Role: Development Officer

Start Date: August 14, 2023

Position: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)

Location: In-person in Vancouver with potential for hybrid after probation

Paid time off: 3 weeks vacation + 5 sick days

Benefits: Monthly health and wellness stipend

Salary: $65,000 to $72,000 

About Sea Smart

Sea Smart is a Vancouver-based charity that delivers innovative, engaging education programs based on science and current ocean issues to empower people to be environmental champions across Canada and beyond. Created by a marine biologist, Sea Smart’s innovative programs teach about ocean issues with an action-oriented and solutions-based approach that is much needed in this day and age when environmental problems are overwhelming and it is easy to lose hope. We are a small and mighty team of marine biologists and environmental educators who have empowered over 700,000 people in over 20 countries to become ocean heroes. Join us to power waves of change around the world!

About the Role

Sea Smart is looking for a creative and goal-oriented Development Officer to develop, execute and manage our fundraising strategy with support from our Board and Fundraising Committee. You will be responsible for bringing new individual donors and corporate partners through prospect research and cultivation strategies, manage a portfolio of existing donors with a mandate to deepen engagement and grow donor revenue as well as manage our grant database and lead grant applications. The successful candidate will be a strategic, passionate communicator responsible for meeting annual fundraising targets and will also lead Sea Smart’s fundraising events and campaigns. 

Key Responsibilities

With support from our Board and Fundraising Committee, you will develop and implement a five-year fundraising strategic plan that includes quarterly and annual SMART goals that focus on the below areas:

Grant and Proposal Writing, Management & Reporting (45%)

• Find and track relevant grant opportunities from foundations, government, corporations and other funding sources
• Write effective proposals/applications that display exceptional attention to detail and captivating storytelling
• Manage the grant proposal and reporting calendars, and track activities in the project management platform 
• Work with project leads to track project deliverables and reporting deadlines and coordinate preparation and delivery of interim and final reports 
• Work closely with project leads to ensure appropriate project implementation is achieved and grant requirements are met

Donor Solicitation & Management (40%)

Note: Donors include corporate sponsors, individual donors and funders

• Develop new strategies for enhanced prospecting activities and related database management to ensure robust development of the prospect pipeline
• Develop and implement strategies for Donor Acquisition and Retention, especially monthly donors
• Develop and implement strategies for Planned Giving
• Formulate and implement donor-centered and customized strategies for acquiring, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding Donors, including rating donors and prospects in terms of inclination and capacity to give 
• Build and manage a portfolio of 40-60 prospects and current donors, including developing and maintaining relationships
• Maintain donor databases, including detailed records of all donor interactions; ensure timely and personal appreciation and recognition is completed.
• Work with the marketing and communications staff to develop and enhance promotion and recognition tools aimed at donors, including preparing quarterly and annual impact reports to share with donors

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual donor reports (internal)
• Other duties as requested by the Executive Director

Fundraising Campaigns and Events (15%)

• Develop and lead strategic plans for fundraising campaigns and events, particularly for key dates including Giving Tuesday, World Oceans Day, and year end giving
• Lead all aspects of Annual and Campaign activities 
• Lead the scheduling and delivery of all Appeals
• Provide data analysis for Events, Annual Campaigns and Appeals

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of fundraising experience, preferably with nonprofits and/or corporate sponsorship
• 3+ years of project management experience
• Exceptional fundraising, networking, writing and communications skills
• Highly organized and the ability to adapt to changing priorities with tight timelines
• Proven ability to develop plans, set priorities, complete work with minimal supervision, and meet deadline
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively persuade and inspire others
• Team player and ability to work cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders and partners
• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
• Experience with CRM software and proficiency in the use of MS Office software
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Code of Conduct

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a nonprofit
• Proficient with Keela and a grant database (e.g. Grant Advance or Grant Connect)
• Demonstrated ability to secure significant gifts  (e.g. $25,000+ multi-year contributions from at least five funders)

Perks

• Three weeks vacation and five sick days
• Health and Wellness monthly stipend
• Flexible stat holidays
• Hybrid work with flexible hours (pending approval from the Executive Director)
• Work in a dynamic, creative, inclusive environment where your ideas, work, and contributions make a difference
• Paid membership to the Association of Fundraising Professionals 
• Pro-deal discounts with Sea Smart’s corporate partners
• Professional development opportunities including courses and events

Term of Appointment

Sea Smart’s core working hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm PST. The standard hours for this role will be 37.5 hours per week. The working hours for individual staff can be flexible pending discussion and approval from the Executive Director. There will be some occasions where you will need to work during evenings and weekends. The work hours in such weeks will be adjusted so you do not exceed 37.5 hours per week. 

How to Apply

Please send your cover letter and resume to . Include in the subject line [YOUR NAME] - Development Officer Application. 

We thank all applicants for their interest. We will only contact the shortlisted candidates.

This position will be posted until it is filled; we will review applications as they are received. 

This posting closes on June 16, 2023

Sea Smart hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equality and diversity within its community and to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. People with disabilities, women, Indigenous peoples, members of racialized groups and members of other marginalized communities are highly encouraged to apply. 

Recruitment Process

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a 30 minute phone screening interview to assess your skills fit. A selection of candidates will be invited for an in-person 60 minute interview with the Executive Director and a board member to further assess your experience fit. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a second in-person 60 minute interview with the Managing Director and the Executive Director to further assess your culture fit. Candidates who are shortlisted after the interviews will be requested to provide three work-related references. Accommodations are available, upon request, during any stage of the recruitment process.