Senior Development Manager

Position Details: Full Time Permanent, New Position

Starting Salary: starting at$99,000 (based on a 35-hour work week and commensurate with individual education and experience, as it relates to the position)

Location: Hybrid or Remote at any DUC office in Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Alberta

Closing Deadline: November 14, 2025 (11:59PM EDT)

Who We Are

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), one of the nation’s leading conservation organizations, is a passionate community of people who believe that nature is the foundation of strong communities, a prosperous economy and a sustainable future that supports the hopes and dreams of the next generation. Together, we conserve and restore some of the most valuable and threatened landscapes on the planet.

What You Will Do

Reporting to the National Director of Development, the Senior Development Manager (SDM) generates high level major gifts, beginning at $10,000 from individuals, foundations, and corporations while supporting development program operations. This role plays a significant role in coordinating and supporting development and fundraising opportunities in their assigned geographic area.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Understand and demonstrate the ability to articulate an effective case for support of DUC’s diverse programs and options for giving in their region and at a national level.
• Work with the fundraising team and other DUC colleagues, adhering to best management practices for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Meet and communicate regularly with donors and prospects to steward previous gifts, build support and strengthen relationships in cultivation of their next gift.
• Lead the stewardship process of donor/prospect solicitation and impact reporting materials and correspondence for your portfolio, coordinating staff efforts within various DUC programs .
• Develop, maintain, and foster growth of a philanthropic pipeline of 100-120 active accounts, generate multiple donations at the major gift level ($1,000,000 and higher) from donors in support of organizational program goals.
• Generate 50 major gift solicitations; and facilitate at least 100 exploration/presentation meetings per year.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with senior fundraising volunteers, board members, corporate leaders, and influential partners within the assigned geographic area to support donor stewardship, philanthropic initiatives, and the successful operation of provincial development committees and cabinets.
• Collaborate across internal teams and stakeholders, including conservation, event, finance, IT, marketing, and planned giving—to advance fundraising goals, identify and steward major gift and legacy prospects, and align donor engagement with organizational priorities and mission delivery.
• Work closely with the Planned Giving Managers to identify donors who are also prospects for the Feather Society.
• Identify regional corporate opportunities best suited for sponsorship, employee engagement and grassroots fundraising initiatives.
• Keep all activity up to date and practice excellent donor moves management in the organization’s CRM (Sales Force) system.
• Provide monthly progress reports for the purpose of executive and board review.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in a senior major gift or fundraising management and solicitation role; securing, soliciting and developing relationships for gifts up to $1,000,000 and higher.
• Diploma in business, commerce, marketing, science or natural resources.
• A combination of relevant experience and education may be considered.
• Candidates with fundraising credential or CFRE designation will be given preference.
• Strong understanding of the major gift and donor moves management process with well-developed skills in soliciting larger major gifts with tact and diplomacy
• Experience leading major gift fundraising campaigns and inspiring project teams to achieve fundraising goals
• Technical fundraising knowledge and understanding of the theories that support such disciplines.
• Knowledge of CRM systems and usage, fundraising trends, donor journey paths, community philanthropic activity, etc. Strong project management skills.
• Must be able to accurately convey complex concepts in natural language to audiences of varying knowledge of conservation and science topics.
• Ability to set and achieve annual financial and non-financial goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in English is preferred because the position involves interactions with English-speaking partners.
• A valid driver's license and access to a vehicle is required.
• Ability to travel within the assigned region; and work evenings and weekends.

What We Offer

• 3 weeks’ vacation with paid personal and sick days
• Comprehensive compensation & benefits package
• Hybrid work arrangement

How to Apply

DUC is proud to be recognized as a non-profit employer of choice for the second year in a row. Working for DUC is a career highlight for many staff. Let us know if making a difference is important to you.

If you are qualified and interested in this opportunity, please visit our online career center to submit your application for confidential consideration.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. If you require accommodations during the recruitment and selection process, please email us at hr@ducks.ca. All requests for accommodation will be handled in a confidential manner.

While DUC would like to thank all applicants, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.