Planned Giving Specialist in Ottawa, Ontario at CANADIAN WILDLIFE FEDERATION

Who we are:

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada's wildlife is conserved for generations to come. Learn more about our mission by clicking here.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women in non-traditional roles. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please notify HR at any time.

Position Overview:

As one of Canada's largest not for profit leaders in wildlife conservation, research, and advocacy; we are seeking to fill the position of Planned Giving Specialist. Reporting to the Director of Corporate, Foundations, and Legacy Giving, the Planned Giving Specialist supports the delivery of the annual Planned Giving program in alignment with budgeted goals. The role focuses on coordinating and maintaining relationships with a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors, with an emphasis on steady growth and strong stewardship practices. This position supports the administration of estate files and works with financial planning professionals to help facilitate estate plan execution. Key responsibilities include outreach and stewardship activities—such as donor calls and visits—to build relationships and support revenue objectives. The Specialist also works collaboratively with colleagues to help identify potential major gift opportunities and uses the CRM system (Raiser’s Edge) to track activities, maintain accurate records, and support reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Planned Giving Program Implementation:

• Coordinates and executes the annual Planned Giving program to meet budgetary goals.
• Monitors a portfolio of 200-300 planned giving prospects and donors, ensuring consistent growth and high-quality relationship management.
• Monitors a portfolio of 50-100 estates, working closely with financial planning professionals, including estate trustees, lawyers, and family members, to ensure the smooth execution of estate plans.
• Collaborates with various teams, including IDE, marketing and communications, procurement, finance, and data management & IT, to coordinate campaign activities.
• Counts requests, appeals lists, targeting instructions, quote preparation, translation, and creative and design requests to support campaign execution.

Estate Administration & Reporting:

• Handles administrative tasks related to estates, including printing, filing, scanning, general mailing, and data management in the CRM database.
• Follows up with firms and other relevant parties to ensure the timely processing of estate-related activities.
• Tracks and reports on Gift of Securities revenue and develop queries to support ongoing program goals, including legacy circle membership and prospect generation for the Planned Giving Growth pipeline.
• Provides regular reporting and present program updates at monthly management meetings.
• Coordinates contracted activities, including newsletter production, telemarketing, and survey execution.
• Coordinates survey data by uploading to Raiser’s Edge (RE), coding, sharing with the Planned Giving Growth team, and forwarding and assigning telemarketing leads via email and RE.

Donor Stewardship:

• Coordinates stewardship activities for major gifts, legacy circle members, and in-memory gifts.
• Ensures timely gift acknowledgment and recognition to maintain strong donor relationships.
• Cultivate relationships with major gift and legacy prospects, employing strategies such as wealth screening and research.

Education, Experience, and Abilities:

• College Diploma in Finance, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of related experience in business, finance, or fundraising.
• Familiarity with donor management software (Raiser's Edge).
• Familiarity with estate planning concepts and tax implications related to charitable giving.
• A genuine passion for the organization's mission and an empathic approach to donor interactions.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with constituents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. French-speaking abilities is considered an asset.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail, especially when managing donor data and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.
• Ability to work closely with other departments to align planned giving with overall fundraising efforts.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Work Conditions:

• This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday for 37.5 hours per week.
• Location: Based at our Head Office in Kanata (Ottawa West), Ontario, with hybrid flexibility to work from home two consecutive days per week.
• Manual dexterity required to operate computer and peripherals.
• Exposure to mental stress due to managing conflicting demands, deadlines, emotionally charged situations, and meeting funding objectives.
• Interacts with employees, various managers, external vendors, estate administrators, external legal counsel, prospective donors, and more.

Why Work With Us?

• We are a rapidly growing team of forward-thinking individuals who all share a common passion, the Canadian outdoors!
• Friendly and casual work environment.
• Opportunity to expand your network of fundraising, education, conservation, marketing, and program experts.
• Newly renovated office building including a kitchen lounge and living plant wall. Seating area outside is available, where staff can enjoy their lunches surrounded by wildlife-friendly gardens.
• We are committed in improving work-life balance.
• We are committed to building a more diverse workforce.
• Relevant professional development opportunities for career growth.
• Hybrid flexibility to work from home two consecutive days per week.
• Competitive benefits package at no cost to you, and enrollment in group RRSP with % matching.
• Generous time-off policies which include paid float days, sick days, appointment time, and holidays above employment standards.
• Free parking on premises.
• Complimentary subscription to our Canadian Wildlife magazine.

Application Deadline: May 31, 2026

How To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be submitted online. Only the candidates who meet qualifications and are selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank you for your interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation!

We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace for all its candidates and employees by supporting their accessibility and accommodation needs throughout the employment lifecycle. We ask that job applications please identify any accommodation requirements by contacting the Human Resources department when selected for an interview.