Team-Spirit Environment
• Professional Development Encouraged
• Earn the Distinguished Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning designation.
• Advanced Charitable Estate Planning Techniques
• Value-Based Estate Planning

 Preferred Qualifications:

•  A strong desire to serve donors and team members and to learn, grow, and work on a team to achieve set goals.
• A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, sales, finance, or a related field, with a preference for candidates with an advanced degree or certification such as: Certified Financial Planner, Charitable Estate Planner, MBA, JD, CPA.

The Associate Director of Gift Planning is responsible for managing planned giving strategies that support the mission and long-term sustainability of The Salvation Army Southwest Division. This role involves cultivating, stewarding, and maintaining relationships with donors and prospective donors, including conducting discovery calls, virtual meetings, and ongoing communication to encourage legacy and planned gifts. Day-to-day tasks include preparing gift proposals, analyzing donor information, coordinating with internal teams and legal or financial advisors, and maintaining accurate records in donor management systems. The Associate Director will also conduct market and donor research, assist in strategic planning for fundraising campaigns, and collaborate on educational materials and outreach efforts to increase awareness of planned giving opportunities. Regular reporting, performance tracking, and adherence to ethical and regulatory standards in gift planning are key aspects of this position.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret donor data, financial information, and market trends to inform gift planning strategies.
• Demonstrated planning and strategic planning abilities to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive planned giving programs.
• Experience conducting research and market research to identify donor prospects, understand donor motivations, and refine outreach approaches.
• Knowledge of planned giving instruments (such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and beneficiary designations) and familiarity with basic estate and tax concepts is highly beneficial.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to donors, colleagues, and advisors.
• Proven relationship-building and donor stewardship skills, with a consultative and empathetic approach aligned with the organization’s mission.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism, with the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Comfort working independently in a remote environment, managing multiple priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field; experience in fundraising, planned giving, or development is preferred.
• Commitment to The Salvation Army’s mission and values, including serving all people without discrimination.

Company Description

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that is part of the wider universal church, with a mission grounded in biblical teaching and the love of God. It focuses on sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ while actively addressing human needs through practical, compassionate service. The organization is committed to serving individuals, families, and communities without discrimination, reflecting its core values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. Team members join a faith-based environment that emphasizes integrity, service, and social impact across diverse communities. Working with The Salvation Army offers the opportunity to contribute to both spiritual and material support for people in need.