What’s it like working at the BC SPCA?

The role of Senior Officer, Will & Estate Gifts Administration

• As part of the Will & Estate Gifts team, led by the Director, Will & Estate Gifts, you’ll be part of the strategy development and execution of inspiring and realizing Estate Gifts.
• You’re responsible for proactively conducting reviews of estate files and accounts including:
  1. Corresponding with estate executors and their counsel
  2. Reviewing accounts and Identifying items requiring further inquiries and making those inquiries
  3. Carefully reviewing releases for a variety of estate gifts
• You are also responsible for ensuring the testator’s gifts are used as documented and recognized.
• You’ll be collaborating with other departments and Animal Centre staff on completing estate gifts and fulfilling our supporters’ final wishes.
• You’ll be working directly with executors, professional advisors and other charitable beneficiaries.
• You are expected to utilize appropriate measures and metrics to evaluate the success of your program areas and provide regular reporting as required.
• You are supported and encouraged to develop and maintain relationships with industry peers and maintain a commitment to continued education, learning and innovation.

A day in this role might include:

• A detailed review of estate accounts
• Drafting correspondence to an executor or counsel, requesting further information
• Following up on estate files that have “stalled”

What type of person are you?

• Passionate about estate administration
• Curious, motivated and an innovative problem-solver
• Empathetic and relation-centric (with donors, colleagues, animals etc.)
• Adaptable and open to change
• Philosophical harmony with the mission, vision, and guiding principles of the BC SPCA.

What skills have you developed?

• Undergraduate degree plus:
  • 5-8 years of experience in will and estates administration in the charitable sector; OR
  • Training as a lawyer or trust officer and 2-4 years direct experience in a law office or trusts firm; OR
  • an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer.
• You can demonstrate an understanding of big picture fundraising and how will & estate gifts fit in.
• You have a good working knowledge of substantive and procedural aspects of estates administration in British Columbia and income tax rules applicable to testamentary gifts to charities.
• You are organized and detail oriented with the ability to manage a portfolio of files, perform under tight timelines and establish priorities.
• You are knowledgeable in the area of bookkeeping/accounting skills to the trial balance level.
• You are a clear and persuasive communicator, both written and oral.
• You know when something is your responsibility and when you have to escalate something. If you don’t know, you’ll ask for help.
• When you see a problem or an opportunity to make something better you bring forward solutions.
• You’re great at information gathering: determining what you’ll need, sourcing it, analyzing, distilling and reporting back.
• You are comfortable using data: establishing data points, accurate record keeping, collecting data, using data to support initiatives, and to demonstrate success, need or areas of concern.
• You know at least one CRM well and are open to learning others (we use Raisers Edge and Luminate Online).
• You are proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and have a good sense of the tricks and processes for mail merge, formulas, styles templates, etc. (and are eager to learn when you don’t!)
• You are able to thrive in an open concept and fast-paced work environment

Benefits

• Full time salaried position.
• Three weeks’ vacation plus twelve sick days.
• BC SPCA Revenue Development operates on a hybrid work model and offers opportunities for a modified work week.
• Competitive extended health benefits after three months.
• Employer RRSP contributions of 7.5% (with no matching requirement) after three months.
• Eligible for professional development after twelve months
• Positive work-place culture of collaboration, innovation and respect.
• And yes, there are dogs in the office…every single day (and sometimes other animals too!