Major Gift Specialist

**Branch: Wildlife Conservancy**
**Duration: 18 months (Non-Permanent)**
**Hours of Work: 40 hours per week**
**Number of Positions Open: 1**

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.

**About Us**: For over 50 years, your Toronto Zoo has inspired generations, protected endangered species, and stood as a global leader in conservation science. We are a sanctuary for wildlife, a hub for groundbreaking scientific research, and a beacon of hope for the future. And this work is more critical than ever.

The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, fundraising partner to your Toronto Zoo, is launching a bold and visionary $60 million fundraising campaign—our largest ever—focused on inspiring youth and engaging the community, setting new benchmarks for animal well-being and enhancing habitats, expanding what is already the largest, most diverse live-cell biobank in the country, and protecting Canadian species through head starting and reintroduction programs.

As we transform the face of your Toronto Zoo and expand our impact, we’re seeking a mission-driven Major Gift Specialist to join our team on an 18-month contract and play a key role in this historic effort.

With your support, we will protect, preserve, and restore endangered species while inspiring future generations to continue this vital mission.

This is a contract role with the potential for extension or permanent placement, depending on campaign outcomes and organizational needs.

**Core Role Responsibilities**:

- Manage and grow a portfolio of 75-100 major gift donors and prospects, with a strong focus on individual, corporate, and foundation gifts of $50,000+.
- Design and execute customized prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for existing and newly identified prospects to develop long-term relationships.
- Research donors with capacity and interest to identify prospects.
- Engage donors around the impact of their contributions. Open new networks by collaborating with existing donors, leadership, board members, and campaign volunteers.
- Prepare tailored donor materials, proposals, and correspondence.
- Record donor contacts, strategies, and progress in the CRM system (Donor Perfect).
- Participate in campaign briefings, strategy sessions, and donor recognition efforts.
- Support campaign events and exclusive donor experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours and special events.
- Assist in developing and stewarding bequest prospects and intentions.
- Stay current on Zoo initiatives, programmatic developments, and conservation priorities.

**Technical Knowledge and Skills**:

- At least 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising or campaign development.
- Demonstrated success securing gifts of $50,000+ and results-oriented mentality.
- Excellent relationship management, communication, and presentation skills.
- Strategic thinker who can execute with attention to detail and urgency.
- Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g. Donor Perfect, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and donor tracking best practices.
- Comfortable working both independently and within a collaborative, campaign-focused team.
- Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE or advanced degree preferred.
- Ability to travel for donor meetings and events.
- Flexible hours as required, including some evenings & weekends.
- A strong commitment to conservation, education, and animal welfare.
- Valid Ontario Drivers Licence
- 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. _

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization.

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**Job Types**: Full-time, Seasonal

Work Location: In person