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ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, and ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions.

Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America’s foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal, and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing and New Delhi (a subsidiary of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd.).

Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature, and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, and expertise together for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Learn more at nrdc.org

NRDC 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.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Director of Gift Planning, NRDC seeks a strategic and experienced Complex Gifts Director to serve as the primary point person for complex assets. This new role will lead efforts in identifying, cultivating, and securing non-cash gifts such as real estate, artwork, closely held business interests, cryptocurrency, restricted securities, and other complex assets. This selected candidate will work closely with major gift and gift planning officers, donors, and advisors, as well as coordinate with legal counsel to ensure compliance. This role will also manage a portfolio of donors and prospects.

The position you are applying for is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The Newsguild-CWA Local 32035).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

Gift Strategy and Intake

  • As NRDC’s single subject matter expert on complex assets, evaluate potential gifts for feasibility, income potential, and risk, to ensure alignment with NRDC’s gift acceptance policies.
  • Working across teams, partner with Major Gift and Gift Planning Officers to educate potential donors, as well as staff, on giving opportunities available using non-cash assets.
  • Collaborate with legal and finance teams to structure and process gifts efficiently.
  • Serve as the 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 the Office of the General Counsel on issues of complex assets, asset liquidation, and reporting.
  • Maintain strong relationships with external advisors, including attorneys, financial planners, and appraisers.

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.

REQUIREMENTS

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.
  • Ability to travel to meet with donors, colleagues, and partners up to 40-50%.
  • Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles is essential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position within the described work environment.


Frequently: Perform desk-based computer tasks

Frequently: Ability to interact and communicate with employees and others as necessary

Frequently: Attend planned meetings and collaborate with management and coworkers

Occasionally: Ability to attend events and activities in the office or off-site

EEO, COMPENSATION, & BENEFITS

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. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and is commensurate with skills and experience. Internal equity will be reviewed and considered to determine a final offer.

For this position, the salary range is $132,000 - $165,000.


NRDC operates under a hybrid work model. Employees are required to come to the office 8 days per month.


To Apply: Natural Resources Defense Council has retained the services of Chris Spagnola and Jessica Martinez, Partners with ThinkingAhead Executive Search.

To apply for the role, please submit your résumé and cover letter here:

https://careers-nrdc.icims.com/jobs/5867/complex-gifts-director/job

For inquiries about the role, please email:

Chris Spagnola at cspagnola@thinkingahead.com

Jessica Martinez at jmartinez@thinkingahead.com

The application screening process is ongoing until a candidate is hired.

For further information about NRDC, please visit www.nrdc.org.