Stewardship Specialist

Position Details: Full Time Permanent, Vacant Position
Starting Salary: starting at $67,100 (based on a 35-hour work week and commensurate with individual education and experience, as it relates to the position).
Location: Remote within Canada or hybrid in any DUC office across Canada
Closing Deadline: July 20, 2025 (11:59PM EDT)

What You Will Do

Reporting to the National Manager of Development Operations, the Stewardship Specialist plays a key role in implementing, improving and maintaining DUC’s comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program. This role is responsible for acknowledging, recognizing, and engaging donors and volunteers across all giving levels through personalized and meaningful stewardship efforts. The Donor Relations and Stewardship Program will have a significant effect on DUC’s ability to recognize and retain current and future donors, which, in turn, affects private giving that enables DUC to achieve its conservation mission.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Implement and maintain the donor relations and stewardship program and matrix for recognition that clearly outlines timing, roles, and responsibilities within the team. 
• Review and provide recommendations on new and existing policies related to the donor stewardship program.
• Liaise with key members of the senior leadership and Board of Directors to bring major donor stewardship letters for signature and follow-up outreach. This includes providing summary background information and advice on the best approach for outreach.
• Support the development of tailored recognition strategies for key donor segments, including major donors, President’s Council members, Board members, and special projects.
• Support the stewardship team in handling donor communications requiring escalation, including emails, calls, HelpScout messages, and inquiries.
• Steward all donors across all levels in coordination with the Development and Volunteer Engagement teams
• Work closely with staff from Ducks Unlimited Inc. and ensure the effective management and recognition of shared continental donors.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to compose letters, compile appropriate invitation lists, and assist in the development and facilitation of communication related to donor appreciation events and programs as required.
• Lead donor stewardship tracking and reporting processes in collaboration with Development, Planned Giving and CRM teams to ensure data accuracy, cultivation of donor stewardship journeys and opportunities, and meet impact reporting requirements.
• Provide donor and gift information for the annual report, working in collaboration with the MarCom team. 
• Create and maintain a database of assets and potential assets to be utilized in recognition of major gifts for general and specific projects.  
• Lead the Consolidated Annual receipting process with support from the Stewardship team.

Requirements

• A diploma in Business, Communications, Marketing, Philanthropy or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in donor relations, stewardship, advancement services, or related field.
• Bilingualism in English and French is required as this role will work directly with QC based donors/supporters/volunteers.
• Experience in coordinating relationships with donors of all levels and overseeing monthly giving programs.
• Strong knowledge of a national donor acknowledgement and recognition plan.
• Ability to generate creative solutions for stewarding donors in order to advance DUC’s efforts to maintain and strengthen high-quality individual relationships with donors. 
• Proficiency in donor recognition systems, customer relationship management systems (Salesforce preferred), and MS Office programs.
• Must display a high level of maturity and personal integrity and ability to understand, develop, and sustain resilient and dynamic relationships with donors, colleagues, and senior management.
• Ability to lead the implementation of a comprehensive and external facing stewardship program. 
• Must have a high level of confidentiality and discretion, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Occasional travel and evening/weekend work, may be required.
• Experience in a science-based organization donor stewardship will be an asset.

What We Offer

• 3 weeks’ vacation with paid personal and sick days 
• Comprehensive compensation & benefits package 
• Remote or hybrid work arrangement

How to Apply 

DUC is proud to be recognized as a non-profit employer of choice for the second year in a row. Working for DUC is a career highlight for many staff. Let us know if making a difference is important to you.  

If you are qualified and interested in this opportunity, please visit our online career center to submit your application for confidential consideration.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. If you require accommodations during the recruitment and selection process, please email us at hr@ducks.ca. All requests for accommodation will be handled in a confidential manner.

While DUC would like to thank all applicants, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.