Development Manager - Saskatchewan
THE OPPORTUNITY
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), Canada’s leader in wetland conservation, is seeking a Development
Manager in Saskatchewan. The Development Manager will grow the program in the province by
prospecting, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding individuals, corporations and foundations to secure new
major gifts in support of DUC’s mission. Ideally based in Regina, reporting to the Director of Regional
Operations, Prairies and working closely with provincial and national staff and volunteers, the
Development Manager will lead the major gift program in Saskatchewan.
This is an opportunity for a professional with a genuine passion for conservation and desire to build on
DUC’s solid fundraising base and exemplary reputation to play a key role in the Rescue Our Wetlands
campaign.
ABOUT DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA
Founded 75 years ago, Ducks Unlimited Canada is the leader in wetland conservation and Canada’s most
trusted and respected conservation organization. DUC partners with government, individuals, industry,
non-profit organizations and private landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife
and the environment. 6,200 dedicated volunteers and over 120,000 supporters make the work of DUC
possible.
Abundant wetlands are essential to our world – today, tomorrow and forever. Wetlands are crucial
habitats for waterfowl, and are vital to clean water, flood protection, mitigating climate change and to the
provision of recreation areas. Ducks Unlimited Canada also conserves associated grasslands and
woodlands that provide alternative habitats, foraging areas and nesting grounds.
DUC delivers conservation programs at local, regional and national levels, in every province and territory
that contribute to a healthier environment for waterfowl and for all Canadians. To date, DUC has
completed close to 9,400 habitat projects and conserved 6.4 million acres of wetlands and associated
habitat.
DUC’s mission also involves educating youth about conservation concepts and practices and introducing
students to the wonders of wetlands. DUC uses leading science to encourage societal support for its work
with all levels of governments to ensure programs and policies that benefit wetlands and stop wetland
loss.
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Key DUC programs include: Conservation, Education, Research and Policy work.
DUC’s conservation efforts form the core of work for DUC. Approximately 80% of DUC’s efforts relate
directly to conservation.
Conservation programs include wetland restoration and retention,
conservation land securement, and much of DUC’s work is done through the implementation of
conservation easements. DUC’s work is targeted to priority areas across Canada that have been
derived from the longest standing wildlife study in North America, currently active and dating back to
1955. These conservation strategies are tied to the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and
the United States-based Wetlands Conservation Act which makes matching funds available for this
work.
A variety of education programs are delivered to thousands of students across Canada annually.
Education programs make up about 10% of DUC’s efforts and include all levels of education from
elementary to post-secondary. DUC’s Project Webfoot elementary program is a RAMSAR awardwinning program that has a 98% good or excellent rating by educators. DUC also sponsors university
students involved in conservation research.
DUC is a science-based organization. The Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research (IWWR) is
DUC’s scientific research arm and supports DUC’s conservation efforts. Its respected team of
biologists finds answers to important environmental questions and establishes the value of wetlands to
society.
Direct conservation efforts alone will not allow DUC to reach its long term objectives of conserving
wetlands at levels capable of sustaining waterfowl populations. Stopping the loss of wetlands can only
be achieved through public policy changes and therefore DUC’s work with governments across the
country to influence policy is a key part of DUC’s overall efforts. This work was recently recognized by
in the federal government’s National Conservation Plan.
For more information on Ducks Unlimited Canada, please see www.ducks.ca.
FUNDRAISING AT DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA
DUC’s highly respected brand generates financial support from a broad range of people and
organizations. Annual giving through our grassroots community chapter program provides the base for
major gift support from individuals. Our ability to deliver successful conservation resonates with
corporations interested in implementing sustainability strategies and with foundations whose mission is the
enhancement of programs which better our environment.
Twenty-five percent of DUC revenue is achieved through philanthropic gifts and sponsorship, and
grassroots initiatives such as local dinners, sealed bid auctions and cause marketing.
Generating financial support to fund the extensive programs DUC delivers is critical. DUC, in conjunction
with sister organizations Ducks Unlimited Inc. in the United States and Ducks Unlimited du Mexico, has
entered the public phase of a 7 year, $2 billion comprehensive conservation campaign: Rescue Our
Wetlands. This is the largest campaign of its kind undertaken in North America. To date, halfway through
the campaign, more than $1.2 billion has been raised. The goal for Canada is $500m with $287m
generated to date.
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IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
Dedicated to achieving our mission and having a true passion for wetland conservation, the successful
candidate will possess high quality interpersonal skills that have resulted in a broad-based and extensive
background in donor-focused fundraising. The history of success will include building a prospect pipeline,
cultivating and soliciting major gifts ($10,000+).
