Senior Director of Development

Job Description

Senior Director of Development - Job Announcement

Polar Bears International’s mission is to inspire action to protect polar bears and their Arctic sea ice home. Through research, education, advocacy, and international collaboration, we work to deepen global understanding of the Arctic, the threats to its future, and the vital connection between this remote region and our global climate. We serve as the leading global resource for information on polar bears and their habitat and as a trusted voice on the impacts of climate change on polar bears and the Arctic sea ice they depend on. By conducting, supporting, and sharing scientific research, educating international audiences, and fostering collaboration and mentorship, we empower informed action to advance solutions and help ensure a future where polar bears thrive on Arctic sea ice.

Annual Revenue: $7 million- $USD

Position Status: 1.00 FTE

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervisor to: Major Gifts Officer, Donor Services Associates

Location: Canada; Remote

Hiring Date: May, 2026

Description Updated: February, 2026

Position Functions:

The Senior Director of Development is a pivotal leadership role responsible for steering all fundraising and donor relations efforts to ensure the organization has the resources to achieve its mission. This individual will design and execute a comprehensive development strategy, cultivate a robust donor base, and lead a high-performing development team. At this time, this individual will take the lead in developing, designing, and executing PBI’s corporate partnerships and sponsorships and will oversee Major Gifts, Grants, and Events. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a proven track record of meeting and exceeding fundraising targets and building lasting relationships with diverse stakeholders. 

Primary Responsibilities:

Partnerships & Sponsorships (50%): Engage business leaders and corporate social responsibility/philanthropy teams through networking, events, meetings, and direct outreach. Identify corporate objectives for social impact and desired partnership outcomes. Develop engagement strategies to build stakeholder support and create funding opportunities, including sponsorships, corporate giving, employee matching programs, and fundraisers. Work closely with the marketing team on partner/sponsor initiatives and campaigns. 

Fundraising Strategy & Administration: Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy to meet and exceed annual revenue goals. This includes diversifying revenue streams across business partnerships, major and individual donors, foundations, grants, and special events. Track and evaluate the performance of fundraising initiatives, providing regular reporting. 

Team Leadership & Management: Manage and mentor a small (4 - 6) team of development professionals, setting clear priorities, goals, and performance expectations. 

Events & Campaigns: Work with Marketing and Development teams on fundraising and donor stewardship events and campaigns. 

Communications & Public Relations: Work closely with the communications and marketing teams to develop compelling case statements, marketing materials, and a strong public presence that promote the organization’s mission and impact, and recognize donors and partners. 

Board Engagement & Support: Collaborate with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors/Development Committee to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals, provide regular progress reports, and engage board members in cultivation and solicitation opportunities. 

Donor Data & Administration: Manage the development budget, ensure best practices for donor data and donation entry. 

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or related field—or equivalent experience or CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) designation a plus.
• 5 - 8 years of experience in non-profit fundraising, and/or corporate community investment (CSR) strategy development, with experience designing and executing corporate partnerships and/or sponsorship programs 
• 3 years of experience in extensive event planning, including managing large-scale events from inception to execution.
• 3 years experience in relationship management with diverse stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, community partners, and board members.
• Proven ability to secure funding for non-profit programs/initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role, including managing staff and working with various stakeholder groups.
• Experience in data collection and analysis to inform strategic planning efforts; ability to interpret complex datasets for actionable insights.
• Knowledge of nonprofit legal considerations such as wills, trusts & estate law; experience in estate planning is a plus.
• Strong skills in negotiation, proposal writing, budgeting, research methods related to fundraising trends, and public relations strategies.
• Experience and/or interest in wildlife conservation and climate action
  

Skills 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, public speaking, and presentation skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build authentic, long-term relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, from high-net-worth individuals to volunteers.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines concurrently. 
• Strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to interpret data and adjust plans to achieve outcomes.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, taking initiative, and actively seeking new opportunities for funding and growth.
• Comfort working in remote teams and cross-cultural environments.
• A high level of accuracy is required, with frequent, repetitive computer-based tasks.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and presentation tools.

Work Environment

• Remote-friendly work environment.
• Travel is required for meetings, events, or conferences. Up to 10 weeks annually.
• Occasional extended hours to support key campaigns or donor activities.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: 

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The position requires travel and includes some evening and weekend responsibilities to be successful.
• Minimal to light physical effort is generally required in performing duties in the office environment.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves remaining in a stationary position more than 50% of the time
• Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. 
• Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a scanner, copy machine, and computer printer.

Compensation Range: $110,000 - $130,000 CAD

Benefits: The compensation package includes:

• Health & Wellness benefits
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and personal time
• Paid holidays
• Travel expense reimbursement
• Use of company equipment