Join our Development team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and build meaningful connections with donors! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a permanent full-time Senior Development Office, Planned Giving (SDO, Planned Giving) who will be responsible for promoting our Planned Giving Program and attracting legacy gifts to the zoo, as well as managing the relationships and commitments that result. The SDO, Planned Giving is an outstanding ambassador for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, the development department and to all external audiences.

The SDO, Planned Giving is a senior development professional with extensive experience in gift planning and a proven track record of identifying, cultivating and closing legacy prospects to support the organization’s fundraising priorities. They will be committed to managing relationships with donors and stakeholders by adopting a philosophy of “donor delight” to ensure donors remain engaged with the organization. They manage a portfolio of accounts to ensure assigned legacy donors and prospects are properly identified, prioritized, cultivated and stewarded.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

What you will do:

• Research and prioritize prospects for potential planned giving donations.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, prospective donors, professional advisors and key stakeholders.
• Arrange calls and meetings with current donors, prospective donors, members and professional advisors for the purpose of discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship to enhance relationships.
• Advise donors on various planned giving options (e.g., bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, life insurance).
• Collaborate with legal and financial advisors to structure gifts that meet donor intentions and organizational needs.
• Provide development team with guidance and technical expertise on planned gifts to support future bequests and other giving options.
• Join team members as needed on calls with current and prospective donors to support their planned giving discussions.
• Establish a network of contacts with various professionals, associations, and work in consultation with tax and estate planning professionals.
• Steward current planned gift donors.
• Determine value and expectancy time lines as notification of each bequest is received; record all particulars with each corresponding estate lawyer and/or executor.
• Ensure distribution of tax receipts and letters to appropriate administrator.
• Maintain a summary of all expectancies and record all information.
• Meet agreed targets including dollars raised, face to face activity, number of asks and portfolio size.
• Draft and execute a planned giving growth plan with a target of $1M+ annually.
• Develop and implement planned giving strategy, process and procedures, templates, policies, communication strategy and relevant educational training for the development team.
• Work with the team to host planned giving donor cultivation and stewardship events.
• Manage impact reports and stewardship letters for legacy donors.
• Prepare and present proposals and supplemental materials to planned giving prospects.
• Oversee development of marketing materials and campaigns to promote planned giving opportunities.
• Budget development and implementation for the planned giving program.
• Assist with implementation of donor recognition events, as relevant to the portfolio.
• Enter all pertinent information relating to donor relationship, notes, and actions into Tessitura.
• Manage projects as assigned, with the support of the Manager, Philanthropy.
• Embrace continuous education on relevant organizational information which affects this role
• Stay informed about trends in philanthropy, tax law, and estate planning. Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in gift planning.
• Performs other responsibilities as required.

What you will bring:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated success in Estate and Gift Planning is required
• Memberships in AFP, CAGP or other professional fundraising related organizations considered an asset.
• CFRE accreditation considered an asset
• A Valid Class 5 Driver’s License is required.
• In depth understanding of current tax laws and planned giving vehicles.
• Knowledge and ability to develop and manage annual operating budgets.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Tessitura (or other fundraising databases).
• Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved and where meticulous attention to detail is required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form.
• Proven dedication to outstanding customer service.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong listening and interpretive skills.
• Aptitude to seek ways to add value to ongoing relationships.
• Capacity to work effectively with donors and prospects, senior management, and other departments.
• Ability to manage time effectively between varied responsibilities.
• Communicate effectively at all levels.
• Strives to achieve best practices and committed to professional development.
• Professional attitude and respectful of confidentiality.

Working Conditions:

• Long stretches of time completing at a desk and working at a computer
• May require flexible work hours and travel.
• Some on-grounds mobility may be required.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP program
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following:

• Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
  • If hired, when would you be available to start?
  • If hired, what would be your salary expectations?
  • Please briefly describe your experience with building and managing planned giving programs and donor relationships.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by September 18, 2025 at 4pm MST.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.