Director of Development

Imagine starting your workday knowing the impact of your efforts helps someone find companionship whether thats a kitten a dog or even a small pet like a rabbit or hamster. Or knowing that a seniors pet got the veterinary care they needed so they can stay together or a family in need are provided with pet food to get them through tough times. Today AARCS needs a committed fund development professional who is ready to tell the story of impact at AARCS across our community helping grow and prepare the organization for our eventual capital campaign.

If you value the profound role animals play in peoples lives and want to channel that passion into meaningful fundraising work this role may be for you. We invite you to read on and learn more.

AARCS is seeking a strategic relationship-driven fundraising leader who is passionate about animal welfare and committed to advancing our mission and what is possible for our future thanks to the thousands of donors who believe in the importance of our work.

As Director of Development you will join a dynamic supportive and mission-driven leadership team. Building on the exceptional donor engagement work of the current team you will cultivate meaningful relationships with a committed and growing network of supporters and volunteers while championing a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Collaborating with the Executive Director and leadership team you will shape and deliver on strategic long-term and short-term fundraising priorities including preparing for a capital campaign to build a new home for AARCS. With more than 5 years of past experience you will manage a diversified portfolio of fund development initiatives including capital campaign planning and strategy major donor conversations donor-giving programs across the fund development pyramid sponsorships and grants while overseeing communications that drive successful appeals and campaigns.

Your vision and leadership will build on AARCS brand as a trusted leader in animal welfare. Together with the Fund Development team you will grow the relationships and raise the funds needed to meet long-term strategic goals while growing a thriving funding base for our life-saving operations and community support programs.

If you are a dynamic creative and strategic leader eager to transform the lives of animals and the people who love them wed love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director the Director of Development will:

Lead

• A growing fund development team building on current momentum and identifying new opportunities who will help execute many of these responsibilities

• An elevated donor cultivation and stewardship practice focused on personalized meaningful and trust-building engagement

• By example expanding ways in which philanthropy can be part of everyday experiences at AARCS

• Campaigns working with staff and volunteers to engage transformational donors

Develop

• Fundraising strategy and plans to achieve philanthropic priorities including setting goals and timelines tracking progress and adapting as needed

• Meaningful relationships with government and community partners

• Campaign plans volunteer and donor engagement strategies in collaboration with Executive Director and other leadership

Guide

• Prospect research donor data analysis database management and processes to strengthen fund development operations

Support

• The Executive Director in managing key donor relationships

• Volunteers board members and champions equipping them with the guidance and tools to meaningfully participate in fundraising efforts

Communicate

• The impact of philanthropy on animals lives and AARCS future growth; through funding appeals grant proposals donor correspondence digital campaigns website and annual reports

• Collaborate with the communications team to elevate the donor voice across the organizations various communications platforms

• Through detailed and transparent progress reports for the Executive Director Board and other stakeholders

Celebrate

• Donors volunteers adopters and staff and the countless animal lives they save each and every day

What We Are Looking For

Experience

• A creative adaptable and accomplished fund development leader with 5-7 years of experience in major gift fundraising donor stewardship and building fund development strategy. Campaign experience is preferred but not required.

• Bachelors degree or higher education level in a relevant area

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation preferred but not required

• Experience leading a team of dedicated fundraisers and engaging other staff and volunteers in donor conversations

• Demonstrated success in securing six figure gifts and managing a portfolio of major donors

Skills

• Thrive in connecting with others cultivating and maintaining relationships

• Strong ability to lead a team collaborate with peers and support a donor-facing executive director

• Proficiency in and an understanding of the strategic use of CRMs preferably with Blackbauds Raisers Edge and donor management systems

• Understanding of donor data analysis and fundraising metrics to inform strategy and optimize efforts

• Exceptional written and verbal communication organizational and research skills

Characteristics

• Self-driven thriving in a dynamic working environment frequent interruptions for puppy cuddles

• Appreciation for the role pets play in peoples lives and the ripple of animal welfare within the family unit and in the broader community

• Welcoming and inclusive nature ability to connect with people from all walks of life and invite them into the AARCS community

Working Conditions

• Office environment within a busy animal shelter with a moderate to loud noise level.

• May involve exposure to dangerous or diseased animals.

• Ability to sit/type for extended periods of time.

What We Offer

• A permanent full-time onsite Development leadership role in Calgary

• A collaborative mission-driven dynamic work environment

• Compensation ranging from $90000-$120000 depending on experience and skill alignment

• Paid vacation statutory holidays sick and wellness time

• Health Dental and Life and Disability Benefits

• Continuing education and professional development opportunities including AFP Membership

• Discounted pet food services and supplies

Apply Now:The posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

ABOUT US: Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS)is a registered non-profit charity located in Calgary Alberta helping over 4000 animals find loving adoptive homes each year. Our mission is to rescue and rehome animals in need and provide community support programs that help people and their pets.

AARCS is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process please notify us at as soon as possible. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.

Required Experience:

Director