Development and Community Outreach Coordinator

Vancouver Aquarium Careers; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marine organization in Metro Vancouver is seeking a Development & Community Outreach Coordinator to support fundraising and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and writing skills, along with a passion for marine conservation. Responsibilities include coordinating donor programs, representing the organization at community events, and providing administrative support. This position offers a salary range of $55,000 to $62,000 per year, requiring 2-4 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in fundraising coordination or nonprofit administration.
• Strong attention to detail is essential.
• Experience in community engagement is an asset.
• Interest in marine conservation and animal welfare is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination of donor programs, providing updates and communications.
• Represent the organization at community events to promote engagement.
• Provide data and administrative support to senior management.
• Assist with grant fulfillment and reporting.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to manage multiple projects

Education

Post-secondary education in fundraising or related field

Tools

Bloomerang

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Vancouver Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on working towards bringing families closer together and to creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.

The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) is a registered charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals. As Canada’s only dedicated marine mammal hospital, we respond to hundreds of marine mammal emergency reports each year and provide expert veterinary and rehabilitative care to sick, injured, and orphaned animals.

Beyond rescue operations, VAMMR engages communities across British Columbia to promote ocean stewardship and awareness of marine wildlife in distress, helping ensure timely reporting and support for marine mammals along our coast.

SUMMARY

The Development & Community Outreach Coordinator supports the fundraising, stewardship, and community engagement activities that make VAMMR’s work possible. Reporting to the Development Director and working closely with the Senior Manager of VAMMR, this role plays a key coordination function within a small, collaborative team.

The Coordinator is responsible for the day‑to‑day execution of several donor and community programs, supporting strong relationships with donors, partners, and community supporters through thoughtful stewardship, well‑organized initiatives, and accurate administrative systems. This role does not independently solicit major gifts but contributes meaningfully to donor engagement and fundraising success.

This position is well suited to someone who is highly organized, detail‑oriented, and people‑focused, and who enjoys balancing relationship‑building with behind‑the‑scenes coordination in a mission‑driven environment.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Donor & Fundraising Support (40%)

• Lead the day‑to‑day coordination of the Name a Seal and e‑Gift donor programs, including communications, tracking, and donor updates.
• Support donor stewardship by preparing thank‑you letters, updates, and impact stories in collaboration with the Development Director.
• Assist with fundraising campaigns, symbolic adoptions, and seasonal appeals.
• Coordinate select donor experiences such as tours and open houses, in alignment with operational and animal care considerations.
• Collaborate with the Development Director and Social Media Specialist on donor‑facing communications.
• Support sponsorship fulfilment and small‑scale fundraising initiatives.

Community Outreach & Engagement (25%)

• Lead Independent Community Events by liaising with event organizers, providing approved fundraising tools, and tracking outcomes.
• Represent VAMMR at select outreach and community events, primarily within Metro Vancouver, integrating appropriate fundraising and awareness opportunities.
• Maintain and update outreach and fundraising materials such as banners, signage, QR codes, and donor forms.
• Capture stories and photos from outreach events, where appropriate, for use in donor communications and social media.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer & Community Engagement Specialist on public engagement initiatives and community‑facing activities.

Data & Administrative Support (35%)

• Provide administrative and coordination support to the Development Director and Senior Manager of VAMMR, including assistance with grant fulfillment and reporting.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date donor, partner, and grant records in Bloomerang.
• Track and compile data for donor reports, proposals, and annual impact summaries.
• Process donations, issue tax receipts, and maintain organized electronic filing systems in accordance with CRA requirements.
• Prepare mailing lists, meeting notes, briefing materials, and internal documentation as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Post‑secondary education or equivalent experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in fundraising coordination, donor relations, community engagement, or nonprofit administration.
• Strong writing and organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Proficiency with donor databases (Bloomerang experience an asset), Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort engaging with donors, volunteers, and community members.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative team environment.
• Interest in marine conservation, animal welfare, and environmental protection.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends for donor or community events.

SALARY RANGE: $55,000 - $62,000 PER YEAR