Job Title

Summit Search Group is pleased to partner with the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada in the search for their new Senior Fundraising Manager. About Our Client: Addressing conservation and climate challenges depends on inspiring people to understand the benefits of biodiversity and to act on their love and connection with the natural world. Wildlife Conservation Society Canada (WCS Canada) aims to broaden and deepen conservation engagement with a wide range of audiences from political leaders to Indigenous communities to the public and to transform the relationship between society and nature in a way that benefits wildlife, ecosystems, and people. WCS Canadas unique position among other conservation groups is their science and linked policy engagement. Their efforts include a unique blend of on-the-ground field research and programs that work with Indigenous and local communities to protect priority places and species that operate alongside a national program that influences conservation policy and practice across Canada. This affords them engaging and important material such as charismatic wildlife and beautiful landscapes with which to work to compel donors. At WCS Canada, they are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included, and empowered to make a difference. You will join a team of incredibly talented and passionate people committed to creating a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and waters, valued by all communities that benefit from the beauty and integrity of life on Earth. Position Scope: WCS Canada is seeking a Senior Fundraising Manager to help advance their mission by playing a central role in growing the organizations fundraising capacity and building meaningful relationships and engaging existing and prospective donors. The position will be responsible for articulating WCSs conservation work and funding needs to support individual, corporate and foundation partnerships and other fundraising activities. This will include managing a donor and prospect portfolio and the creation of Impact Reports, proposals and grant applications, and meaningful stewardship initiatives and correspondence. This position will be a vital member of a small, successful, and motivated team working toward implementing their five-year fundraising strategy with a focus on diversifying the portfolio of private revenue sources as well as continuing to build deeper connections in the community as a whole. The ideal candidate will have exceptional interpersonal, communication and project management skills with a passion for wildlife and nature conservation. Responsibilities: Collaborate with the Director of Advancement to develop targeted solicitation strategies, customized proposals, sponsorship packages, briefing documents, and presentations to secure individual, corporate and foundation gifts. Manage donor relationships for a portfolio of new and existing donors from cultivation to solicitation and stewardship. Develop communication messages and materials in support of Annual Giving and donor stewardship initiatives, including strategizing concepts, identifying key themes, target audiences and delivery channels, culminating in well-managed production. Champion planning, writing, and delivering fundraising emails, and segment lists, and undertake regular email performance tracking and analytics to maximize response and conversions. Develop proposals, grant applications, and donor reports in collaboration with their conservation scientists, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of information while creating compelling audience-centric material. Deliver superior donor stewardship including prompt, personal and meaningful gift acknowledgement correspondence, timely renewals, strategic monthly conversions, and gift upgrades. Write and produce compelling communications that spotlight and share donor stories. Develop and manage the production of bi-annual Impact Reports and WCS Canadas Annual Report. Help coordinate donor stewardship and fundraising events and participate in donor cultivation. Work with the Communications Team on the design and production of any marketing and communications materials related to fundraising including digital advertising through social media and Google Ads. Contribute to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that promotes engagement and belonging. Collaborate with the Finance team to identify budget needs, address gaps, and prepare budgets for proposals and reports. Other duties as assigned. Required Skills and Knowledge: Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong sense of diplomacy, and demonstrated ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders. Superlative writing and communication skills , with a strong ability to inspire and motivate donors in response to calls to action, and reflective of a well-evolved understanding of correct grammar, punctuation, and syntax. Proven ability to work in a multi-layered, complex, results-orientated institution with multiple internal and external stakeholders. Exceptional project management skills and capability to establish new standards of success. Excellent ability to produce high-quality work and adaptable to tight, changing deadlines, combined with comfort in managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines. Understanding of current and emerging best practices in the moves management process and digital fundraising. Demonstrated commitment to advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles. Commitment to professional development and personal growth. Ability to work independently, rise to new challenges, with an unwavering commitment to detail. Ability to manage both strategic initiatives and hands-on administrative tasks with seamless execution. Education and Experience: A degree in fundraising, communication, marketing or a similar field of study or work experience equivalent. Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, with expertise in developing high-quality customized corporate, major gift and foundation communications including proposals, reports, letters, and other communication assets. Familiarity with Raisers Edge fundraising database is a strong asset. Experience with graphic design, Adobe Suite, and email marketing platforms is a strong asset. Computer proficiency in using the MS Office suite. Bilingual (ability to write formal communications in French) is an asset. Application Instructions: To apply, please send a resume to Aman Sodi at Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.