Director of Development

Imagine starting your workday knowing the impact of your efforts helps someone find companionship, whether that's a kitten, a dog, or even a small pet like a rabbit or hamster. Or knowing that a senior's 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 people's 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, we'd 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 organization's 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.  

• Bachelor's 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  Blackbaud's Raiser's 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 people's 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 $90,000-$120,000 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 4,000 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.