Position: Lead Specialist, Development Research & Planning
Location: Hybrid – Working from the WWF-Canada Head office in Toronto, Ontario
Department: Development
Reporting to: Senior Vice President, Development
Direct Reports: Specialist, Philanthropic Research
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Starting Salary Range: $99,800 - $109,000 (commensurate upon related experience and skills)
Overview
WWF-Canada’s 10-year plan to Regenerate Canada aims to expand large-scale resilient habitats, undertake complex ecosystem restoration, and reduce or eliminate negative industrial impacts on nature and, as a result, reverse wildlife and biodiversity loss and fight climate change. It’s an exciting time for WWF-Canada as we focus on improving ecosystem resilience in ways that bring benefits for wildlife, Indigenous and other communities, and climate.
Position Description
WWF-Canada seeks a purpose-driven, highly collaborative, and experienced team member to serve as our next Lead Specialist, Development Research & Planning. This role will work with WWF-Canada’s Development team to manage effective processes and procedures for prospect management and revenue planning.
The Lead Specialist will contribute to the department’s overall fundraising strategy, research and planning, and ensure goals are met through the department's day-to-day operations. The role includes responsibility for defining, implementing, and managing a transparent prospect management program driven by innovative analytics that ensures the use of best practices, and the maximum potential of WWF's prospect pool.
This role is a key member of the Development leadership team and has strong relationships with staff across internal departments to coordinate, build and implement best-in-class donor cultivation and stewardship strategies across the organization - all vital to the continued and increased revenue growth, as well as donor trust and credibility. This role is also a trusted resource and expert in building strategies across departments and internal systems to maximize donor partnership and revenue opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead prospect identification and prospect management processes, taking ownership for how data and information is collected (i.e. use of third-party data collectors and in house CRM) and utilized to support prospect strategy for the Regenerate Canada campaign.
Collaborate with Development leadership team to ensure that Development supports the organization’s short and long-term planning process to achieve Regenerate Canada’s strategic goals.
Lead discussions across the team to develop relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for prospect research and pipeline growth, which will be used to benchmark performance of the Research group.
Manages the revenue planning and tracking process for the department, in collaboration with senior development and finance staff.
Chair the Fundraising Outlook meetings for all the Revenue generating teams.
Provide Development department with strategic analytics and ROI assessments by playing a key role in post-mortems and contributing to documentation of prospect strategy performance, ensuring a culture of continuous learning.
Lead on data tools and information resources for the Development department including Major Gift research tools, CRM, and latest news on funders and funding opportunities.
Manage the Specialist, Philanthropic Research to ensure they provide excellent internal customer service to support the fundraising teams and provides due diligence on companies to Corporate Partnerships team
Work broadly across the organization with internal and external stakeholders as required by specific projects or initiatives to ensure best in class donor recognition and stewardship is adhered to (Annual report, events, newsletters).
Remain current on philanthropic and fundraising trends and seeks out new and innovative tools and techniques in the rapidly advancing field of fundraising analytics and prospect research, to grow and maintain WWF-Canada’s competitive edge and provide the best possible services and advice to the Development team.
Support, coach and provide guidance to direct reports and members of the Development team to help each person to deliver their best work, grow their skills, and ensure optimal execution of the team's activities.
Assist the Development team, as required, with other related duties contributing to the mandate and successful operation of the department and organization.
What We Are Looking For
6+ years of professional experience in fundraising or development, library research or another information-related field.
Related education in fundraising, development, database management, computing systems or similar OR an additional 1+ years of related work experience.
Extensive experience leading or contributing to an effective prospect identification and prospect management system within a complex charitable organization with a strong major gift program.
Strong donor prospect research and development skills for identifying new prospects and supporting fundraising and development teams with meeting and event preparations.
Strong project management and problem-solving skills, and demonstrated ability to work in a demanding environment.
Proven experience turning data and information to into actionable insights that inform donor strategy.
Experience working with a relational database is a necessity, as well as the Microsoft Office suite of products, including Word and Excel.
Proficiency in fundraising CRM databases, with preference for Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Experience in engaging with Senior Executives, and skilled at tailoring communication for different audiences including external stakeholders (i.e. board members, senior volunteers, prospective donors, etc.).
Experience in budget planning and management skills.
High commitment to accuracy, and great attention to detail.
Excellent oral and interpersonal skills, including diplomacy required to function effectively with development and program staff and other constituencies to bring projects to completion.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize work, and independently manage multiple, diverse and competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information.
Familiarity with Canadian business and economic landscape, corporate financials and annual reports is an asset.
Other Information
- Occasional national travel may be required to prepare, support, and/or attend events.
- Ability to occasionally work evenings and/or weekends to attend meetings or events.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this exciting opportunity, please click <Apply>, and ensure that your application is received on or before January 2, 2025 at 5pm EST.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early, as interviews may begin prior to position closing date.
Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility
Our vision is a Canada with abundant wildlife where nature and people thrive and we value and rely on diversity of thought, knowledge, expertise, and lived experience to help bring our vision to life.
We recognize that experience comes in many forms and skills are transferable. If you feel that your unique experiences can enhance our vision, we encourage you to apply – even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements.
We encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
We are committed to a barrier-free and equitable recruitment & selection process. If you are contacted in relation an opportunity to join our team and require an accommodation at any point in the process, please advise the recruiter of your specific needs. We commit to managing these requests in a confidential manner.