Senior Vice President of Charitable Gift Planning

Remote

Full Time

Heifer Foundation

Executive

Location: Remote, Anywhere in the US
Reporting To: CEO & President
Compensation: $185,000 to $205,000, plus benefits
Application Deadline: October 31
Start Date: January 2026

About Heifer Foundation: The mission of Heifer Foundation is to raise and oversee financial assets to support the work of Heifer International. We are stewards of resources and investments made through gifts of cash, property and stock, as well as with funds from bequests, trusts and annuities.

Heifer International’s supporters are our partners in providing resources and training for smallholder farmers and their communities, both in the U.S. and across the globe, currently in 19 countries and 4 continents. Our endowment supports Heifer International's mission to provide animals, training and basic necessities to help families lift themselves out of poverty. By empowering families in need with long-term solutions to hunger and poverty, Heifer has earned a place among the world’s most innovative and trusted charities.

About the Opportunity: Reporting to the President & CEO, the SVP of Charitable Gift Planning will lead the strategic direction, growth, and operations of Heifer Foundation’s planned giving program to expand its $200M endowment and ensure long-term sustainability. They will steward a portfolio of donors, build bridges between Heifer Foundation and Heifer International’s fundraising teams, and lead a planned giving team grounded in trust, collaboration, and a culture of care.

KEY PRIORITIES DURING YOUR FIRST YEAR

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Strategic Direction & Vision of the Planned Giving Program

Lead the strategic direction, growth, and operations of the Planned Giving Program, significantly expanding current (e.g., endowments, charitable trusts and annuities) and legacy (e.g., bequests) gift commitments to support the long-term growth of Heifer Foundation’s $200M endowment.
Advise the CEO, Board, and staff on estate planning and charitable gift law; ensure compliant and donor-centered structuring of gifts.
Represent Heifer Foundation and Heifer International externally as a thought leader in philanthropic gift planning and legacy giving.
Optimize and implement systems and protocols for accepting, processing, stewarding, and tracking planned gifts—such as bequests, trusts, and real estate—to ensure alignment with donor intent and organizational standards

Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration

Closely collaborate with the other members of the Senior Leadership Team (i.e. VP of Operations and VP of Finance & Investments) to set and operationalize organizational objectives and foster a culture of transparency, inclusion, and belonging.
Oversee and coach a multi-level team (currently 5 people)—including the Planned Giving Director and officers—by setting clear performance metrics, fostering accountability, and building a culture of trust, transparency, equity, and inclusion.
Work closely with the VP of Finance & Investments to foster cross-functional collaboration and ensure planned gifts are managed in compliance with donor intent, legal requirements, and IRS guidelines

Donor Stewardship & Stakeholder Engagement

Steward a select portfolio of key prospects and legacy donors to strengthen relationships and secure future planned giving commitments.
Lead donor education and engagement initiatives—including communications, events, and marketing—that promote the benefits of legacy giving and reinforce its role in supporting Heifer Foundation and Heifer International.
Elevate the Foundation’s visibility among estate planning professionals by leveraging technical expertise and established networks.

Strategic Alignment & Coordination with Heifer International’s Fundraising Team

Strategically align the Foundation’s Planned Giving team and Heifer International’s fundraising teams – includes donor lifecycle stewardship, communication, coordination, and joint metrics and accountability structures.
Build cross-organizational structured pathways and communication channels that support joint planning, shared donor engagement strategies, and integrated stewardship efforts.
Represent the Foundation as the senior leader and subject matter expert in cross-organizational settings.

WHO YOU ARE:

You Believe in the Heifer Foundation’s Mission. You believe in the Heifer Foundation’s mission to raise and oversee financial assets to support the work of Heifer International, a global organization dedicated to ending hunger and poverty while caring for the earth.
You Bring Legal and/or Financial Expertise (e.g., CFP® or CEP®) in Estate or Tax Planning and Charitable Giving. You have a deep understanding of estate planning, tax law, or probate, and how they intersect with charitable giving. You structure planned gifts, ensure compliance, and honor donor intent.
You are a Values-Driven, Collaborative Leader. You lead with transparency, accountability, and a collaborative spirit. You model the values and priorities set for your team, communicate openly with peers, and bring fresh energy and perspective to shared goals.
You Bring Cultural Humility. You enter every interaction with openness, curiosity, and a commitment to self-reflection. You recognize that power and bias are always at play, and you actively question your assumptions, listen deeply, and lean into corrective repair when tensions arise.
You are Innovative & Visionary. You anticipate the evolving landscape of philanthropy and planned giving, leading forward-thinking strategies that respond to emerging donor expectations and trends.
You are a Strategic, Relationship-Driven Fundraiser. You understand the full donor lifecycle — from the first meaningful connection to the enduring stewardship that brings their legacy gift to life.
You Center Equity & Inclusion. With cultural humility, you navigate complex dynamics and create space for voices historically marginalized—ensuring they are heard, valued, and prioritized throughout your work.
You are Agile & Adaptable. You embrace change as a constant and adjust your approach without losing momentum.
You Bring Board & Executive Advisory Expertise. You are a trusted advisor and thought partner to CEOs and Boards on charitable gift planning and philanthropic strategy. You understand how to build authentic, collaborative relationships with board members, equipping them to serve as effective ambassadors and advocates for the organization.

TRAVEL: This is a fully remote position from anywhere within the United States. While relocation is not required, this role does require approximately 25% travel, including occasional trips to Little Rock for board and staff meetings (approximately 2–3 times per year), as well as other travel for conferences, events, and in-person collaboration as needed. Please note that relocation expenses will not be covered.

Do you know someone who aligns with the opportunity? Nominate them (here) and a member of our search team will directly reach out.

BENEFITS: Heifer Foundation provides comprehensive health benefits, including PPO, Vision, and Dental. Additional benefits include paid vacation leave (22 Days), Short/Long-term Disability, Caretaker Leave (16 weeks, 100% paid), and a 403b Retirement Plan. See Benefits Highlights.

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