CharityVillage

Job Description:   

Manager of Major Gifts and Donor Engagement

About Nature Canada:

Nature Canada connects the dots between local action and systemic change. A charitable organization for more than 85 years, we are Canada’s voice for nature. We work to ensure that solving the biodiversity crisis is a government priority. We advocate on behalf of other species for habitat protection and good policy. We facilitate mobilization among our extensive network of partners and individual nature-lovers to achieve our shared goals and generate the political will for needed transformation.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven Manager of Major Gifts and Donor Engagement to lead and implement strategies for cultivating major gifts from individual and corporate donors. This mid-level role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in both high-level planning and hands-on execution. Reporting to the Director of Development, you will be instrumental in shaping and driving major gift initiatives that support the long-term growth and impact of the organization.

The Manager of Major Gifts and Donor Engagement works closely with the Director of Development to develop and coordinate donor outreach, custom funding proposals and donor stewardship in support of mid-level and major gifts. The position is well suited to an individual who has experience in research, outreach for relationship building, proposal development and project management.  The person plays a key role in anticipating and identifying funding opportunities in both the public and private sectors. This is both a strategic and an operational job.

About You:

• You are someone that wants to work on a great team for a great cause protecting and defending nature and engaging more Canadians to take action, and who appreciates that donors care as deeply as staff about this important issue and want to invest in solutions.

• You’re a true people person with an outgoing nature. You’re a self-starter, innovative, adaptable, driven by results and also values and facilitates opportunities for others to share their ideas.  

• You are comfortable using a donor database, and research potential donors and use online tools to aid in your moves management process.

• You can make and keep friends. You establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.

• You have at least 3-5 years of non-profit fundraising experience and have shown an ability to secure individual and major gifts and meet objectives. 

• You make donors feel valued because you’re sensitive to their needs.

• You have honed your writing and speaking skills and use them to compel individuals to action.

• You understand and respect donors expect you to be organized, prepared, detail-oriented and follow through on promises.

• People are inspired by your determination. You make people shine and feel important and engage them with similar values/vision and motivate them to reach goals.

• Diversity, equity and inclusion are important to you, and you have invested personally and professionally to deepen your understanding. You welcome opportunities to continue your learning and to contribute to our efforts to build a more inclusive organization.  

Primary Responsibilities: 

Strategic Development and Execution

• Lead and implement major gift strategies: Develop and execute a structured and strategic approach to identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects. 

• Tailor proposals and outreach: Create highly personalized, compelling proposals and solicitation materials for prospective donors, ensuring each engagement is aligned with their interests and capacity to give.

• Drive donor stewardship: Oversee stewardship initiatives, ensuring major donors are meaningfully engaged and thanked through personal outreach, recognition events, and customized communication.

Prospect Research and Donor Analytics

• Conduct thorough prospect research and screen prospective donors based on capacity and interest, matching them to key organizational priorities.

• Support data-driven decision-making: Track, analyze, and report on the progress of major gift efforts. Ensure data accuracy, develop monthly reports, and maintain robust prospect tracking systems.

Program Management

• Manage special donor programs: Oversee and grow the Women for Nature initiative, a key giving circle, and assist with the coordination of the associated bursary and mentorship program.

• Plan donor cultivation events: Organize and manage in-person donor visits, telephone outreach, and special events aimed at cultivating relationships and deepening donor engagement.

Administration and Reporting

• Ensure timely processing and reporting: Ensure all major gift transactions are accurately processed and reported. Develop thank-you templates and other donor recognition materials for use by the wider team.

• Collaborate across departments: Work with fundraising and program staff to align donor opportunities with organizational priorities.

• Other responsibilities as required to ensure the success of the fundraising program.

Skills and Qualifications:

• University or College degree in communications, public relations, marketing or related program or related experience.

• A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in major gift fund development with a proven track record of securing major gifts.

• Demonstrated success as a relationship builder with superb interpersonal skills, and persuasive communication style.

• Excellent written and communication skills.

• Ability to think strategically, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.

• Details oriented, and demonstrated prospect research skills.

• Proficient in Google workspace preferred.

• Strong analytical and research skills, with experience using donor databases.

• Experience with Raisers Edge NXT donor database preferred.

• Strong team player who works collaboratively with others.

• Able to work independently, develop strategies, and execute them effectively with a minimum of supervision.

• Knowledge of and adherence to fund raising professional standards and ethics.

• Proficiency in English required.

• Proficiency in French and CFRE designation are desirable assets.

Application process:

Tell us about yourself in your cover letter and why this would be a great meaningful and fulfilling opportunity for you to elevate the vision and strategic goals of Nature Canada and our community.  

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. 

To Apply:

To apply for this position, please send resume and a one-page cover letter describing why you are suitable to info@naturecanada.ca with “Major Giving Manager” in the subject line. 

Salary range: $75,000-$85,000; dependent on experience.

Deadline: October 28, 2024 or until candidate chosen

While there is no set closing date, we recommend applying at your earliest convenience/ before October 28th to be considered in the early stages of the selection process. Our focus is on finding the best candidate, and we will keep the position open until we identify the ideal match.

No calls please. We thank all candidates for their interest, but we will only contact those selected for an interview.

We encourage applications from members of equity-seeking groups.  Nature Canada is committed to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment and intimidation where everyone can participate safely, freely and confidently.