CAWST is a Canadian charity and licensed engineering consultancy, where we teach people how to bring safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene to their communities using simple, affordable technologies.

At the heart of everything we do is our belief that when people have their basic water and sanitation needs met, they have the opportunity to succeed. This is what drives our dedicated team to work with a global network of more than 1,500 clients and partners. Together, we have reached over 50 million people since our inception in 2001.

Collectively, we are making a difference at a scale beyond what any of us could do individually. But our job isn't done yet and we need you to help us expand our reach.

We are looking for a dynamic Senior Development Officer with a background in major gift fundraising to join our growing team. In this role, you will help build and sustain a network of philanthropic supporters across Eastern Canada, with a focus on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Montreal, and Ottawa.

As a key member of our Market Development team, you will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors who share our passion for making a difference. Your work will directly contribute to CAWST's goal of reaching 100 million people with clean water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030.

Please note: This role is based in Calgary, with a hybrid work model (M-W in-office, Tr-F flexible). However, we welcome remote candidates, ideally in the GTA, who bring strong connections in Eastern Canada's philanthropic markets.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Manage and maintain a portfolio of 80-150 major gift donors and prospects.
• Conduct 100 to 180 quality personal visits per year and submit at least 30 proposals annually.
• Secure major gifts of $50,000+, with an emphasis on six- and seven-figure contributions.
• Collaborate with Prospect Research to identify new donor prospects, while also expanding your network through outreach, engagement, and traditional networking.
• Develop compelling proposals, grant applications, and solicitation materials tailored to donor interests.
• Maintain accurate donor records in our CRM system and collaborate with our Stewardship Officer to ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition.

Relationship Building

• Cultivate long-term, meaningful relationships with donors, prospects, and partners.
• Attend events, conduct face-to-face meetings, and create strategic engagement opportunities.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to align donor priorities with CAWST's mission and funding needs.
• Provide insights and strategic recommendations to help refine CAWST's development strategy.

Team Collaboration & Mentorship

• Share expertise in major gifts and prospect management with colleagues.
• Support fundraising efforts at organizational events and campaigns.
• Assist in engaging and supporting board members and volunteers in their fundraising efforts.

What You Bring

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising, with proven success securing six-figure+ donations.
• Exceptional networking and relationship-building skills to engage donors and secure support.
• Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to draft persuasive proposals and navigate complex conversations.
• A data-driven approach with experience managing a robust donor pipeline and achieving fundraising targets.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and donor database management.
• Strong knowledge of philanthropic trends and best practices in major gifts fundraising.
• A collaborative, adaptable, and mission-driven mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification is an asset but not required.
• Post-secondary degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Experience securing multi-year pledges, corporate investments, legacy gifts, and blended giving.
• Success in grant writing and institutional funding processes is a plus.
• Familiarity with philanthropic trends in the GTA, Montreal, and Ottawa markets.
• Ability to travel as needed for in-person donor meetings, events, and team activities.

Work Environment

• Hybrid work environment: In-office (Monday – Wednesday) & Remote (Thursday – Friday, when possible), with flexibility for in-person meetings and events.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic team dedicated to solving the global water crisis.

Benefits of working at CAWST:

• A meaningful role, making a difference every day for people living without basic water and sanitation.
• A workplace culture where collaboration and innovation are fostered.
• Rich on-the-job experiences and professional development opportunities.
• Strong promotion of work-life balance and flexible work environment.

When applying, please include:

• A cover letter that gives an overview of your experience as it applies to this role, and explains why you are excited about joining our team.

• Your resume.

If you're a passionate communicator with a heart for philanthropy, we'd love to hear from you! Apply today and be part of a movement that's changing lives around the world.

CAWST values equitable opportunities, sustainable solutions, and collaborative and inclusive processes. CAWST recognizes and accepts differences in cultural, religious, and political processes and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.