Complex Gifts Director

Position Summary

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) is seeking a Complex Gifts Director to work with our Development team in one of our U.S.-based offices, or remotely in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Gift Strategy and Intake - Evaluate potential gifts for feasibility, income potential and risk, to ensure alignment with NRDC’s gift acceptance policies. Partner with Major Gift and Gift Planning Officers to educate potential donors, as well as staff, of giving opportunities available using non-cash assets. Collaborate with legal and finance teams to structure and process gifts efficiently. Serve as point person with Dechomai Foundation in its due diligence and evaluation of potentially viable non-cash gifts and manage all gifts given to NRDC through Dechomai.

• Donor Engagement - Participate in joint solicitations and strategy sessions for high-capacity donors. Conduct donor meetings independently and jointly with major gift and planned giving officers to advance planned and blended gift conversations. Partner with donors and their professional advisors (attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors) to structure gifts effectively. Develop and execute marketing strategies designed to broaden awareness of the opportunities complex assets can have for a donor’s giving portfolio.

• Internal Collaboration - Serve as the organization’s complex gift expert proactively providing guidance and technical support to frontline fundraisers. Initiate collaboration with major gift officers to identify complex gifts within their portfolios. Develop internal tools, talking points and gift illustrations to support fundraising colleagues. Provide training and ongoing education to development staff on non-cash assets and donor conversations. Serve as a liaison to Finance and Office of the General Counsel on issues of complex assets, asset liquidation and reporting.

• Compliance and Reporting - Ensure all complex gifts comply with IRS regulations and NRDC’s Gift Acceptance Policy. Maintain accurate records and contribute to financial reporting and audit processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education & Experience: A bachelor’s degree is required. Minimum 7 years' experience in nonprofit fundraising, estate planning or financial services with a focus on complex, non-cash assets.

• Strong understanding of tax implications and legal considerations related to non-cash gifts.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders with discretion and professionalism.

• Familiarity with SalesForce or similar CRM.

Skills, Abilities, Competencies

• JD, CPA or CFP designation.

• Experience working in an environmental advocacy organization, or similar non-profit.

• Demonstrated success working across teams to secure six- and seven-figure non-cash gifts.

Functional Buildout and Strategy Development

This role will initially focus on building out the function and strategy, with donor-facing activities gradually increasing to approximately 40–50% of the role. This will include up to 30% regional and national travel for in-person donor meetings, retreats, and time spent with NRDC staff.

Commitment to NRDC’s Mission, Values, and DEI Principles

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment.