Senior Development Officer, British Columbia - CZ

The Calgary Zoo• CA,

9d•CA$75,000 - CA$95,000•Remote

About The Position

Join our team at the Wilder Institute and Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo and help donors connect with national wildlife conservation! We are seeking a permanent, full-time Senior Development Officer, British Columbia who will bring their senior fundraising experience to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects in support of the Wilder Institute's purpose, vision, and core values within the province. Based in the Metro Vancouver Regional District, Greater Victoria, or Okanagan Valley, the Senior Development Officer serves as a key ambassador for the Wilder Institute. Working as part of the national Development team, the incumbent develops, cultivates, solicits, and stewards relationships with individual donors, corporations and foundations who serve the British Columbia region, and community stakeholders through a donor-centric and relationship-driven approach to fundraising. The Senior Development Officer, British Columbia is accountable for achieving ambitious fundraising goals, including securing major gifts and expanding the organization’s network of supporters throughout the province. This role requires a highly motivated and results-oriented professional with a demonstrated ability to engage donors through all stages of the donor cycle. Working remotely, the SDO must collaborate effectively with colleagues, volunteers, board members, and senior leadership across Canada to maximize philanthropic opportunities and advance the Wilder Institute's conservation impact. Regular travel throughout British Columbia and occasional travel to Calgary and other locations across Canada is required.

Requirements

5–10 years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising, philanthropy, business development, account management, or related relationship-based roles. An equivalent combination of education, lived experience, professional experience, volunteer leadership, fundraising, business development, sales, relationship management, or community engagement experience will be considered.
Demonstrated success securing and stewarding five- and six-figure gifts, partnerships, or revenue-generating relationships.
Experience managing a donor, client, or stakeholder portfolio with measurable revenue targets.
Experience fundraising or developing philanthropic relationships within British Columbia.
Strong project management, budget management, organizational, and time management skills.
Budget management skills.
Experience preparing proposals, presentations, cases for support, or fundraising materials.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience utilizing a CRM, preferably Tessitura.
A valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout British Columbia, or an equivalent ability to meet the travel requirements of the position.
Ability to travel periodically within Canada, including to Calgary 2-3 times per year.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to build meaningful and lasting relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Strong donor-centric mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional stewardship and service.
Ability to communicate conservation and philanthropic opportunities in a compelling and inspiring manner.
Strong negotiation, influencing, and persuasive communication skills.
Excellent written communication skills, including proposal and report writing.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands and consistently meet deadlines.
High degree of initiative, professionalism, discretion, and accountability.
Ability to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across departments and geographic locations.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace practices.
Understanding of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) and Reconciliation principles in fundraising and relationship management.

Nice To Haves

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation or a demonstrated commitment to professional development in fundraising is preferred.
Active membership in AFP, CAGP, or other professional fundraising associations is preferred.
Experience fundraising for conservation, environmental, scientific, educational, healthcare, arts, or mission-based organizations is an asset.
Knowledge of and ability to develop relationships within British Columbia's philanthropic, corporate, foundation, and community sectors is preferred.
Experience working with volunteer leadership, boards of directors, or cabinet-style fundraising committees is preferred.
Knowledge of Canadian charitable tax receipting regulations and planned giving strategies is preferred.
Experience supporting capital campaigns, comprehensive campaigns, or transformational gift is preferred.
Familiarity with donor research platforms such as iWave and CharityCAN is preferred.
Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.
Experience working within a geographically distributed or national fundraising team is an asset.
Understanding of current trends and opportunities within the Canadian philanthropic sector is preferred.
Familiarity with conservation, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, or zoological organizations is an asset.
Knowledge of prospect research, donor analytics, and fundraising metrics is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects capable of making gifts of $25,000+ that is expected to generate $2M+ in value annually.
Meet and exceed annual fundraising targets, activity metrics, and performance objectives, including revenue, significant interactions, solicitations, and portfolio size.
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects using moves management principles and best practices.
Maintain a diverse portfolio with a key focus on building relationships with individual prospects and donors. Secondary focus on working with local corporations and foundations who serve the British Columbia region.
Prepare compelling proposals, presentations, gift agreements, impact reports, and stewardship materials tailored to donor interests and giving capacity.
Ensure timely follow-up and stewardship activities that deepen donor engagement and inspire long-term support.
Act as a primary representative for the Wilder Institute within the British Columbia market.
Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, prospective donors, British Columbia-focused foundations and corporations, community leaders, and other key stakeholders.
Collaborate with cross-departmental team members and subject matter experts and, where appropriate, board members, volunteers, and executives to advance donor strategies and fundraising objectives.
Increase awareness and visibility of the Wilder Institute's conservation impact and philanthropic opportunities throughout British Columbia.
Represent the organization at networking events, donor meetings, stewardship opportunities, and community engagements.
Develop and implement a regional fundraising and engagement strategy, including annual travel/engagement plans aligned with organizational priorities in close consultation with the Senior Manager, Philanthropy and Partnerships.
Research, identify, and prioritize major gift prospects in collaboration with the central Development team.
Support national corporate, foundation, and government fundraising efforts by providing regional expertise and relationship management when required.
Partner closely with colleagues across Development, Conservation and Science, Conservation Education, Brand and Public Relations, Executive Leadership, and other departments as required to maximize fundraising opportunities.
Assist with planning and execution of donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events within British Columbia.
Maintain accurate and timely donor records, contact reports, activity tracking, and pipeline management within Tessitura.
Ensure gift agreements, donor recognition, and stewardship commitments are completed accurately and in accordance with organizational policies.
Monitor and report on fundraising progress, pipeline activity, and key performance indicators.
Manage special projects and initiatives as assigned.
Maintain a current understanding of the Wilder Institute's conservation programs, priorities, and impact to effectively communicate with donors and stakeholders.
Develop, track, and manage the annual British Columbia operational budget to ensure activities and plans align with resources available, in consultation with the Senior Manager, Philanthropy and Partnerships.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.