Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications
Top Benefits
About the role
About the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada:
The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGIC) is where hope meets action. We are amplifying community-led initiatives to create a world where people, animals, and the environment all thrive together.
Our impact is global: we are actively working with communities to protect and restore critical chimpanzee habitats across five African nations (Senegal, Uganda, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Republic of Congo), preserving these incredible ecosystems for future generations.
Here in Canada, we support Indigenous-led conservation initiatives that protect ancestral territories. Through our Roots & Shoots movement, we are supporting the next generation of conservation leaders, empowering young changemakers from coast-to-coast-to-coast to ignite grassroots action in their own backyard. Every project, every partnership, every young activist we inspire creates ripple effects that transform communities and ecosystems worldwide.
About the Role:
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications will spearhead the integrated Development and Communications team at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. This pivotal role presents an opportunity to drive transformative change by crafting and executing breakthrough strategies that elevate brand recognition, foster trust, and secure the organization's long-term impact and growth.
As the strategic architect behind JGIC's marketing and fundraising initiatives, you will shape the vision while working closely with the Associate Director of Development, who manages the day-to-day operations and tactical execution of our fundraising strategy. You will lead and inspire a dynamic team with three direct reports: Associate Director of Development, Digital Marketing Manager, and Content and Storytelling Manager, each offering their specialized expertise while coordinating with other departments to amplify our mission.
This hybrid role offers flexibility with time split between remote work and our collaborative office space located on the University of Toronto's downtown campus.
Scope of Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
- Drive transformative marketing and fundraising strategies that amplify our impact and accelerate mission- critical goals.
- Ensure smooth integration across marketing, communications, and fundraising teams to create breakthrough campaigns that move the needle.
- Engage with the Board of Directors and committee members to elevate our brand presence and expand our influence in the conservation space.
- Contribute expertise as a member of the core leadership team, helping to steer JGIC's evolution and progress towards the organization's strategic plan.
Development:
- Support the execution of fundraising initiatives led by the Associate Director of Development that push boundaries and deliver exceptional results.
- Cultivate high-value relationships with major donors and forward-thinking corporate partners who share our vision for global change.
- Ensure fundraising efforts directly support our mission and create a measurable impact for wildlife and our community partners.
Marketing and Communications:
- Champion and execute our brand strategy, ensuring Jane Goodall's powerful legacy resonates across every platform and partnership.
- Lead innovative brand initiatives that maintain message authenticity while maximizing reach and engagement across diverse audiences.
- Strategically deploy resources to drive meaningful behaviour change.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serve as one of the key spokespersons for the organization, representing the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada at events and meetings.
- Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including partners, sponsors, and media outlets.
- Engage with other Jane Goodall Institute chapters globally on branding, development, and joint
- communications.
Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team that thrives on challenges, foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous learning.
- Unlock team potential through targeted professional development in marketing, communications, and fundraising.
- Track and optimize key performance metrics that demonstrate JGIC's impact and organizational growth.
- Mentor and guide the Associate Director of Development to reach the next level of fundraising opportunities and ambitious targets.
Qualifications
- An undergraduate degree in a related discipline
- Minimum of 5-7 years in a leadership role with related experience spanning the scope of responsibilities
- Experience in securing major gifts, foundation grants, and/or corporate partnerships
- Deep alignment with JGIC's mission and a commitment to ethical, community-centered storytelling
- Creative, innovative, and proven ability to think outside of the box
- Personable and adaptable: ability to be a strong ambassador of the organization
- Collaborative, welcoming, willing to listen and provide constructive input
- Results-oriented
- A self-starter, able to think critically
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong financial and budget management
- Understanding of environmental issues and community-led conservation an asset
- Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required
What We Offer:
Dynamic Environment: Thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization with a team that is making a tangible difference in the world.
Flexible Work Model: Enjoy a hybrid work environment with work-from-home flexibility and in-person collaboration at our downtown Toronto office.
