Manager, Gift Planning

Founded in 1961, WWF works to help people and nature thrive. As a global conservation organization, WWF operates in more than 100 countries, partnering with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. Grounded in science and driven by collaboration, WWF works to help nature by conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. Nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 5 million globally are WWF members.

Major Function

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.Themanageralso oversees the Gift Planning Development Coordinator to ensuretimelyentry and management of all marketing leads,accuratedata tracking, and smooth execution of administrative operations. In addition to team leadership responsibilities, themanagermaintainsa personal portfolio of donor inquiries and oversees pipeline management and reporting processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Pipeline Management

• Lead and manage the activities of Gift Planning Officers to ensure prompt follow-up on all new leads and effective progression through cultivation, qualification, and closing stages.

• Review, refine, and improve processes and procedures for donor cultivation and gift tracking.

• Refineand implement measurable goals for outreach calls and donor contacts as part of comprehensive pipeline management.

• Monitor and evaluate team performance based on progress toward established goals and key performance indicators.

• Create and implement work processes that increase efficiency and effectiveness through strategic use of tools, data, and analysis.

• Manage inquiry pipeline reporting and ensureaccurateforecasting of planned gift activity.

Program Development & Strategy

• Partner with the Senior Director of Gift Planning to develop and execute annual and long-term gift planning goals.

• Focus on increasing the number of documented planned gift intentions.

• Ensure meaningful and personalized stewardship of Legacy Circle members within GPO portfolios.

• Refineoutreach strategies to engage andqualifygift planning prospects.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage, mentor, and motivate Gift Planning Officers to achieve individual and team goals.

• Foster strong collaboration with Annual Giving andRegional PhilanthropyOfficers to support integrated fundraising strategies.

• Provide mentoring, coaching, and cross-training opportunities across regional teams to build capacity and strengthen performance.

Portfolio Management & Stewardship

• Maintain a balanced personal portfolio of donor inquiries and existing donors.

• Provideappropriate stewardshipand engagement to donors while fulfilling broader program management responsibilities.

Administrative & Operational Oversight

• Supervise the Gift Planning Development Coordinator to ensure:

• Timely entry and assignment of all marketing leads.

• Effective coverage of phone and email inquiries.

• Accurate tracking of GPO travel and expense reporting.

• Management of departmental data systems and administrativeprojectsassigned.

Key Competencies

• Partnership Engagement - Builds and sustains collaborative relationships across teams and stakeholders to align strategies, strengthen donor engagement and commitment, improve department effectiveness, and achieve shared fundraising and organizational goals.
• Interpersonal Communications & Collaboration- Communicates effectively with both donors and colleagues, prioritizing creating and developing relationships to further organizational goals. Uses those relationships to collaborate across teams to strengthen relationships, support integrated fundraising strategies, and drive accountability, teamwork, and shared success.
• Coaching/Management Performance--Demonstrates the ability to guide, develop, motivate, and hold others accountable to achieve individual and organizational goals. Creates an environment that supports performance, growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Time Management/Organization & Attention To Detail --Effectively plans, prioritizes, and organizes work to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy, completeness, and standards. Demonstrates careful attention to detail, follows established procedures, and manages multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Strategic Execution and Implementation--Demonstrates the ability to align actions with organizational goals, prioritize effectively, mobilize resources, overcome obstacles, and deliver results through well-planned and timely execution.

Skills and Experience

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience isrequired, with a minimum of 8 years ofdemonstratedsuccess in planned giving, including staff supervision required

• Demonstrated successrequiredin implementation of strategies and systems tosubstantially increaseefficiencyin a gift planning program; effective collaboration externally with allied professionals and internally with peers, and broader staff; working knowledge of technical, legal, and financial requirements associated with planned giving.

• Demonstrated effective collaboration skills with external allied professionals and internally with peers, and broader staff; working knowledge of technical, legal, and financial requirements associated with planned giving.

• Relevant professional credential or plannedgivingcertification preferred (e.g.CPA, JD, CFP, CAP, CGPA, CFRE.)

• Demonstrated expertisein working with donors, volunteers, and allied professionals is required.

• Expertiseworking with donors, volunteers, and allied professionals.

• Able 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, as well as oral and written communication skills, are required.

• Proficiencyin Microsoft Word suite to include; Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Experience with planned gift calculation software (PG Calc, Crescendo, for example)required.

• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.

• Identifiesand aligns with WWF's core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration:
• CourageDemonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.
• IntegrityBuilds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
• RespectWelcomesother points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
• CollaborationMakes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.

Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Relocation is not provided for this position.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.