Director of Development (Canada)

Summary

As Director of Development (Canada), you lead AquaAction’s efforts to grow and sustain the partnerships and funding streams that enable the delivery of high-impact freshwater programs across the country. You are responsible for building and managing relationships with major corporate and philanthropic sources, while driving revenue through government applications and other strategic fundraising initiatives and capital campaigns.

You develop and execute targeted fundraising strategies with clear financial goals, timelines, and measurable outcomes, maintaining a strong and active pipeline of opportunities. You oversee the full lifecycle of funding—from prospecting and relationship development to proposal writing, application processes, and stewardship—ensuring a high standard of engagement with all partners.

You manage and track all fundraising activities through HubSpot CRM and SharePoint, maintaining accurate records, monitoring progress against targets, and ensuring disciplined pipeline management.

In collaboration with the marketing team, you help design tailored proposals, donor communications, and campaigns, and contribute to lead generation efforts through newsletters and digital content.

You act as a key ambassador for AquaAction, representing the organization at events and within professional networks to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. You support AquaAction-led events as strategic opportunities to showcase partners, recognize contributions, and attract new prospects.

You stay informed of emerging funding trends and identify innovative revenue-generating opportunities aligned with AquaAction’s mission.

This role requires a strong communicator and relationship builder who is bilingual in both official languages, highly organized, results-driven, and passionate about advancing solutions for freshwater sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, cultivate, and manage relationships with corporate, philanthropic, and government funders
• Develop and execute capital campaigns and fundraising strategies with clear revenue targets, timelines, and performance metrics
• Identify, pursue, and secure new funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships
• Lead and support grant applications and proposal development, ensuring deadlines and requirements are met
• Manage a robust fundraising pipeline in HubSpot, ensuring accurate tracking, forecasting, and reporting
• Maintain organized records and documentation through CRM systems and SharePoint
• Monitor and report on fundraising performance, including pipeline development, conversion, and revenue against targets
• Steward donor and partner relationships as key accounts, including delivering tailored communications, proposals, and engagement opportunities
• Ensure appropriate recognition and visibility for sponsors and contributors across events and communications
• Collaborate with the marketing team to support lead generation, campaigns, and donor communications
• Represent AquaAction at events and industry forums to build relationships and expand the organization’s network
• Support and leverage AquaAction-led events to engage partners and attract new prospects
• Identify and develop innovative revenue-generating opportunities aligned with market trends
• Manage a budget related to events, travel, memberships, and partnership activities
• Apply strong project management practices, including planning timelines and tracking deliverables

Skills Required

• Proven experience in fundraising, philanthropy, or business development, with a strong track record of results
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Experience managing pipelines and CRM systems (preferably HubSpot)
• Excellent writing and communication skills in both official languages (bilingual imperative)
• Ability to develop compelling proposals, presentations, and funding applications
• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills
• Strategic thinking with the ability to identify and pursue new opportunities
• Experience collaborating across teams, particularly with marketing and program teams
• Proficiency with tools such as PowerPoint and Canva

Inclusion

AquaAction is passionate about engaging the best talent from a diverse range of backgrounds. We strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential within an inclusive culture that respects individual differences and perspectives.

We encourage applications from equity-deserving groups. Self-identifying as Indigenous or having first-hand knowledge or experience working with Indigenous communities will be considered an asset.

Salary and Benefits

AquaAction offers a competitive salary range of $80,000 – $110,000, based on experience, with potential bonus structures tied to performance.

We also provide a comprehensive benefits package and additional perks, including RRSP matching contributions and opportunities for professional growth.

To formally apply, please use the application form portal linked here, ensuring your submission includes both a cover letter and CV. We only accept submissions made through this official portal.