About this Senior Planned Giving Relationship Manager (West Coast) role at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
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
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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.
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.
