Director of Development

The Walrus provokes new thinking and sparks conversation on matters vital to Canada. As a registered charity, we publish independent, fact-based journalism across platforms; produce national, ideas-focused events, including our flagship series The Walrus Talks; and train emerging storytellers through our fellowship program. The Walrus is invested in the idea that a healthy society relies on informed citizens.

Our work is powered by over 3,000 donors, philanthropists, foundations, and corporate partners who believe in the power of Canada’s stories. The Walrus is a leader in its innovative business model, being a registered charity since 2005. Reporting to the executive director, the director of development is an experienced and dynamic fundraiser who will continue to grow and evolve the successful donor program at The Walrus. The philanthropy team was responsible for raising $2.3 million in 2024.

The director of development is responsible for leading the following efforts:

• Managing existing and developing new giving programs for membership and for mid-level and major giving
• Developing new partnerships with foundations
• Creating opportunities to renew and grow donor engagement
• Researching, cultivating, and soliciting new donors
• Providing donors, sponsors, and partners with an exceptional giving experience
• Communicating the impact of donations and of The Walrus more generally
• Overseeing The Walrus Gala and other fundraising and cultivation events across the country.

The key metrics for success include donor acquisition, donor renewal, and revenue growth. The director of development works collaboratively with the management team and oversees three staff members: a senior manager, a donor relations officer, and a fundraising and engagement officer.

Responsibilities

• In line with the 2024–26 strategic plan, create the annual fundraising budget and plan with clear strategies on how to achieve growth targets
• Develop new and innovative donor programs that encourage substantive multi-year gifts
• Manage ongoing prospect research in an effort to deepen and diversify the prospect pool
• Oversee, and be part of, cultivation and solicitation efforts
• Write substantive, meaningful, and original communications capturing the impact of The Walrus
• Ensure all donations are acknowledged appropriately and that contractual obligations (including reports) are met
• Provide direction and coaching for development team members to ensure success, retention, and growth
• Ensure that best practices and standards are adhered to in all areas of fundraising activity (e.g. Canada Revenue Agency’s guidelines)
• Analyze and report on results
• Think big picture and also sweat the details
• Provide staff support alongside the executive director, director of finance, and office operations manager on the board of directors
• Serve on the management team and revenue team and collaborate with other directors across the organization
• Represent The Walrus at industry-related events (online and in person).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum of five years of experience in a management role within a fundraising or revenue department
• Proven track record of exceeding fundraising goals, with demonstrated success in annual giving, major gifts, and donor stewardship
• Be a strategic thinker and creative problem solver with strong relationship-building skills
• Knowledge of Canada and issues of interest to Canadians
• Ability to articulate the mission of The Walrus in a way that compels others to action
• Strong project management and organizational skills and the ability to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment
• Experience managing people
• Knowledge of Salesforce and/or other fundraising-related databases
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.

Compensation

The compensation package includes a competitive base salary ($110,000 to $120,000) and a full benefits package consisting of medical, mental health, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; an employee and family assistance program; and paid vacation. We also have half-day summer Fridays and a week off over the winter holiday season. The Walrus supports flexible, hybrid work, including a collaborative, open-office environment in downtown east Toronto. A laptop is provided, along with a free subscription to the print or digital edition of The Walrus, and a deeply discounted rate for family and friends.

The Walrus envisions a future in which public discourse in Canada is thoughtful, fact based, and accessible to all. Every role at The Walrus plays an important part in this work.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and résumé—and we encourage you to reference and include any examples of fundraising campaigns you’ve worked on (web link or select work in PDF format)—to careers@thewalrus.ca with the following subject line: “Director of Development: [your name].” The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

The Walrus is committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace. We value employment equity and strongly encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized people; people with disabilities; people of all genders; and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. If you require any accommodation in the recruitment process, please let us know by email at careers@thewalrus.ca.

This job is based in Toronto, and the successful candidate is expected to attend events hosted by The Walrus and come into the Toronto office regularly. Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada to qualify. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and asked to provide references. Thank you for your interest.