Director, Planned Giving

Director of Planned Giving

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to support 2+ million surgeries in 90+ countries and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time. 

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a worldwide team of dedicated, passionate professionals.  Our team is creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Join us!    

Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, is seeking a Director of Planned Giving to lead and expand our comprehensive Planned Giving program during a dynamic period of growth. This pivotal role is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a diverse portfolio of planned giving donors and prospects, helping to secure transformational gifts that support our mission.

Reporting to the Vice President, the Director will provide technical expertise and strategic leadership in all areas of planned giving, including bequests, charitable trusts, annuities, real estate, and other complex gift vehicles. They will serve as the primary resource for donors, advisors, and internal fundraising colleagues while overseeing marketing strategies and stewardship efforts, including the Smiles for Life Society.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of 150+ planned giving prospects, developing and executing strategies for donor engagement.


• Collaborate with major and principal gifts teams to integrate planned giving into broader fundraising efforts.


• Guide on tax, estate, and financial planning matters related to charitable giving.


• Lead stewardship initiatives to engage and retain legacy donors.


• Work closely with legal counsel and advisors to navigate complex gift structures.


• Oversee planned giving marketing efforts and donor recognition programs.

Qualifications:

• 5-7+ years of experience in planned giving, estate planning, or related fundraising.


• Proven ability to secure and steward complex gifts and manage donor relationships.


• Strong knowledge of charitable tax laws and estate planning strategies.


• Liaison with in-house counsel on contracts and renewals. 


• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and project management skills.


• Experience working with high-net-worth donors and financial advisors is a plus.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Application information:

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, a writing sample (an existing example of your writing – no need to create something new), and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Smile Train’s Planned Giving program and make a lasting impact on children worldwide. If you are a strategic, donor-focused professional passionate about mission-driven work, we invite you to apply!