Take the next step in your career by joining the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and grow your experience in Fund Development at a globally recognized conservation organization! The Wilder Institute is seeking a full-time permanent
Senior Development Officer, Prairie Provinces, to join our dedicated team of fund development professionals.
The
Senior Development Officer, Prairie Provinces will be responsible for managing key relationships with a focus on raising major gifts to support the conservation mandate of the Wilder Institute. As a member of the national Development team for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (WI/CZ), the Senior Development professional with a proven track record of identifying, prioritizing, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gift prospects to support the institution’s fundraising priorities, is committed to managing relationships with donors and partners by adopting a philosophy of donor-centric fundraising.
The ideal candidate is self-motivated and work well independently as this role will be remotely based from their home office. This role requires travel regularly throughout the AB, MB, and SK region and occasionally across Canada to collaborate with their colleagues.
Our Mission | Take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places
Our Values | Effective collaboration and communication, honesty and integrity, customer focus, safety, and conservation
What you will do:
The following duties are typical for this role. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
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Act as an ambassador and key contact for the Wilder Institute in the Prairies market.
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Build and maintain relationships with donors, prospective donors and key stakeholders located in the Prairie provinces.
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Meet agreed targets including dollars raised, face to face activity, number of asks and portfolio size.
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Develop and implement a major gift growth plan with a target of $2M+ annually.
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Develop relationships and strategies with volunteers, board members and WI/CZ executives which enable the meeting of these targets.
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Develop and implement a fundraising and marketing plan to raise profile for the Wilder Institute in the Prairie provinces.
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Research and prioritize prospects for potential major gift donations using the resources available from the WI/CZ central development team in Calgary, AB.
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Arrange calls and meetings with current and prospective donors for the purpose of discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship to enhance relationships.
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Travel within the Prairie provinces for meetings with current and prospective donors as needed.
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Travel to WI/CZ main office in Calgary, AB as needed (minimum twice per year).
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Act as a local resource for any corporate, foundation and government relationships that may need assistance (i.e. taking calls, attending events, or other needs as they may arise).
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Prepare and present proposals and supplemental materials to major gift donors and prospects.
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Ensure completion and obtain approval of gift agreements.
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Ensure recognition requirements are implemented.
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Assist with planning and implementation of WI donor events in the Prairie provinces.
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Enter all pertinent information relating to donor relationship, notes, and actions into Tessitura.
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Manage projects as assigned, with the support of the Senior Manager, Philanthropy and Partnerships.
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Embrace continuous education on relevant WI information which affects this role.
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Performs other responsibilities as required.
What you will bring:
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Minimum of 5 to 10 years’ related experience in securing major gifts or in sales, marketing, or account management.
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Memberships in AFP, CAGP or other professional fundraising related organizations is an asset.
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Previous experience fundraising in Western Canada
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CFRE accreditation is an asset.
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Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved and where meticulous attention to detail is required.
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Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form.
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Ability to determine requirements of a gift agreement, as well as contribute to and interpret gift agreement details.
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Ability to form strong relationships with colleagues across the country working remotely.
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Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Tessitura (or other fundraising databases).
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Project Management skills and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively to achieve results.
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Is self-motivated to create and initiate solutions.
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Demonstrated dedication to outstanding customer service.
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Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong listening and interpretive skills.
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Ability to seek ways to add value to ongoing relationships.
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Ability to work effectively with donors and prospects, senior management, and other departments.
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Ability to manage time effectively between varied responsibilities.
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Communicates effectively at all levels.
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Strives to achieve best practices and committed to professional development.
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Must possess a valid driver’s licence
Working Conditions:
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Work in an open environment with the Development team
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Sitting at a desk, using a personal computer for long periods of time
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Must be willing to work a variety of hours, including weekends and evenings
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Must be willing to travel as necessary
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Although the position works remotely grounds mobility required
The Wilder Institute is an outdoor facility and all staff must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.
What We Offer:
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Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
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Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
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Employer matching RRSP program
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Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
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A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of animals from around the world
Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.
Apply by doing the following:
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Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DVBNXBhlCE&t=1s)
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Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply by Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone
feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization,
we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of
diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.
All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
