Development Officer – Major Gifts

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Position details: Development Officer – Major Gifts 

Taking care of our environment has never been more important than it is today. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for a passionate and innovative Development Officer – Major Gifts to join a team committed to protecting our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain. 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its supporters have protected 35 million acres (14 million hectares) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading,  innovative, and ever-growing organization and play a significant role in response to the twin crisis of climate change and habitat loss. NCC just celebrated the successful completion of the Landmark Campaign by exceeding the $750M goal. While proud of this achievement we also know much more needs to be done. Our strategic plan for 2022-2030 lays out a path to double our conservation impact. 

The successful candidate will work with wonderfully passionate donors and program teams to offer more Canadians the opportunity to protect important natural spaces, because when nature thrives, people thrive.

The position will focus on building and strengthening long-term relationships with NCC’s donors/prospects and solicitation of major gifts. The incumbent will adopt a  donor-centered approach through a strategic philanthropy lens.

The successful candidate will report to the Senior Director, Planned Giving and Major Gifts and work closely with the Marketing and Development team to design and implement fundraising strategies to achieve the NCC’s annual and multi-year fundraising goals.

The growth of the major giving program is a priority for the organization, and we are seeking a charismatic, relationship-building individual who is interested in the opportunity to grow with the role.

Role Summary 

The Development Officer, Major Gifts, is responsible for achieving fundraising goals by prospecting for new donors, stewarding and renewing current donors, and re-engaging lapsed donors.

The position is a key contributor to the annual revenue goals of the Marketing and Development National Business Unit.

The position will focus on building and facilitating philanthropic relationships with individuals and mid-level foundations and the decision process of making a current major gift ($10,000-100,000 and above). The   candidate  should expect to meet face-to-face with prospective donors when possible and safe for everyone.

The successful candidate will be a self-directed and motivated individual with proven, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with people from all walks of life and must have  an excellent proven record of donor relationship building, cultivation and solicitation of major and blended gifts.

Job Responsibilities

• Fundraise major gifts from individuals and foundations.
• Actively build and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for fundraising programs, donor approaches and solicitations.
• Build relationships with donors and prospects through digital platforms and face-to-face when safe for all.
• Collaborate with other members of the Development and Program teams, research ideas, contribute to developing funding proposals, gift agreements, and other donor communication materials and ensure the highest standard in the management of donor communications.
• Provide timely information and professional responses to donor inquiries.
• Work with the other members of the team to ensure the maintenance of the Raiser’s Edge database for the incumbent’s and the Senior Director’s assigned prospects and donors including records inputting, updating, reporting and moves management actions tracking.
• Support the execution of and attend major virtual donor events and cultivate and steward relationships with the attendees.
• Work in collaboration with the team to develop annual work plans and budgets to ensure that the Marketing & Development  team meets its annual targets.
• Effectively communicate NCC’s vision nationally and communicate to donors national fundraising priorities and donor impact through storytelling.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the department and advise on and contribute to continuous improvements related to industry best practices.

Key Result Areas

• Contribute to the annual revenue goals of NCC’s National office by fundraising major gifts defined as $10,000 and above from individuals and foundations with a primary focus on gifts of $10,000-$100,000 and above.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 75-100 prospects and donors.
• Develop and successfully execute strategic plans for donor approaches and between 20-30 solicitations.
• Meet with donors and prospects if allowed face-to-face and virtually to facilitate donor decisions resulting in major gifts.
• Work toward achieving an agreed upon annual revenue target.

Required Experience and Competencies

• Related university degree or comparable combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum of five years of fundraising experience, preferably in major gifts; or equivalent experience.
• Proven exceptional donor/client relations experience.
• Solid understanding of best practices in donor/ client cultivation, closing, acknowledgement, recognition and stewardship.
• Exceptional active listening skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written, with the ability to effectively persuade and inspire others to support NCC’s work.
• Ability to work independently, communicate at all levels with confidence and exercise sound judgment, tact and confidentiality in relation to donors and the general public.
• Proven ability to develop annual donor plans, set priorities, use planning and analytical skills, complete work with minimal supervision and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize and multitask.
• Strong interpersonal skills and team player with a flexible and helpful attitude and outlook.
• Experience in use of Raiser’s Edge or other CRM software and general proficiency in the use of MS Office software.
• French language an asset.

How to Apply

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations through our Career Centre by December 20, 2021 at 11:59 pm EST.

NCC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We value and incorporate diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work towards common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.