Fundraising Development

Position: Development Manager
Organization: Oldman Watershed Council
Location: Lethbridge, Alberta
Apply by: August 24, 2025

Mission:

The Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) is a collaborative forum for all voices, working for watershed health through education, action and stewardship.

Position Description:

The OWC is seeking a strategic leader for a unique role. This exciting position is perfect for someone who likes to create new programs, and find innovative solutions to complex challenges. The ideal candidate will have environmental knowledge and experience working in the environmental sector in Alberta.

The OWC is willing to negotiate the number of hours of work up to 36.25 hours/week from a remote location (with travel to the watershed as needed). As a small organization, the OWC offers a flexible, friendly work environment with 7 other staff members who will work closely with the Development Manager to achieve our goals.

Compensation:
$80,000 / year for full time hours, 3 weeks paid vacation per year and health benefits.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of work experience directly related to grant management and/or donor relations.
• Proven track-record of previous success in securing grants and/or donations clearly detailed in your application.
• Exceptional communication skills, especially writing skills to tell compelling stories.
• Enough knowledge of environmental science, language/terms and sector to write environmental focused grant applications.
• Excellent relationship building skills and diplomacy.
• Understanding of Southern Alberta culture and ability to effectively communicate with residents.
• Familiarity with federal and provincial fundraising and non-profit legislation and reporting requirements would be an asset.
• Proficient with MS Office, Google Apps and ideally eTapestry.
• Very well organized and able to manage time and deadlines effectively.
• A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel throughout the watershed.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Candidates with less experience or qualifications may be considered at a lower compensation rate.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

30% Grant Management

• Write compelling grant applications and reports in collaboration with the project lead, and Accountant who assists with budgeting and provides financial reporting.
• Maintain positive working relationships with grantors. This may include organizing tours or events to showcase achievements.
• Coordinate with partners to identify deliverables, secure letters of support, and confirm in-kind donations.

25% Donor Relationships

• Connect with current and past donors quarterly; invite them to events, share accomplishments.
• Write compelling stories to inspire donations through newsletters and emails.
• Design 1-2 creative donation campaigns for social media per year, in coordination with the Communications Manager.
• Ensure proper donor recognition and stewardship and maintain a high level of accountability.
• Maintain a donor database (eTapestry) in collaboration with the Office Manager.
• Must be comfortable asking for gifts in person and making cold calls.

15% Government Relations

• Assist the Executive Director to amplify a voice for watersheds.
• Work directly with key partners and consultants to advocate for increased funding for natural infrastructure restoration programs.
• Organize tours, meetings and events to build relationships with and influence elected officials.

15% Building Partnerships

• Meet with potential partners who are well positioned to lead specific components of projects, for example post secondary institutions who may be able to assist with monitoring or research.
• Develop Memorandums of Understanding between partners.

15% Developing New Funding Models

• Research innovative funding models and emerging opportunities, such as carbon/biodiversity credits, and conservation finance.
• Recommend strategies OWC could pursue and assist with implementation.

Please email your cover letter, resume and three writing samples to OWC’s Executive Director, Shannon Frank, at Shannon@oldmanwatershed.ca one PDF file called “OWC Development Manager YOUR NAME.”

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For more information please visit our website oldmanwatershed.ca. We thank all applicants that apply, however only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.