Senior Philanthropy Officer - Planned Giving

Classical KING serves a diverse and growing audience in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, strengthening our community through music, the arts, and creative connection. For decades, we have connected listeners with classical music while supporting the artists and organizations that shape the cultural life of our region. Today, we reach audiences through 98.1 FM across Western Washington and into British Columbia, as well as through free streaming on our app, website, smart speakers, and other digital platforms, making our service accessible to listeners wherever they are.

As audiences increasingly engage with music in new ways, Classical KING is expanding how we serve and connect with listeners through digital content and storytelling that reflect how people discover and experience music today.

This work builds on a foundation of trusted on-air experience, thoughtful curation, and strong relationships with local artists and arts organizations. Classical KING remains rooted in human connection and a commitment to making classical music accessible to all. At the same time, we are growing our digital presence, strengthening community partnerships, and creating new ways for audiences to engage with the arts.

As an independent nonprofit supported by listeners, grants, and sponsors, Classical KING is co-located with Seattle Opera at Seattle Center, the cultural heart of the Pacific Northwest. With broad reach, a diverse audience, and few barriers to access, Classical KING has long served as a central hub for the arts, connecting artists, organizations, and audiences across the region, and is now extending that role into the digital spaces where audiences engage today. Our work has a direct and visible impact on the artists we support, the organizations we partner with, and the audiences we serve.

The Senior Planned Giving Officer has the opportunity to build a program as they will be the first person in the role. Pipeline is strong already with 1500+ households expressing interest. Strong and loyal annual support speaks to mission enthusiasm and commitment to longevity - a strong prospect pool for planned gifts. This role will need to plan and execute a marketing strategy to reach the prospects at scale. This position is a part of the Philanthropy team and reports directly to the Chief Advancement Officer. We offer a hybrid schedule with flexible in-office days.

Role Responsibilities:

·       Develop, implement, and evaluate, a comprehensive planned giving strategy that supports annual fundraising and legacy circle membership goals.

·       Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors through disciplined identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

·       Prepare donor-centered gift proposals and illustrations in collaboration with legal, financial, and tax advisors as appropriate.

·       Promote planned giving vehicles, including bequests, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, charitable gift annuities, donor-advised fund successor recommendations, retirement plan beneficiary designations, life insurance gifts, and gifts of appreciated assets.

·       Lead stewardship and recognition efforts for legacy donors, including a legacy society or similar donor recognition program.

·       Partner with major gift officers, advancement services, communications, finance, and leadership to integrate planned giving into broader fundraising strategies.

·       Develop marketing, educational, and cultivation materials for donors, prospects, volunteers, and professional advisors.

·       Build and maintain relationships with attorneys, accountants, wealth advisors, trust officers, and estate planning professionals to encourage referrals and deepen community awareness.

·       Ensure accurate documentation, tracking, reporting, and administration of planned gift commitments, expectancies, estate distributions, and donor intentions.

·       Maintain current knowledge of charitable giving trends, tax considerations, estate planning practices, and ethical standards related to planned giving.

·       Represent the organization at donor meetings, events, professional gatherings, and community programs.

Candidate Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification such as CFRE, CAP, or CSPG preferred.

·       Minimum of four to six years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including direct planned giving roles, major gifts, principal gifts, or campaign fundraising.

·       Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant philanthropic commitments and securing pledged and funded planned gifts.

·       Working knowledge of planned giving vehicles, estate planning concepts, charitable tax considerations, and donor-centered gift planning practices.

·       Experience and knowledge of fundraising marketing strategies and tactics.

·       Experience using donor databases, moves management systems, and reporting tools to manage portfolios and track progress.

·       Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

·       High degree of discretion, integrity, and professionalism in handling confidential donor and financial information.

·       Ability to work collaboratively with donors, professional advisors, volunteers, board members, and internal colleagues.

·       Commitment to the organization’s mission, values, and culture of philanthropy.

Classical KING is committed to building a more inclusive and equitable organization across our programming, staff, and board. This work is ongoing and central to our mission, and we welcome candidates who share a commitment to expanding access, representation, and opportunity in the arts. Learn more about our approach to diversity, access, equity, and inclusion on our website.

Classical KING offers generous benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life and disability insurance; 401(k) program, paid time off including holidays, sick days, bereavement leave, and vacation; a relaxed, healthy, joyful work environment; and a flexible work-life balance.