Planned Giving Manager

We’re seeking a Planned Giving Manager to help transform the lives of children and families worldwide through legacy giving. Reporting to the Director of Planned Giving, you will spend most of your time (75%) building meaningful relationships with donors who want to make a lasting impact through bequests, beneficiary designations, trusts, and other planned gifts. The remaining time (25%) will be dedicated to supporting the operations, marketing, and partnerships that keep our planned giving program strong and effective. In close partnership with the Director of Planned Giving, as well as internal teams and external partners, you will help advance Operation Smile’s mission. We are committed to providing comprehensive cleft care, transforming lives, and strengthening the health systems in the communities we serve. Your work will empower donors to align their legacy with this mission—bringing new smiles, new possibilities, and new hope to children and families around the world.

Key Responsibilities

Gift Planning & Donor Engagement (75%)

• Oversee a set of donors and prospects with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned gifts (bequests, beneficiary designations, trusts, annuities, and other complex vehicles).
• Conduct donor meetings (primarily virtual) to build relationships, share Operation Smile’s mission, and provide guidance on legacy giving options.
• Collaborate with colleagues in major gifts, middle market, concierge portfolios, and data analytics to identify opportunities and align donor strategies.
• Partner with internal teams to enhance planned giving outreach and steward donors through recognition and engagement programs.
• Work with external marketing partners—providing content, reviewing and approving materials, monitoring campaign analytics, and following up on new leads.
• Draft personalized proposals, correspondence, and templates to advance planned giving conversations.
• Document donor activity, conversations, and commitments in the CRM to ensure accurate records.
• Support the Director of Planned Giving in shaping program strategy, operations, and donor engagement.

Program Operations, Marketing & Administration (25%)

• Lead relationships with external planned giving marketing partners, including content submissions, collateral review, campaign proofing, data monitoring, and lead follow-up.
• Collaborate with internal marketing, finance, and data teams to ensure planned giving initiatives align with organizational goals and run smoothly.
• Assist in developing and maintaining planned giving marketing materials, newsletters, and digital campaigns.
• Maintain accurate tracking of donor interactions, gift intentions, and program progress in the CRM.
• Prepare reports and dashboards to monitor key metrics, pipeline activity, and donor engagement.
• Contribute to annual planning, budgeting, and special projects in partnership with the Director of Planned Giving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification (e.g., CAP, CFRE, JD, CPA) preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in development, with at least 2–3 years focused on planned giving or related field (estate planning, financial planning, or elder law).
• Working knowledge of charitable gift planning vehicles, tax concepts, and estate planning basics.
• Experience collaborating with marketing partners and/or managing donor engagement campaigns.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Proficiency with donor databases (BBCRM preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and planned giving software a plus.

Compensation

Operation Smile is committed to pay transparency. The anticipated salary range for this position is $71,200 to $90,000, which may vary slightly based on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Why Operation Smile? Meaningful Work - At Operation Smile, you will engage in meaningful work that transforms lives, providing essential medical care to children and contributing to global health and well-being. A Brighter Future - Make saving for the future easy with Operation Smile’s 401(k) plan, featuring Safe Harbor and employer matching. Cha-ching! Happy and Healthy - Kick back and relax with Operation Smile's all-in-one health plans! We've got your health, pharmacy, dental, and vision needs covered for you and your loved ones. No worries, just smiles! Worry-Free Insurance - Enjoy true peace of mind with 100% paid premiums for life and AD&D insurances. We've got you covered, no matter what! Take Your Time (Off) - Flexible time off and celebrate with company-paid holidays! More time for fun and relaxation. Work it, Flex it - Enjoy flexible work arrangements that fit your lifestyle, with remote, on-site, and hybrid work arrangements. Travel Minus Stress - See the world through our unique employee programs, which offer opportunities to participate in international medical trips, community outreach, and global health initiatives.