Gift Administrator

Join our team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and help be part of creating a positive donor and partner experience  The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a permanent, full-time Gift Administrator to join our Development team. the Gift Administrator plays a key role in donor and partner information management, including gift processing, tax receipting and data input and extraction. The Administrator maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, being particularly mindful of maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of donor/partner data.

The Gift Administrator is an ambassador for the Development department and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (WI/CZ), interacting directly with other departments and donors.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

What you will do:  

• Ensure timely and accurate entry of all contributions received through multiple channels into the Tessitura CRM. Complete tax receipting for all eligible gifts according to CRA regulations within business standards and generate acknowledgements as needed for frontline fundraising staff.
• Request partnership invoicing and create pledge reminders for frontline fundraisers.
• Generate weekly and monthly revenue reports to support donor stewardship and internal reporting obligations.
• Act as a liaison between Development and Finance by providing notifications of gifts received and gathering appropriate support documents when needed to process a gift or issue a tax receipt.
• Be the first point of contact for donor inquiries through phone and email and provide excellent customer service.
• Help manage all aspects of information in Tessitura to ensure accurate reporting, data integrity, and flow of information, including updating donor and gift information.
• The Gift Administrator deals with sensitive information and must safeguard the confidentiality of donor information at all times.
• Support the Senior Strategist, Advancement Compliance in developing and maintaining processes that ensure the WI/CZ is meeting CRA regulations and organizational requirements.
• Provide gift processing and tax receipting training to other staff.
• Identify process challenges and recommend solutions that provide efficiencies, remove redundancies, avoid errors, and implement new solutions related to gift processing. Create documentation for all gift administration-related processes.
• Other responsibilities as required.

What you will bring:  

• At least 2 years of experience in an administrative capacity or other relevant experience.
• Experience in data entry is essential to the role
• A certificate in financial administration is an asset
• A certificate in business administration is an asset
• Working knowledge of donor databases is an asset, particularly Tessitura
• Working knowledge of financial processes is an asset
• Good understanding of the fund development process
• Good understanding of CRA regulations for receiving donations (cash, securities, GIK, crypto currency) and an understanding of the regulations for issuing tax receipts
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong knowledge in a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Office Suite, and platforms such as CanadaHelps
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate professionally, effectively and discreetly with colleagues, donors, volunteers and other zoo staff

Working Conditions:  

• Mostly desk work, some on-grounds mobility is required.
• Although primarily Monday to Friday, occasional evening and weekend work is required.
• Access to reliable source of transportation is required.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:  

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP program
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan 
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

Are you ready to join one of Canada's leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.  

Apply by doing the following:

1. Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. )  
2. Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system. 
3. Fill in the Application questions:
   • If hired, when would you be available to start?
   • If hired, what are your salary expectations?
   • This role may need to provide occasional weekend and evening support. Do you have any concerns or scheduling restrictions we should know about?
   • Briefly tell us, what excites/interests you most about a career in development?

 Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.  

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by November 3, 2025 at 4pm MST.  

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. 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.  

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.