Competitive compensation and benefits: Access comprehensive benefits, including RRSP contributions. The salary range for this position is $103,700 to $112,000, commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
Work-Life Balance: Half-day on Fridays, starting with three weeks of vacation, plus an annual holiday closure at the end of the year.
Professional Growth: Access to professional development opportunities.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply through Charity Village, by submitting a CV and a cover letter with the "Director, Development, Marketing, and Communications" as the subject line.
JGIC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and does not discriminate based on race, ethnic background, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, or disability. We encourage candidates from underserved or historically marginalized groups to apply. If you face barriers related to your intersectional identities and want to inquire about individualized application support, please contact us at info@janegoodall.ca.
The deadline for applying is Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 . We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
Founded by renowned ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute is a global non-profit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things. The Institute supports wildlife research, education and conservation, with the primary goal of ensuring the survival of great ape populations through community-centred conservation in Africa. The Institute also promotes sustainable livelihoods and nurtures new generations of committed, active citizens around the world.
Our Vision: A healthy planet where people make compassionate choices to live sustainably and in harmony with each other, the environment and other animals.
Our Mission: To understand and protect chimpanzees, other apes and their habitats, and to work toward creating an informed and compassionate multitude who will help to create a better world for people, other animals and our shared environment.
Our Work: Roots & Shoots - Active in 50 countries worldwide, Roots & Shoots inspires youth to critically examine environmental and social issues, and create innovative, long-term solutions in their own communities.
Community-Centred Conservation - JGI Canada supports the conservation of great ape habitat in Africa by working with local communities to improve their standard of living and engage in local conservation efforts. Conservation strategies include community-led land-use planning, sustainable agriculture, health promotion, income generation, and habitat protection.
Chimpanzee Sanctuaries - JGI Canada supports the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center which provides long-term care for orphaned and injured chimpanzees, most of them victims of wildlife trafficking.
Primatology Research – In 1960, Dr. Goodall began her ground-breaking research in Tanzania, recording observations that revolutionised primatology. Today, the Gombe Stream Research Centre hosts a new generation of scientists and field researchers who continue to enrich this scientific field.
Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications
Top Benefits
About the role
About the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada:
The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGIC) is where hope meets action. We are amplifying community-led initiatives to create a world where people, animals, and the environment all thrive together.
Our impact is global: we are actively working with communities to protect and restore critical chimpanzee habitats across five African nations (Senegal, Uganda, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Republic of Congo), preserving these incredible ecosystems for future generations.
Here in Canada, we support Indigenous-led conservation initiatives that protect ancestral territories. Through our Roots & Shoots movement, we are supporting the next generation of conservation leaders, empowering young changemakers from coast-to-coast-to-coast to ignite grassroots action in their own backyard. Every project, every partnership, every young activist we inspire creates ripple effects that transform communities and ecosystems worldwide.
About the Role:
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications will spearhead the integrated Development and Communications team at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. This pivotal role presents an opportunity to drive transformative change by crafting and executing breakthrough strategies that elevate brand recognition, foster trust, and secure the organization's long-term impact and growth.
As the strategic architect behind JGIC's marketing and fundraising initiatives, you will shape the vision while working closely with the Associate Director of Development, who manages the day-to-day operations and tactical execution of our fundraising strategy. You will lead and inspire a dynamic team with three direct reports: Associate Director of Development, Digital Marketing Manager, and Content and Storytelling Manager, each offering their specialized expertise while coordinating with other departments to amplify our mission.
This hybrid role offers flexibility with time split between remote work and our collaborative office space located on the University of Toronto's downtown campus.
Scope of Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
- Drive transformative marketing and fundraising strategies that amplify our impact and accelerate mission- critical goals.
- Ensure smooth integration across marketing, communications, and fundraising teams to create breakthrough campaigns that move the needle.
- Engage with the Board of Directors and committee members to elevate our brand presence and expand our influence in the conservation space.
- Contribute expertise as a member of the core leadership team, helping to steer JGIC's evolution and progress towards the organization's strategic plan.
Development:
- Support the execution of fundraising initiatives led by the Associate Director of Development that push boundaries and deliver exceptional results.
