Position title: Assistant Grants Coordinator

Status: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Location: Currently at Downsview Park with plans to move to Rouge National Urban Park in the near future

Start Date: As soon as possible, applications will be accepted until the position is filled

Salary: Commensurate with experience

About Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC)

TWC’s mission is to build a healthy community for people and wildlife. We are dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, and to educating the public on wildlife issues. Since opening in 1993, we have admitted over 100,000 animals from close to 300 species, helped hundreds of thousands of people with wildlife issues through the hotline, and engaged many more through education and outreach. As a charity, TWC’s vital services are primarily supported by donations—including grants from foundations, government agencies and corporations.

Position summary

Reporting to the Grants Coordinator, the Assistant Grants Coordinator will be an integral member of TWC’s fundraising team. You will work closely with development, communications and program staff to help create compelling grant proposals, impactful reports and inspiring stewardship material for foundation, government and corporate donors. You will research and identify new grant opportunities, and systematically keep track of deadlines and ongoing grant requirements. You will also assist our fundraising team in clearly communicating with grant donors and meaningfully engaging them in the work they make possible.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast with excellent organizational skills, a flair for storytelling and a keen eye for detail—this is the role for you! You will have the opportunity to bring your diverse skill set to this unique role, and grow professionally within a supportive team environment.

Duties and responsibilities

• Maintain accurate grants and donor-related information in our CRM (Client Relationship Management) software.
• Maintain an annual grants calendar and keep track of important dates and requirements—such as application and report deadlines, donor touchpoints, etc.
• Prepare donation receipts and acknowledgement letters for received grants.
• Assist with preparing grant applications and reports, letters of inquiry and other grant materials.
• Respond to internal and external queries on submitted applications and project progress.
• Liaise with TWC staff and volunteers to gather project-specific information for grant proposals and reports.
• Research and gather external information and statistics relevant to grant-funded projects.
• Work with TWC’s communications team to collect photos and videos of wild patients for use in grant-related materials.
• Keep abreast of fundraising trends and best practices by perusing literature, attending webinars, and other means.
• Research and identify new grant opportunities.
• Assist with creating an individualized grant recognition and donor stewardship plan.
• Support TWC in maintaining clear, respectful communication with existing and prospective grant making organizations.

Qualifications

Education and experience:

Post-secondary degree in a relevant field preferred and/or a minimum of 1 year professional experience in a fundraising or grant writing role.  

Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and research skills.
• Ability to understand and precisely follow instructions and seek clarification when needed.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Good understanding of and interest in local wildlife issues.
• Ability to work well with a diverse team and independently.

Assets:

• Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite
• Knowledge of fundraising software such as e-tapestry and Grant Connect
• Previous employment or volunteer experience in a wildlife or environmental organization

Working Conditions:

• On-site, with the option to work remotely some days a week
• Open office environment
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required
• Requires working near materials and animals that may trigger allergic reactions