The rare Charitable Research Reserve
Responsible for ensuring the successful preservation and restoration of a unique 900+ acre site in one of the fastest growing areas of the country, the rare Charitable Research Reserve is an urban land trust situated in the Waterloo Region of Southwestern Ontario. It offers the community, including the international community and future generations, a natural area, protected intact and in perpetuity, protected for its ecological value and providing unprecedented engagement opportunities in ecological and cultural research, education, and passive recreation.
Through the combined efforts of the community and rare’s team of staff and advisors, we discover best practices and answers to environmental problems, offering these solutions to the broader community. Through our leadership we train new generations of conservationists from all fields, using our model system to demonstrate the link between ecological integrity and economic sustainability that is critical to enhanced quality of life for the planet.
In a culture of collaboration and openness, rare brings together internationally renowned experts, aspiring early-career researchers, artists and the larger community. In a unique Chain of Learning system, they learn from one another, strengthening the reserve’s unique position as a scientific case study, or model system, for land preservation and management actions that are scientifically sound, tested, critically reviewed and monitored, not only for years, but for decades to come.
Director of Development and Communications
The Director of Development and Communications will play a critical role in rare’s growth toward a larger collaborative, multi-disciplinary environmental institute with local, national and international recognition, by engaging the community across all levels, adding directly to the institute’s financial sustainability and operational excellence.
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), you will work collegially with all program advisors and staff to interpret rare and its needs to the broader community in order to build support – both political and financial – for its mission and programs. Equally importantly, you will help the organization to understand the expectations and needs of donors and volunteers in a people-centric approach.
Working collaboratively as the head of the fundraising and communications team –– involving the direct report of an experienced senior fundraiser (Annual Funds and Special Projects Manager), junior fundraising professional (Development and Communications Officer), and other fundraising and communications consultants and volunteers –– you will be accountable for:
- the development and execution of a strategic and focused fundraising and communications plan for both short-term projects and longer-term campaigns, including the successful conclusion of A Natural Investment, rare’s major campaign, which has now reached $13 million of its $17 million goal; these plans will include comprehensive programs to realize the potential from individuals, corporations, foundations government and other potential partners for various levels of gifts; they will ensure a solid annual base of funding to support operations in perpetuity;
- the management of a significant personal portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, involving tailored action plans, solicitation strategies and proposals for each prospect, face-to-face calls both with and without key volunteers or staff;
- maintaining and enhancing the network provided by the Campaign & Community Cabinet and the International Ambassadors;
- the development and oversight of the fundraising and communications operating budget;
- leading and supporting the delivery of the highest standards of stewardship of donors, aimed at deepening engagement with current donors and building the pipeline for leadership, major, and planned gifts; this includes oversight of effective policies and systems for privacy, record-keeping, recognition and gift/project reporting;
- oversight of all communications vehicles, including website and social media
Required Skills and Attributes
You have demonstrable successes in major gift fundraising ($100,000 – $1M+) and partnerships with individuals, corporations, foundations and government. You also have a genuine interest in the environment, an understanding of conservation issues, and the role of evidence-based science –– and research in many fields, including the arts –– for ensuring the development of best practices, the transformation of society and the creation of new knowledge.
The above criteria will be demonstrated by:
- at least 5 years experience in fundraising and communications, including campaign management, proposal writing and volunteer coordination;
- strong negotiating skills and the ability to persuade while maintaining excellent interpersonal relationships;
- exceptional verbal and written communications skills including a proven track record in public speaking and small interpersonal meetings;
- the ability to lead and motivate a team and those with high levels of expertise in a variety of fields;
- proven attention to detail, professionalism, confidence, ability to network effectively; and by
- demonstrating that you are a creative, high-level thinker with the ability to be flexible and problem-solve.
As with all campaigns, the ability to work and travel within a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends and evenings, as well as a valid Ontario Drivers’ Licence are necessary.
At the rare Charitable Research Reserve, we strive for excellence in all we do. Our workplace provides staff, volunteers, and others with opportunities for growth and an invitation to contribute to rare in a meaningful way by developing new ideas and turning them into viable projects, in a healthy, positive atmosphere that fosters creativity, flexibility, efficiency and abundance.
Remuneration is commensurate with qualifications
How to Apply
Applications including cover letter, résumé and contact information for three references should be emailed in ONE file (.pdf) and will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please address applications to:
Dr. Stephanie Sobek-Swant
Executive Director, rare Charitable Research Reserve
1679 Blair Road, Cambridge ON N3H 4R8
stephanie.sobek-swant@raresites.org