Legacy Officer

Legacy Officer

Location: London

Hiring range: 34,000-40,000 GBP per year

Make a lasting impact on animals through careful legacy administration.

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Legacy Officer to join our team. You would be responsible for your share of the legacy administration cases in the UK, ensuring that gifts left to IFAW in Wills are handled efficiently, sensitively, and in accordance with legal and organisational standards. You would report to the Global Legacy Administration Manager on a day-to-day basis. Your work will directly support IFAW s mission by maximising income from legacies to fund our animal welfare and conservation efforts.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a global leader in animal welfare and conservation.

We work tirelessly to protect animals and their habitats around the world. We help animals and people thrive together. Our UK office works to tackle various animal welfare issues at home and abroad. Legacy gifts play a vital role in sustaining our critical work worldwide. Join us in making a lasting impact for animals and the planet.

Role and Responsibilities

Managing a caseload of legacy gifts: This includes pecuniary, residuary and life interest legacies, ensuring IFAW receives its full entitlement in a timely manner. This may include a small selection of contentious cases.

Working closely with solicitors, executors, and beneficiaries: You ll provide accurate and sensitive support throughout the probate process, building trust and ensuring a smooth experience for all parties involved.

Maintaining meticulous records and reports: You ll ensure accurate financial and contact records are kept, reports are generated on time, and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements is met.

Providing recommendations for action: You ll provide your suggestions to move forward any legacy case where action needs to be sanctioned by management or Trustees, or where there may be a risk to the charity's reputation.

Assisting with monthly/annual reconciliation and audit: This includes following our financial rules to make appropriate accruals, adjustments, and provide audit-ready case files.

Liasing with other teams within IFAW: When appropriate, you ll work collaboratively with other teams, such as Finance, Donor Relations or the Legal team, to ensure a seamless process for legacy gifts, and to promote the legacy team s recognition and standing in the organisation through internal engagement.

Staying up to date on relevant legislation and best practices: You ll be a member of the ILM and regularly keep abreast of changes in the world on legacy case management, to ensure IFAW s legacy administration remains efficient and compliant.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in legacy administration or estate management: You ll have a strong understanding of probate laws, Wills, trust, and estate administration. Experience of using FirstClass is desirable.

Achieved or willing to work towards certification: You have or will work towards gaining the ILM s Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration (CiCLA).

Core Competencies

Excellent attention to detail: You re numerate, careful and ensure accuracy in all your work.

Strong communication skills: You can build rapport with solicitors, executors, and bereaved families, providing sensitive and clear communication.

Proactive and organized: You can manage multiple tasks effectively and keep up with work and deadlines without compromising quality.

Know when to ask for help: You re comfortable working unsupervised and as part of a team and you can identify when you should consult with your manager.

IT proficiency: You re comfortable using CRM s like FirstClass and other relevant software for record-keeping and reporting. You understand Microsoft 365 software like Word and Excel.

Passion for animal welfare: You understand the impact of IFAW s work and are motivated to contribute to our mission.

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Application deadline: 30 April 2025

To apply, please submit CV and letter of interest at Careers IFAW