Join our team at the Wilder Institute and Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo and help donors connect with national wildlife conservation! We are seeking a permanent, full-time Senior Development Officer, British Columbia who will bring their senior fundraising experience to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects in support of the Wilder Institute's purpose, vision, and core values within the province. Based in the Metro Vancouver Regional District, Greater Victoria, or Okanagan Valley, the Senior Development Officer serves as a key ambassador for the Wilder Institute.

Working as part of the national Development team, the incumbent develops, cultivates, solicits, and stewards relationships with individual donors, corporations and foundations who serve the British Columbia region, and community stakeholders through a donor-centric and relationship-driven approach to fundraising.

The Senior Developmnent

Officer, Ontario is accountable for achieving ambitious fundraising goals, including securing major gifts and expanding the organization’s network of supporters throughout the province. Working remotely, the SDO must collaborate effectively with colleagues, volunteers, board members, and senior leadership across Canada to maximize philanthropic opportunities and advance the Wilder Institute's conservation impact. Regular travel throughout Ontario and occasional travel to Calgary and other locations across Canada is required.

This is a remote opportunity based in the Metro Vancouver Regional District, Greater Victoria, or Okanagan Valley. Meet and exceed annual fundraising targets, activity metrics, and performance objectives, including revenue, significant interactions, solicitations, and portfolio size Maintain a diverse portfolio with a key focus on building relationships with individual prospects and donors. Secondary focus on working with local corporations and foundations who serve the British Columbia region.

Prepare compelling proposals, presentations, gift agreements, impact reports, and stewardship materials tailored to donor interests and giving capacity. Ensure timely follow-up and stewardship activities that deepen donor engagement and inspire long-term support.

Relationship

Building & External Engagement Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, prospective donors, British Columbia-focused foundations and corporations, community leaders, and other key stakeholders. Represent the organization at networking events, donor meetings, stewardship opportunities, and community engagements.

Strategic

Development, Communication & Collaboration Develop and implement a regional fundraising and engagement strategy,



including annual travel/engagement plans aligned with organizational priorities in close consultation with the Senior Manager, Philanthropy and Partnerships. Research, identify, and prioritize major gift prospects in collaboration with the central Development team. Support national corporate, foundation, and government fundraising efforts by providing regional expertise and relationship management when required.

Partner closely with colleagues across Development, Conservation and Science, Conservation Education, Brand and Public Relations, Executive Leadership, and other departments as required to maximize fundraising opportunities. Maintain accurate and timely donor records, contact reports, activity tracking, and pipeline management within Tessitura. Ensure gift agreements, donor recognition, and stewardship commitments are completed accurately and in accordance with organizational policies.

Monitor and report on fundraising progress, pipeline activity, and key performance indicators. Manage special projects and initiatives as assigned. Develop, track, and manage the annual British Columbia operational budget to ensure activities and plans align with resources available, in consultation with the Senior Manager, Philanthropy and Partnerships. 5–10 years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising, philanthropy, business development, account management, or related relationship-based roles.

An equivalent combination of education, lived experience, professional experience, volunteer leadership, fundraising, business development, sales, relationship management, or community engagement experience will be considered. ~ Strong project management, budget management, organizational, and time management skills. ~ Experience preparing proposals, presentations, cases for support, or fundraising materials. ~ Experience utilizing a CRM, preferably Tessitura. ~ A valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout British Columbia, or an equivalent ability to meet the travel requirements of the position. ~ Ability to travel periodically within Canada, including to Calgary 2-3 times per year. ~ Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation or a demonstrated commitment to professional development in fundraising is preferred. ~ Experience fundraising for conservation, environmental, scientific, educational, healthcare, arts,



or mission-based organizations is an asset ~ Knowledge of and ability to develop relationships within British Columbia's philanthropic, corporate, foundation, and community sectors is preferred. ~ Knowledge of Canadian charitable tax receipting regulations and planned giving strategies is preferred. ~ Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset. ~ Experience working within a geographically distributed or national fundraising team is an asset. ~ Excellent written communication skills, including proposal and report writing. ~ Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace practices. ~ Understanding of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) and Reconciliation principles in fundraising and relationship management. ~ Familiarity with conservation, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, or zoological organizations is an asset. ~ Regular travel throughout Ontario is required, with occasional travel elsewhere in Canada, including Calgary. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support donor meetings, events, stewardship activities, and networking opportunities. This position is primarily remote/home-office based within Ontario, with flexibility required to accommodate in-person donor engagement, meetings, and events.

The role involves prolonged periods of computer work, virtual meetings, and administrative tasks. Occasional lifting, carrying, and movement of event materials up to 20 kg may be required. May occasionally be required to walk longer distances, including on uneven terrain, while supporting events and donor experiences.

May occasionally work outdoors in varying weather conditions. May occasionally work in close proximity to animals and be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with organizational health and safety procedures.

The Wilder

Institute’s Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff must be comfortable working in a large variety of conditions, as may be applicable to their position.

The Wilder

Institute follows the advice of Setting Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues. Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion , and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard, and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

The Wilder

Institute uses basic knockout questions in application to support screening;

📌 Senior Development Officer - Full Time (Vancouver)
🏢 Calgary Zoo
📍 Vancouver