Manager, Gift Planning

Company Description

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.

Job Description

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. 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. 

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. 

• Refine and 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 ensure accurate forecasting 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. 

• Refine outreach strategies to engage and qualify gift planning prospects. 

Team Leadership & Collaboration 

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

• Foster strong collaboration with Annual Giving and Regional Philanthropy Officers 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. 

• Provide appropriate stewardship and 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 administrative projects assigned. 

Qualifications

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