Working independently, the new Development Manager will also be collaborative, serving as an expert
coach and mentor, educating a diverse team of volunteers and conservation staff and leveraging their
varied and complementary strengths to encourage success in our major gift activities. Additionally, the
successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership competencies such as setting direction,
establishing goals and helping empower team members to achieve optimal performance, contributing to
our overall objectives. The new incumbent will be skilled in providing guidance to volunteer leadership,
including individuals and committees, to accomplish development goals.
Analytical and with a problem-solving orientation, the new Development Manager will identify opportunities
to improve programs and processes and contribute to smooth and effective change. A fast learner, the
successful candidate will quickly embrace DUC’s mission and vision and passionately articulate our
mandate with accomplished communication skills.
Mature, pragmatic and flexible, the Development Manager will be comfortable in a variety of situations and
environments and with diverse stakeholders. Outgoing and sociable, the new incumbent will excel in
building and fostering long-term relationships at the community level and within corporate boardrooms.
KEY COMPETENCIES
The new Development Manager will possess the following attributes to allow them to thrive and excel in
this role:
Accountability and Integrity – Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member;
is honest; confronts problems quickly; is committed to DUC's success and to inspiring/coaching others
to commit to goals; and is committed to delivering on his/her duty and presenting oneself as a credible
representative to maintain the trust of others. Recognizes when resources (i.e. people, time, money)
are being used inappropriately and takes steps to ensure other leaders are practicing good
stewardship across the organization; coaches other leaders on how to gain commitment and buy in to
accomplish DUC objectives; and always honours his/her word with our employees, customers,
vendors, as well as for the sake of our cause.
Communication – Respectfully listens to others to gain a full understanding of issues; comprehends
written material; presents information in a clear and concise manner orally and in writing to ensure
others understand his/her ideas; and appropriately adapts his/her message, style and tone to
accommodate a variety of audiences.
Creativity and Innovation – Applies creative problem-solving skills to his/her work to develop
solutions to problems; recognizes and demonstrates the value of taking smart risks and learning from
mistakes; develops multiple alternatives and understands the feasibility of each; effectively shares and
implements his/her ideas; encourages new ideas, and motivates others to be proactive; resourceful;
creates and implements customized processes and practices that demonstrate “best practices” for
DUC; identifies and visualizes options and formulates innovative approaches; fosters an environment
that supports the smooth implementation of new approaches and programs.
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Customer Service – Understands the importance of providing excellent service to our external and/or
internal customers; honors all of the commitments to customers by providing helpful, courteous,
accessible, responsive and knowledgeable service.
Flexibility – Adapts to change and different ways of doing things quickly and positively; does not shy
away from addressing setbacks or ambiguity; deals effectively with a variety of people and situations;
appropriately adapts one’s thinking or approach as the situation changes.
Initiative – Proactively identifies ways to contribute to DUC's goals and missions; achieves results
without needing reminders from others; and identifies and takes action to address problems and
opportunities.
Judgement and Decision-Making – Analyzes problems by evaluating available information and
resources; and develops effective, viable solutions that drive the effectiveness of his/her department
and DUC.
Teamwork and Cooperation – Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals; works with
employees and across his/her department to achieve shared goals; treats others with dignity and
respect and maintains a friendly demeanor; and values the contributions of others.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Generate major gift revenue to support organizational goals.
Maintain working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including donors and sponsors;
conservation, marketing and grassroots event staff, DUC Senior Managers, provincial DUC Board
members and core volunteers.
Develop long term relationships with partners and supporters with the explicit intent to share
information/resources, steward donors and advance the business goals of both groups.
Maintain close working relationships with the provincial volunteer leadership, Senior Development
Manager and program staff.
Integrate and coordinate staff within various DUC programs for the purpose of generating funding
proposals.
Provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training on fundraising procedures and objectives.
Accurately track progress toward goals in conjunction with the Senior Development Manager and other
development support staff.
Fully understand and utilize the DUC proprietary donor database and Donor Activity Management
software.
QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated experience in fundraising and relationship-building, including a strong background with
individuals, corporations and foundations.
Fundraising or sales experience with proven results.
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Familiarity with the non-profit or environmental conservation sectors and a basic understanding of
DUC’s brand and products.
A passion for conservation, the environment and the outdoors.
Knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gift solicitation.
Excellent interpersonal skills, communications, writing and presentation skills and the ability to
persuasively convey the mission of DUC.
Proven ability to motivate, develop, mentor and empower staff and volunteers to foster growth and
improvement in the development program.
Ability to travel throughout the province.
A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field would be considered an asset.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this exciting development opportunity, please contact Patti Barrow, Senior
Search Consultant at 780-991-2412, or email us at DUC@KCIPhilanthropy.com.
Candidates who wish to be considered for this position are asked to submit resume and letter of interest to
the above email address by November 27, 2015.
All enquiries will be kept in strict confidence.
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