[APPLICATIONS CLOSED] Director, Development

Through deep knowledge and innovation, Ocean Wise creates impact in the water that protects and restores the ocean. Ocean Wise is working to scale game-changing solutions that fight climate change and rewild the ocean through seaforestation; feed people by scaling demand for sustainably sourced seafood; clean the seas by working to reduce plastics headed to the water; save whales from being hit by ships and grow a pipeline of ocean leaders through global education programs. With a focus on meaningful action, Ocean Wise is an exciting organization to work for. With deep experience in the field of ocean conservation, strong corporate partnerships and support from everyday citizens, Ocean Wise is taking a critical moment to create lasting change for the ocean. 

Ocean Wise’s core values - Knowledge, Integrity, Extreme Collaboration, Impact, & Optimism - represent their highest priorities. These values are at the heart of how the organization works and serve as cultural cornerstones exemplified by all members of the team.  

It is within this context that Ocean Wise welcomes applications for the position of Director, Development commencing in Spring 2024, or soon after. The position will be 100% remote, with the corporate head office in Vancouver, BC.  

Reporting to the Vice-President, Development, the Director of Development (“Director”) is responsible for growing the organization’s donor base and will lead fundraising activities that secure the philanthropic resources needed to sustain and scale the organization’s work. Ocean Wise is at an important moment of growth and is building a first-class fundraising operation to support expansion across Canada, into the United States and around the world. With an ambition of raising $45 million annually by 2030.  

The Director is responsible for personally managing a portfolio of donors and overseeing effective donor stewardship with existing funders; identifying and cultivating relationships with prospective new funders (including bringing potential funders to the organization through existing relationships); leading the development of proposals and reports; establishing systems and processes to support an effective fundraising operation; and tracking progress toward fundraising objectives. The Director is a member of Ocean Wise’s leadership team, contributing to the strategic direction of the organization with direct management of the following portfolios: annual giving, major gifts, leadership gifts, and foundations. The Director will virtually manage a team of 6 people and collaborate with the Business Development and global engagement/communications teams to find opportunities to identify and grow giving across the user journey, touching all who engage with Ocean Wise. 

As the ideal candidate, you are an established development/fundraising leader, with a proven track record in cultivating and securing major gifts, and with annual giving, major gifts, leadership gifts, and foundations.  Experience in the ocean, environment, or climate sectors is considered an asset. You will bring leadership experience of a similar scope and breadth, an entrepreneurial and relational approach, and the ability and interest to lead in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Experience engaging with donors who are committed to restoring the ocean, fighting climate change and/or protecting the environment will be a significant asset. Either post-secondary education or an equivalent combination of relative experience, education and is required.  

Compensation - A salary of $120,000 – $145,000, commensurate with experience, is paired with a comprehensive group benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life and critical illness protection. Ocean Wise also offers RRSP matching of up to 6% of salary, paid vacation, and an additional 6 management days.   

To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity with Ocean Wise, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca). 

Ocean Wise is a remote-first organization with beautiful headquarters in downtown Vancouver.  

Ocean Wise is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is a company where diverse backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints are valued. Ocean Wise does not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, age, ethnic or national origin. 

Ocean Wise and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or assessment processes.  

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.