Non-profit Fund Development

Position: Fund Development Manager
Organization: Oldman Watershed Council
Location: Lethbridge, Alberta
Application Deadline: February 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

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 an outgoing leader who is passionate about fundraising and donor stewardship to join our team. This unique role is well suited to an experienced professional who enjoys building relationships and collaborating with diverse people and groups. The ideal candidate is eager to support OWC’s mission and brings an established network across southern Alberta.

OWC is willing to negotiate the number of hours of work, up to 36.25 hours per week. This position is primarily remote, with travel throughout the watershed as required.

As a small organization, OWC offers a flexible and friendly work environment. You will work closely with a team of 10 staff members to achieve our goals. You will be surrounded by a strong team of experienced and driven professionals who will collaborate with you.

Compensation:
$75,000–$90,000 per year at 36.25 hours per week, plus three weeks of paid vacation annually and health benefits.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience directly related to fundraising and donor relations.
• A proven track record of securing donations, clearly demonstrated in the application.
• Exceptional communication skills, particularly in-person speaking and relationship-based fundraising.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and diplomacy.
• An understanding of southern Alberta culture and the ability to communicate effectively with local residents.
• Familiarity with federal and provincial fundraising and non-profit legislation and reporting requirements.
• Proficiency with MS Office and Google Workspace; experience with eTapestry is an asset.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage time, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
• Confidence in making cold calls, engaging donors, and asking for gifts in-person.
• Ability to contribute positively and constructively to a collaborative team environment.
• 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 fewer qualifications may be considered at a lower compensation rate.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Donor Management (70%)

• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective donors, securing gifts through in-person meetings and phone-based outreach.
• Foster strong, long-term relationships with current and prospective donors, in partnership with the Board of Directors and Executive Director.
• Assist with one to two creative donation campaigns per year for social media, in coordination with the Communications Manager and Writer and Content Specialist.
• Ensure appropriate donor recognition and stewardship, maintaining a high level of accountability to donors.
• Maintain and manage the donor database (eTapestry) in collaboration with the Administrative Assistant.

Government Relations (25%)

• Support the Executive Director in amplifying a strong, informed voice for the Oldman watershed.
• Work directly with key partners to encourage increased investment in nature-based solutions within the Oldman watershed.
• Organize and support tours, meetings, and events that build and maintain relationships with elected officials.

Grant Management (5%)

• Assign grant applications to appropriate OWC staff or contractors and assist with securing letters of support and in-kind contributions.
• Maintain positive working relationships with grantors, which may include organizing tours or events to showcase project achievements, in collaboration with OWC’s Administrative Assistant.
• Apply fund development expertise to review grant applications and reporting materials, providing guidance and support to strengthen alignment with funder priorities and requirements.

Please email your cover letter, resume, and three writing samples that demonstrate your fundraising acumen to OWC’s Executive Director, Shannon Frank, at shannon@oldmanwatershed.ca  Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file named “OWC Fund Development Manager – YOUR NAME.”

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For more information, please visit http://www.oldmanwatershed.ca. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.