Manager, Gift Planning

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Manager, Gift Planning Under the direction of the Senior Director of Gift Planning. The Manager, Gift Planning acts as the department's deputy, leading the donor-facing part of the Gift Planning program. This includes guiding follow-up strategies for all donor inquiries and ensuring effective cultivation, qualification, and closing planned gifts. This role supervises Gift Planning Officers (GPOs) in securing bequests, life income arrangements, and other current and deferred gift commitments. The manager also oversees the Gift Planning Development Coordinator to ensure timely entry and management of all marketing leads, accurate data tracking, and smooth execution of administrative operations. In addition to team leadership responsibilities, the manager maintains a personal portfolio of donor inquiries and oversees pipeline management and reporting processes.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage activities of Gift Planning Officers; Review, refine, and improve processes for donor cultivation and gift tracking; Refine and implement measurable goals for outreach calls and donor contacts; Monitor and evaluate team performance based on progress toward goals; Create and implement work processes that increase efficiency; Manage inquiry pipeline reporting and ensure accurate forecasting of planned gift activity; Partner with Senior Director to develop and execute annual and long-term gift planning goals; Focus on increasing number of documented planned gift intentions; Ensure meaningful stewardship of Legacy Circle members; Refine outreach strategies to engage and qualify gift planning prospects; Manage, mentor, and motivate Gift Planning Officers; Foster collaboration with Annual Giving and Regional Philanthropy Officers; Provide mentoring, coaching, and cross-training opportunities; Maintain a balanced personal portfolio of donor inquiries and existing donors; Provide appropriate stewardship and engagement to donors; Supervise Gift Planning Development Coordinator for timely lead entry, coverage of inquiries, accurate tracking, and data management

Requirements

Partnership Engagement; Interpersonal Communications & Collaboration; Coaching/Management Performance; Time Management/Organization & Attention To Detail; Strategic Execution and Implementation; A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; Minimum 8 years of demonstrated success in planned giving, including staff supervision; Demonstrated success in implementing strategies and systems to substantially increase efficiency in a gift planning program; Demonstrated effective collaboration with external allied professionals and internally with peers and broader staff; Working knowledge of technical, legal, and financial requirements associated with planned giving; Demonstrated expertise in working with donors, volunteers, and allied professionals; Ability to conceptualize and implement qualification and solicitation strategies and pipeline management systems involving high volume of inquiries; Knowledge of direct mail, marketing, and legal and technical aspects of planned giving; Excellent management, supervision, and organizational skills; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Proficiency in Microsoft Word suite including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Experience with planned gift calculation software (PG Calc, Crescendo); Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams; Identifies and aligns with WWF's core values

Nice to have

Relevant professional credential or planned giving certification preferred (e.g. CPA, JD, CFP, CAP, CGPA, CFRE)