Western Sky Land Trust (“Western Sky”) is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting the environmentally, agriculturally, and culturally significant landscapes in southern Alberta. Working alongside private landowners, conservation organizations, donors, governments, and community partners Western Sky helps conserve the landscapes that define our province and support the long-term health of southern Alberta’s environment, agriculture, water systems, and wildlife. To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit our website at westernskylandtrust.ca. 

We are seeking a relationship-driven and entrepreneurial Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement to help advance this important mandate by building diverse and sustainable funding models, strengthening meaningful community partnerships, and growing awareness and support for Western Sky’s mission across Alberta. 

Position Profile 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement is a leadership role responsible for advancing Western Sky’s philanthropic growth, community engagement, and long-term sustainability. 

The successful candidate will lead donor cultivation, stewardship, sponsorship, campaigns, and strategic relationship development while helping strengthen awareness of Western Sky’s mission and impact across Alberta. 

This role is best suited for someone who thrives in relationship-based work and can move comfortably between donor conversations, community events, strategic planning, and partnership development across both urban and rural Alberta. The ideal candidate is confident, approachable, creative, and genuinely passionate about conservation, agriculture, and the landscapes that shape our province. 

We are looking for someone who is curious, adaptable, and excited by the opportunity to help build and grow a mission-driven organization where collaboration, authenticity, initiative, and strong relationships matter. 

Key Responsibilities 

The Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement will play a key leadership role in advancing Western Sky’s fundraising, donor engagement, community relationships, and long-term organizational sustainability. 

Philanthropy & Donor Engagement (70%) 

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies and initiatives that support annual revenue goals, long-term sustainability, and organizational growth. 
• Help develop systems, processes, and strategies that support Western Sky’s continued growth and long-term sustainability. 
• Identify opportunities for new partnerships, sponsorships, campaigns, and donor engagement initiatives. 
• Oversee fundraising initiatives including sponsorships, campaigns, annual giving, donor events, and prospect research. 
• Coordinate donor recognition, acknowledgements, and stewardship plans to ensure timely, personalized, and meaningful donor engagement. 
• Build strong relationships with donors, corporations, foundations, community leaders, and professional advisors including lawyers, wealth advisors, and estate planners. 
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on fundraising priorities, donor strategy, and campaign development. 
• Monitor fundraising activity and engagement metrics, providing regular updates, recommendations, and strategic insights to leadership. 
• Conduct data analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement in donor engagement. 
• Working with our CRM specialist, maintain accurate, up-to-date records of donations and contact information 
• Support and advance existing campaign initiatives such as Bow and Beyond and Prevailing Winds, while helping identify future fundraising and partnership opportunities. 
• Develop an understanding of conservation approaches including conservation easements, fee simple ownership, wetland conservation, and related land stewardship tools. 

Community Engagement & Communications (30%) 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, conservation partners, rural stakeholders, donors, and supporters. 
• Represent Western Sky and steward donors through community events, donor meetings, field tours, the Annual General Meeting, and other engagement opportunities across southern Alberta. 
• Support the planning and execution of donor events, recognition activities, and community engagement initiatives. 
• Create fundraising and engagement materials including proposals, stewardship documents, donor stories, presentations, and campaign content. 
• Support digital communications, storytelling, newsletters, website updates, and public-facing content that strengthens awareness, engagement, and philanthropic support for Western Sky’s mission. 
• Contribute to a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven organizational culture. 

Experience and Education Qualifications 

• Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in philanthropy, fundraising, communications, community engagement, or related leadership roles. 
• Demonstrated ability to build meaningful relationships and work effectively across diverse stakeholders including donors, landowners, conservation partners, governments, corporations, and community leaders. 
• Highly collaborative, relationship-driven, and comfortable developing partnerships both internally and externally. 
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including proposal writing, donor communications, reports, and presentations. 
• Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to take initiative, manage multiple priorities, and contribute within a growing organization. 
• Exceptionally organized with attention to detail and the ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion. 
• Knowledge of Canadian fundraising best practices, legislation, and ethical fundraising standards. 
• CFRE designation, or progress towards completion, is considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of southern Alberta geography, agriculture, heritage and culture.
• Comfortable travelling independently throughout southern Alberta and building relationships across both urban and rural communities.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle.
• Knowledge of conservation, environmental, agricultural, or land stewardship sectors is considered an asset.
• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities with experience in budget management, analysis, decision-making and preparing presentations. 

Compensation Package 

This is a full-time leadership position based in Calgary. 

Western Sky offers: 

• Hybrid work environment with a combination of office, remote work, and travel throughout southern Alberta. 
• Salary based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit. 
• Competitive extended health benefits package. 
• Four weeks paid vacation annually. 
• Support for ongoing professional development, conferences, networking opportunities, and continued learning.