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Planned Giving Specialist

United States

Job Title: Planned Giving Specialist


Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ("the Foundation") is seeking top talent for its Planned Giving Specialist position.  Reporting to the VP, Head of Planned Giving, this position will be responsible for the execution of critical elements of the program, including donor experience, data, and record keeping.  They will serve as the first point of contact for the many supporters who engage with the Foundation through phone calls, emails, and planned giving inquiries. The Planned Giving Specialist will play a vital role in ensuring every interaction is warm, efficient, and aligned with the Foundation’s high standard of donor care. 

A successful candidate will feel at home as a member of a dynamic and supportive team and be adept at managing shifting priorities while building and strengthening the Foundation’s impact. The Planned Giving Specialist will develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with colleagues within Development and across the Foundation.  

This role may be remote with periodic travel to NYC required. Travel expectations are approximately 15% of the year with the occasional weekend travel or work requirements. Team members plan travel for highest strategic impact thus travel cadence varies (some seasons are more active than others). 


Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for planned giving donors and advisors, managing inquiries, cultivating relationships through proactive outreach, and qualifying prospects for follow-up by Planned Giving Relationship Managers 
  • Support stewardship and acknowledgment processes, including tracking incoming planned gifts, sending donor communications, maintaining engagement cadence within the warming portfolio, and advancing prospects through the planned giving pipeline toward documented legacy intentions 
  • Own the accuracy and integrity of planned giving data by maintaining CRM records, tracking activities and pipeline stages, preparing performance and KPI (Key Performance Indicator) reports, and ensuring visibility into next steps across Development 
  • Cross collaborate to route inquiries, align on communications, and maintain a comprehensive communications calendar for planned giving donors and prospects 
  • Develop, document, and continuously improve operational standards, referral workflows, stewardship processes, and CRM tracking practices to enhance efficiency and donor experience 
  • Provide operational support to the Planned Giving team, including managing materials and collateral inventory, processing routine paperwork and invoices, and supporting special projects and program strategy tracking 


Qualifications & Skills:

  • Experience with planned giving, current trends in philanthropy and estate planning for individuals 
  • Strong time management skills and adept at pivoting to manage shifting priorities 
  • Self-starter with sound judgement and attention to detail 
  • Results oriented with ability to focus on and meet deadlines and goals 
  • Ability to work independently on complex donor strategies 
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills 
  • A willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.  Travel expectations are approximately 15% of the year with the occasional weekend travel or work requirements   
  • Familiarity with Salesforce CRM software such as Salesforce 

 

Compensation & Benefits
Individual compensation for this role is dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, skillsets, and applicable laws.  In addition to salary, the Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums) 
  • Competitive dental and vision plans 
  • 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution 
  • Flexible spending accounts 
  • Employer paid life and disability insurance  
  • 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4 
  • Flexible work environment.  We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.   

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.   

Salary Range

$75,000 - $85,000 USD

How to Apply: 
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted. 

 
About Us: 
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide. 

Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information. 

 
  Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply. 

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