- Cultivate high-value relationships with major donors and forward-thinking corporate partners who share our vision for global change.
- Ensure fundraising efforts directly support our mission and create a measurable impact for wildlife and our community partners.
Marketing and Communications:
- Champion and execute our brand strategy, ensuring Jane Goodall's powerful legacy resonates across every platform and partnership.
- Lead innovative brand initiatives that maintain message authenticity while maximizing reach and engagement across diverse audiences.
- Strategically deploy resources to drive meaningful behaviour change.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serve as one of the key spokespersons for the organization, representing the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada at events and meetings.
- Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including partners, sponsors, and media outlets.
- Engage with other Jane Goodall Institute chapters globally on branding, development, and joint
- communications.
Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team that thrives on challenges, foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous learning.
- Unlock team potential through targeted professional development in marketing, communications, and fundraising.
- Track and optimize key performance metrics that demonstrate JGIC's impact and organizational growth.
- Mentor and guide the Associate Director of Development to reach the next level of fundraising opportunities and ambitious targets.
Qualifications
- An undergraduate degree in a related discipline
- Minimum of 5-7 years in a leadership role with related experience spanning the scope of responsibilities
- Experience in securing major gifts, foundation grants, and/or corporate partnerships
- Deep alignment with JGIC's mission and a commitment to ethical, community-centered storytelling
- Creative, innovative, and proven ability to think outside of the box
- Personable and adaptable: ability to be a strong ambassador of the organization
- Collaborative, welcoming, willing to listen and provide constructive input
- Results-oriented
- A self-starter, able to think critically
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong financial and budget management
- Understanding of environmental issues and community-led conservation an asset
- Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required
What We Offer:
Dynamic Environment: Thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization with a team that is making a tangible difference in the world.
Flexible Work Model: Enjoy a hybrid work environment with work-from-home flexibility and in-person collaboration at our downtown Toronto office.
Competitive compensation and benefits: Access comprehensive benefits, including RRSP contributions. The salary range for this position is $103,700 to $112,000, commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
Work-Life Balance: Half-day on Fridays, starting with three weeks of vacation, plus an annual holiday closure at the end of the year.
Professional Growth: Access to professional development opportunities.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply through Charity Village, by submitting a CV and a cover letter with the "Director, Development, Marketing, and Communications" as the subject line.
JGIC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and does not discriminate based on race, ethnic background, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, or disability. We encourage candidates from underserved or historically marginalized groups to apply. If you face barriers related to your intersectional identities and want to inquire about individualized application support, please contact us at info@janegoodall.ca.
The deadline for applying is Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 . We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
Founded by renowned ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute is a global non-profit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things. The Institute supports wildlife research, education and conservation, with the primary goal of ensuring the survival of great ape populations through community-centred conservation in Africa. The Institute also promotes sustainable livelihoods and nurtures new generations of committed, active citizens around the world.
Our Vision: A healthy planet where people make compassionate choices to live sustainably and in harmony with each other, the environment and other animals.
Our Mission: To understand and protect chimpanzees, other apes and their habitats, and to work toward creating an informed and compassionate multitude who will help to create a better world for people, other animals and our shared environment.
Our Work: Roots & Shoots - Active in 50 countries worldwide, Roots & Shoots inspires youth to critically examine environmental and social issues, and create innovative, long-term solutions in their own communities.
Community-Centred Conservation - JGI Canada supports the conservation of great ape habitat in Africa by working with local communities to improve their standard of living and engage in local conservation efforts. Conservation strategies include community-led land-use planning, sustainable agriculture, health promotion, income generation, and habitat protection.
Chimpanzee Sanctuaries - JGI Canada supports the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center which provides long-term care for orphaned and injured chimpanzees, most of them victims of wildlife trafficking.
Primatology Research – In 1960, Dr. Goodall began her ground-breaking research in Tanzania, recording observations that revolutionised primatology. Today, the Gombe Stream Research Centre hosts a new generation of scientists and field researchers who continue to enrich this scientific field.