Director Planned Giving
Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT, United States
Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime museum, dedicated to inspiring an enduring connection to America’s maritime heritage. As a steward of historic vessels, a center for research and education, and a vibrant cultural destination, the Museum plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the stories that shaped our nation.
We are seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven
Director of Planned Giving
to help secure the Museum’s long‑term financial sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to guide a legacy‑focused fundraising program at an institution with a passionate donor community and a mission that resonates across generations.
Why This Role Matters Planned giving is central to the Museum’s future. In this role, you will:
Shape and expand a growing planned giving program
Build meaningful, long‑term relationships with donors who care deeply about preservation, education, and history
Influence the Museum’s financial trajectory for decades to come
Enjoy the autonomy to innovate while collaborating with a supportive advancement team
What You’ll Do Build and Grow the Planned Giving Pipeline Manage a portfolio of 100–150 prospects and donors
Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit planned giving commitments
Develop thoughtful, individualized strategies to move prospects toward documented gifts
Partner with the major gifts team to integrate planned giving into donor engagement
Cultivate and Steward Legacy Donors Conduct personalized visits, calls, and correspondence
Create compelling proposals that communicate impact and donor benefit
Design recognition and stewardship programs that honor legacy donors
Lead Planned Giving Marketing and Education Implement a marketing strategy to promote planned giving opportunities
Develop educational materials including brochures, newsletters, presentations, and web content
Host seminars, webinars, and donor education events on estate planning and charitable giving
Serve as a Trusted Resource Build relationships with estate attorneys, financial advisors, and other professional partners
Provide expertise on planned giving vehicles and tax implications
Stay current on tax law changes and industry best practices
What You Bring Required Bachelor’s degree
4–7 years of experience in planned giving, major gifts, or related development work
Experience cultivating or securing planned gifts (bequests, trusts, annuities, etc.)
Strong understanding of planned giving vehicles and tax considerations
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly
Experience managing a donor portfolio and meeting fundraising goals
Proficiency with donor databases and Microsoft Office
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regionally
Preferred Background in law, financial planning, accounting, or related field
Experience in a cultural institution or museum setting
CFRE certification or interest in pursuing it
Appreciation for maritime history and preservation
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking
Exceptional listening
Donor‑centered approach
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Cultural sensitivity
Passion for mission‑driven work
How Success Will Be Measured Growth and quality of the planned giving pipeline
Documented planned gift commitments (typically $3–5M annually, aligned with donor base and program maturity)
Effectiveness of cultivation and stewardship
Contribution to long‑term fundraising goals
Work Environment & Benefits This position offers
flexible hybrid work arrangements , with regular on‑site presence in Mystic, Connecticut for donor meetings, team collaboration, and Museum events. You’ll join a dedicated, mission‑driven advancement team that values creativity, collaboration, and authentic donor relationships.
Mystic Seaport Museum offers:
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
Retirement plan with employer contributions
Generous paid time off
Professional development support (including CFRE)
Unique cultural perks, including access to Museum programs and a historic waterfront campus
Join Us If you’re inspired by the idea of helping donors create lasting legacies—and you’re excited to shape the future of a nationally significant cultural institution we’d love to hear from you.
Mystic Seaport Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We are seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven
Director of Planned Giving
to help secure the Museum’s long‑term financial sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to guide a legacy‑focused fundraising program at an institution with a passionate donor community and a mission that resonates across generations.
Why This Role Matters Planned giving is central to the Museum’s future. In this role, you will:
Shape and expand a growing planned giving program
Build meaningful, long‑term relationships with donors who care deeply about preservation, education, and history
Influence the Museum’s financial trajectory for decades to come
Enjoy the autonomy to innovate while collaborating with a supportive advancement team
What You’ll Do Build and Grow the Planned Giving Pipeline Manage a portfolio of 100–150 prospects and donors
Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit planned giving commitments
Develop thoughtful, individualized strategies to move prospects toward documented gifts
Partner with the major gifts team to integrate planned giving into donor engagement
Cultivate and Steward Legacy Donors Conduct personalized visits, calls, and correspondence
Create compelling proposals that communicate impact and donor benefit
Design recognition and stewardship programs that honor legacy donors
Lead Planned Giving Marketing and Education Implement a marketing strategy to promote planned giving opportunities
Develop educational materials including brochures, newsletters, presentations, and web content
Host seminars, webinars, and donor education events on estate planning and charitable giving
Serve as a Trusted Resource Build relationships with estate attorneys, financial advisors, and other professional partners
Provide expertise on planned giving vehicles and tax implications
Stay current on tax law changes and industry best practices
What You Bring Required Bachelor’s degree
4–7 years of experience in planned giving, major gifts, or related development work
Experience cultivating or securing planned gifts (bequests, trusts, annuities, etc.)
Strong understanding of planned giving vehicles and tax considerations
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly
Experience managing a donor portfolio and meeting fundraising goals
Proficiency with donor databases and Microsoft Office
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regionally
Preferred Background in law, financial planning, accounting, or related field
Experience in a cultural institution or museum setting
CFRE certification or interest in pursuing it
Appreciation for maritime history and preservation
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking
Exceptional listening
Donor‑centered approach
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Cultural sensitivity
Passion for mission‑driven work
How Success Will Be Measured Growth and quality of the planned giving pipeline
Documented planned gift commitments (typically $3–5M annually, aligned with donor base and program maturity)
Effectiveness of cultivation and stewardship
Contribution to long‑term fundraising goals
Work Environment & Benefits This position offers
flexible hybrid work arrangements , with regular on‑site presence in Mystic, Connecticut for donor meetings, team collaboration, and Museum events. You’ll join a dedicated, mission‑driven advancement team that values creativity, collaboration, and authentic donor relationships.
Mystic Seaport Museum offers:
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
Retirement plan with employer contributions
Generous paid time off
Professional development support (including CFRE)
Unique cultural perks, including access to Museum programs and a historic waterfront campus
Join Us If you’re inspired by the idea of helping donors create lasting legacies—and you’re excited to shape the future of a nationally significant cultural institution we’d love to hear from you.
Mystic Seaport Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
#J-18808-Ljbffr