Director, Major Gifts

WWF

Position Description

WWF-Canada is seeking an individual who has a passion for people and wants to make a positive contribution to this planet for future generations. The Director will be responsible for establishing strategies and plans for major gift fundraising ($10,000+) that are donor-centric and deliver near and long term financial success in support of our conservation work and mission. The Director will lead a team whose goal is to cultivate, solicit and steward a large, national  group of prospects and donors, forging strong and lasting donor relationships and achieving revenue targets. The Director will work with a group of engaged and energized conservation staff and senior level volunteers to deliver an exceptional donor experience. They will also collaborate with the Research, Analytics & Planning team to identify new prospects and develop winning strategies to attract major donor investment. As a member of the Development leadership team, they will have direct revenue accountabilities and act as a mentor and coach for junior staff.

Key Responsibilities

Team Development and Management

  • Build, coach and manages a Major Gifts team of four staff (three donor officers and one communications specialist, who writes proposals and stewardship reports).
  • Work with the team to achieve aggressive fundraising goals and put in place strategies to secure and grow donations over $10,000 from individuals, foundations and governments.
  • Work closely with the Director of Research, Analytics & Planning to oversee the development and data management of the Major Gift team’s portfolio of donors and prospects.
  • Develop effective working relationships with Conservation leads and program teams and facilitate strong, collaborative and transparent working relationships that deliver the best results for the organization.
  • Actively engage with senior volunteers and Board members as required.
  • Effectively collaborate with the Director, Community Giving & Marketing and the Director, Communications and their teams to ensure strong marketing and communications support for major gift fundraising initiatives.
  • Provide coaching to the members of the team in support of their professional development.

Financial Targets & Donor Relations

  • Personally manages a portfolio of between 50 and 75 high-level prospects and donors to achieve a personal annual revenue target of $1-1.5M.
  • Successfully manage the Major Gifts team to deliver on an annual revenue target of $5-7M.
  • Successfully leverages the CEO and SVP, Development in major gift donor relations and supports them in the relationships that they directly manage.
  • Manage the full scope of activities related to the identification, cultivation and solicitation of the Major Gifts portfolio, specifically focused on expanding WWF’s current list of supporters.
  • Actively engage and steward all existing donors in the portfolio through a consistent and refined moves management approach.

Case Material Management

  • Provide leadership to the development of high quality compelling case documents, proposals and stewardship materials.
  • Provide oversight for proposal writing, and stewardship events and activities.
  • Oversee the ongoing updating of our case, proposal, and stewardship materials to ensure high quality, impactful and current communications to donors and prospects.

Administration and Reporting

  • Develop and/or recommend policies and practices that facilitate best-in-class fundraising practices and processes. Ensures team compliance with legal and ethical fundraising practices.
  • Prepare annual business plans and budgets for Major Gifts and the preparation of quarterly financial reports and forecasts.
  • Conduct and fulfill performance review requirements.

What We Are Looking For:

  • University / College Degree with 7-10 years of relevant experience in not-for-profit fundraising demonstrating a track record of success and progressive advancement
  • A CFRE designation is preferred but not required.
  • Experience in the environmental (ENGO) sector and an understanding of the issues is preferred but not required.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills having previously worked with a wide-range of donors and funding decision makers. A genuine interest in people and their passion for nature and wildlife.
  • Deep understanding of major gift donors, the foundation landscape in Canada and experience dealing with government funders – including trends and best practices in philanthropy, impact reporting and measurement
  • Demonstrated people management skills with the ability to model behaviours, motivate and coach others to success
  • Strong oral and written communication skills. Comfortable with digital trends in fundraising communications.
  • Experience with strategic planning, program assessment and project implementation.
  • Comfortable operating in a matrixed environment, and participating in cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and a strong attention to detail in a fast-moving environment
  • High degree of proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and Raiser’s Edge
  • Ability to communicate in French is an asset

Other Information

This is a full-time, permanent position based in Toronto that may require occasional travel.

How to apply:  

If you are interested in applying for this exciting opportunity, you may submit your application:

Online

Click HERE to submit your cover letter and resume (as one document).

OR

Direct Mail

Attn: Human Resources Department
410 Adelaide Street West
Suite 400
Toronto, ON  M5V 1S8

If you are submitting an application via direct mail, please include your answers to the following questions:

  1. Apart from its mission, what do you feel makes WWF-Canada an employer of choice?
  2. Are you legally eligible to work in Canada?
  3. What are your annual salary expectations?
  4. How flexible are your salary expectations?
  5. When are you available to start?
  6. Where did you see this job posting?

Deadline to Apply:  

Please ensure that your application is receiving on or before September 15, 2017, 5pm (EST).

Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility:  
WWF-Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and aboriginal peoples.

WWF-Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise the Human Resources Representative in a timely fashion of any accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
 
We thank all applicants for their interest in joining WWF-Canada.  Given the volume of applications received, we request that you do not follow up your application with a phone call.  We will contact only those candidates selected for interviews and thank you for your understanding.