Fundraising and Development Manager - Algonquin Wildlife Research Station

The Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (AWRS) is an independent, charitable ecological research and educational facility located within Ontario’s iconic Algonquin Provincial Park. Established in 1944, the AWRS is home to long-term studies in wildlife science and has supported the training of generations of students and early-career biologists, environmental scientists, and conservationists. We have a small staff team, including one full-time, year-round Station Manager and quarter-time Communications Manager. Our vision as an organization is to be a leader in wildlife research through experiential learning.

About the Role:

To help us grow into our next chapter, the AWRS is seeking its first Fundraising and Development Manager—a motivated professional who can help build our fundraising strategy and processes from the ground up.

The Fundraising and Development Manager will establish and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for AWRS. This role will cover everything from strategic planning, setting fundraising goals and designing donor stewardship systems to writing grants, cultivating donors, and managing campaigns. Working closely with the Station Manager and the Communications Manager, this individual will be instrumental in expanding AWRS’s capacity to support research, conservation, and education.

Primary Tasks

• Collaborate with the Station Manager, Communications Manager, and Board of Directors to identify fundraising goals and develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy
• Research, track, and pursue diverse funding opportunities (i.e., individual giving, foundations, corporate sponsors, grants, government programs, etc.)
• Write compelling grants, letters of interest, pitches, etc., for diverse funding opportunities
• Manage the Station’s giving platform, CanadaHelps
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, alumni, and partners
• Research and implement tools for effective fundraising and donor relations
• Track, analyze, and report on fundraising progress, trends, and outcomes and recommend improvements
• Identify and pursue opportunities for in-kind donations
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager to craft compelling pitches and other communications products for fundraising campaigns
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager on email campaigns
• Contribute to the collaborative and supportive culture of the Station by assisting with other tasks as needed in a small team
• Introduce and ensure we follow best practices, ethics, and policies in our fundraising efforts and collaborate with the Station Manager and Board of Directors (especially the AWRS Treasurer) to ensure compliance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charitable regulations

Qualifications

• Graduated from a fundraising diploma or certificate program, or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies
• Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in Ontario
• Demonstrated experience with donor management strategies and processes
• Outstanding people skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills - a creative and compelling storyteller
• Highly organized, thorough, detail-oriented, and strong time management skills; self-directed and able to independently achieve results
• Excellent ability to manage long-term projects
• Assets: interest in the natural sciences and outdoor education; ability to make seasonal on-site visits to better understand operations and fundraising needs

To apply, send a cover letter and resume in a consolidated document with the word “Application: Fundraising and Development Manager” in the subject line to Drayke Evans at algonquinwildliferesearch@gmail.com. Please also attach a writing sample (a grant application or Letter of Interest [LOI] is preferred, but other relevant samples will be accepted).