Executive Director, Wildlife Conservancy

Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic and passionate about connecting people, animals, and conservation science to fight extinction. Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife. 

Apply Online by February 16, 2024. 

Basic Function: Reporting to the Board of Directors of the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, the Executive Director will work very closely with the Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Zoo to raise funds to support the Zoo mission of connecting people, animals, and conservation science to fight extinction.  

The Executive Director is responsible for the management of fundraising activities including major gift program, capital campaign and TZWC special events. The role also is critical in supporting grant applications and serving as a resource on government relations. 

Responsibilities: 

• Direct and manage the operations of the Conservancy to raise funds in support of the Zoos mission by developing goals and objectives for the organization while ensuring efficient utilization of their human and financial resources to achieve established performance objectives. 
• Administer and organize an annual donations program, capital campaign and ongoing funding to be used for the stated purposes of the Conservancy and the Toronto Zoo. Plan for the expansion of fundraising activities including the evaluation of staff and Committee performance. 
• Enlist and train individuals from the corporate, professional and private sectors to assist the Conservancy in seeking funds from the community to reach $66 million in funds for the master plan over the next 10-years.  
• Develop, administer and implement the annual fundraising budget (currently $1.5 million/year) in consultation with the CEO of the Toronto Zoo. Develop, implement and maintain sound operating policies and procedures for the Conservancy and ensures that all such policies and procedures are uniformly understood and properly administered including the maintenance of donation records and the processing of all contributions, preparation of bank deposits, bookkeeping, letters of thanks, official receipts for Income Tax purposes. 
• To advise the Board on all matters dealing with fundraising including capital campaign development, Committee structure and responsibilities, aspects of the collective agreement, and supervision of fundraising staff and volunteers.  
• Work closely with membership, marketing and promotions staff to ensure consistency of approach and message. 
• Conducts special projects and prepares reports as required by the Board. 

Qualifications: 

• Senior management experience with demonstrated achievement and leadership in all key aspects of fund development including Major Gifts, Capital Campaign, Annual Fund and Gift Planning; Donor Relations and Communications; Research and Database Management; Volunteer Relations; Measuring Fund Development Performance.  
• Possess a proven track record of results in the field of major gifts.  
• Strong understanding and commitment to conservation of wildlife and to the mission of the Toronto Zoo to saving wildlife to ensure the rich diversity of nature for future generations.  
• A strategic thinker with a strong sense of vision with demonstrated leadership and team building skills including experience in goal setting, motivating, leading, evaluating and developing a capable team of professions.  
• Must be able and willing to work weekends and occasional evenings.  
• CFRE designation preferred. 

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to provide a police reference check and/or driver’s abstract, at their own expense as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to take a written and/or practical examination relevant to the position. 

The Toronto Zoo values the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and strives to create a workplace that reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of our city.  Please let us know if you require specific accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.  

The Toronto Zoo respects the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to model these principles in all that we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workforce where all employees feel respected, supported and valued. We strive to create an environment that represents the rich diversity of our guests and our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who can contribute to enhancing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.  Applications are especially encouraged from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and women. 

Join our Talent Community 

Stay in-the-know about great career opportunities at your Toronto Zoo. Join our Talent Community and stay connected