Director, Major Gifts

Toronto Zoo; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wildlife conservation organization is seeking a Director of Major Gifts to enhance fundraising efforts. Responsibilities include developing and executing strategies for major gift donors, achieving fundraising targets, and managing donor relationships. Candidates should have a strong background in major gifts and a passion for conservation. This is a contract position with a base pay range of CA$90,000 to CA$120,000 per year, located in Toronto, Ontario.

Qualifications

• 8-12 years of experience in major gift fundraising or business development.
• Demonstrated success securing six and seven figure gifts.
• Strong commitment to conservation, education, and animal welfare.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute philanthropic strategies for major gift donors.
• Achieve fundraising targets through cultivation and stewardship.
• Manage relationships with a portfolio of major gift donors.

Skills

Fundraising strategy development

Relationship management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

CFRE or advanced degree preferred

Tools

CRM systems (e.g., Donor Perfect)

Job description

Director, Major Gifts

Join to apply for the Director, Major Gifts role at Toronto Zoo. Apply Online by January 7, 2026.

Base pay range : CA$90,000.00 / yr - CA$120,000.00 / yr.

Department : Wildlife Conservancy

Rate of Pay : CA$90,000 - CA$120,000 per year

Duration : Approx. 18 months (Non-Permanent)

Hours of Work : 35 hours per week

Number of positions open : 1.

Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about connecting people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction. Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well‑being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife.

About Us

For over 50 years, your Toronto Zoo has inspired generations, protected endangered species, and stood as a global leader in conservation science. We are a sanctuary for wildlife, a hub for groundbreaking scientific research, and a beacon of hope for the future. And this work is more critical than ever. The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, fundraising partner to your Toronto Zoo, is launching a bold and visionary $60 million fundraising campaign—our largest ever—focused on inspiring youth and engaging the community, setting new benchmarks for animal well‑being and enhancing habitats, expanding what is already the largest, most diverse live‑cell cryobank in the country, and protecting Canadian species through head starting and reintroduction programs.

With your support, we will protect, preserve, and restore endangered species while inspiring future generations to continue this vital mission.

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Major Gifts will be responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of donors giving $50K and above. The role involves actively identifying, cultivating, and securing major gifts from new and existing donors through strategic, consistent, and personalized outreach efforts.

The ideal candidate is a goal‑oriented leader who will personally manage their own major gift donor and prospect portfolio through the donor cycle in a way that strategically builds relationships and increases revenues.

With at least eight to twelve years of experience in major gifts and / or business development, the successful candidate will be a self‑starter, developing and managing a portfolio of high‑capacity donors and prospects, to meet revenue goals.

This is a contract role with the potential for extension or permanent placement, depending on organizational needs.

Core Role Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the ED and other team members, develop and execute philanthropic strategies for major gift donors to raise funds for the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy priorities.
• Achieve individual fundraising targets through strategic cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans, developing long‑term relationships and delivering exceptional donor experiences.
• Cultivate and solicit individual, corporate, and foundation gifts of $50,000+.
• Primary relationship manager to a portfolio of 100 major gift donors and prospects.
• Support other major gift team members in achieving their targets, managing high‑value relationships, and ensuring success of Guardians Campaign.
• Open new networks by collaborating with existing donors, leadership, board members, and campaign volunteers.
• Lead exclusive donor experiences, including behind‑the‑scenes tours and special events.
• Prepare tailored donor materials, proposals, and correspondence.
• Partner with Toronto Zoo teams to further corporate relationships and business opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records in the CRM system (Donor Perfect) to support tracking and reporting.
• Contribute to campaign briefings, lead strategy sessions, and donor recognition efforts.
• Develop and steward bequest prospects and intentions.
• Prepare stewardship reports and presentations.
• Manage seasonal support roles when appropriate throughout the year.
• Stay current on Zoo initiatives, programmatic developments, and conservation priorities.

Technical Knowledge And Skills

• Minimum of 8-12 years of experience in major gift fundraising and / or business development.
• Demonstrated success securing six and seven figure gifts.
• Exceptional relationship management, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse internal and external audiences.
• Results‑driven, self‑starter, with the ability to analyze successes and failures to take corrective action.
• Ability to quickly establish credibility and gain the respect of both internal and external partners; achieves a high level of trust in relationships.
• Comfort sharing best practices, supporting other team members, and strategizing to maximize impact.
• Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and to effectively manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables.
• Ability to work highly autonomously and manage own schedule.
• Strategic thinker who can execute with attention to detail and urgency.
• Ability to apply knowledge of fundraising best practices, ethics, and regulations, including competence with gift planning vehicles and associated tax benefits for donors.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g. Donor Perfect) and donor tracking best practices.
• Comfortable working both independently and within a collaborative team.
• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE or advanced degree preferred.
• Ability to travel for donor meetings and events.
• Flexible hours as required, including some evenings & weekends.
• A strong commitment to conservation, education, and animal welfare.

Valid Ontario Drivers Licence and access to a car.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to provide a police reference check and / or driver’s abstract, at their own expense as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to take a written and / or practical examination relevant to the position.

The Toronto Zoo values the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and strives to create a workplace that reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of our city. Please let us know if you require specific accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.

The Toronto Zoo respects the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to model these principles in all that we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workforce where all employees feel respected, supported and valued. We strive to create an environment that represents the rich diversity of our guests and our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who can contribute to enhancing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications are especially encouraged from racialized persons / persons of colour, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and women.

Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well‑being a priority in everything we do, respecting wildlife, caring for our team, guest and community. We are a welcoming place to visit, volunteer, and work, united by a shared commitment to conservation, connection, and reconciliation. We blend science and traditional knowledge to protect species and their habitats, and we invite others to join us as Guardians of Wild, acting together to ensure wildlife and wild spaces thrive.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization.

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