Senior Planned Giving Relationship Manager (West Coast)

Job Title: Senior Planned Giving Relationship Manager (West Coast) 

Position Summary:  

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Senior Planned Giving Relationship Manager position.  Reporting to the Senior Manager of Planned Giving, this role will manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and supporters, primarily across the western territory of the United States. This individual will play a key role in advancing complex and blended gift conversations, deepening donor relationships, and driving long-term philanthropic commitments in support of the Foundation’s mission. 

This position will serve as a subject matter expert in planned giving and a strategic partner across Development, working collaboratively to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward planned gifts. This role is a critical contributor to the continued growth, sophistication, and impact of the Planned Giving program. 

This is a remote role with a primary focus on the western territory of United States. Candidates based in the western region are strongly preferred, given the importance of in-market presence and relationship building. Travel is an integral part of the role, with an expected cadence of approximately 25% annually, including regional travel and periodic trips to New York. Travel schedules are planned strategically and may vary throughout the year based on donor engagement opportunities and key events. 
 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Proactively manage a regional portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors, with a focus on high-potential opportunities  

• Mentor peers and influence gift strategies across assigned territory, partnering closely with Annual Giving, Major Gifts, and other Development colleagues 

• Develop and execute tailored cultivation and stewardship strategies to move donors toward solicitations and confidently make asks (multi-year commitments, upgrades, etc.) 

• Lead planned giving conversations, including bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, and more complex or blended gift structures  

• Serve as a trusted resource to donors, helping to translate technical gift planning concepts into clear, donor-centered conversations  

• Collaborate with donors’ professional advisors, including attorneys, accountants, and financial planners, to facilitate gift planning discussions and execution  

• Represent the Foundation at regional events, donor meetings, and key cultivation opportunities across assigned territory 

• Maintain accurate and strategic documentation of donor activity, pipeline, and projections within Salesforce 

• Contribute to a collaborative, mission-driven team culture, approaching work with positivity, flexibility, and a shared commitment to success 

Qualifications and Skills:  

• Relevant experience in Fundraising with experience in planned giving required    

• Success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned gifts, including experience with complex and blended gift strategies    

• Strong working knowledge of charitable gift planning vehicles, related tax considerations, and current trends in philanthropy and estate planning   

• Results-oriented, with a track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals and moving prospects toward commitment   

• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage donors and advisors with confidence and clarity, and translate complex concepts into clear, accessible language   

• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to navigate sensitive conversations with donors and families thoughtfully and with care   

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and contribute to a coordinated, donor-centric approach    

• Highly organized and self-directed, with strong time management skills and the ability to effectively manage a dynamic portfolio and shifting priorities    

• Familiarity with CRM software, such as Salesforce   

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly (including evenings and weekends, as needed) to support donor engagement and regional strategy 

#LI-DNI