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Join Our Team: Development Manager
Are you looking for a career in service of First Nations’ goals for ecosystem stewardship and community development? Coast Funds is hiring a Development Manager to help secure new funding for Indigenous-led conservation and economic development.
Coast Funds is hiring a Development Manager to support our team’s fundraising and donor engagement strategies, in service of First Nations’ goals. Reporting to the Director, Development, the Development Manager will be an important member of a highly collaborative team that serves 29 First Nations on the coast of modern-day British Columbia.
| Status | Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours/week) |
| Start Date | January 2025 |
| Location | Our offices are in downtown Vancouver, BC and most employees work a hybrid office/remote schedule. Some travel to coastal communities will be required. |
| Salary Range | $85,000 to 95,000/year, depending on experience |
| Reports To | Director, Development |
The Opportunity
As Development Manager, you’ll work closely with the Director, Development, other Coast Funds team members, First Nations leadership, and philanthropic partners to carry out development activities including fundraising and donor stewardship.
This role supports Coast Funds’ strategic direction to support First Nations in securing financing for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and regional stewardship initiatives, alongside economic and community development priorities. The Development Manager will also support Coast Funds to diversify funding for organizational goals, reducing costs for First Nations.
Fundraising Strategy
- Support the Director, Development with creation and delivery of fundraising strategies for individual First Nations, regional organizations, and Coast Funds. Ensure progression of the fundraising process by tracking actions and maintaining related documents.
- Identify and track funding opportunities and develop proposals for First Nations and Coast Funds, in alignment with fundraising strategies.
- Support Director, Development with development of financial projections to inform First Nations’ fundraising plans and strategies.
- Prepare and manage documentation required for funding agreements between Coast Funds, First Nations, philanthropic partners, and government departments.
- Ensure timely and accurate record keeping for all projects and related correspondence in the organization’s Salesforce database and file server.
Donor Stewardship and Engagement
- Lead reporting to funding partners with input from the Director, Development and Chief Financial Officer, including financial and narrative reporting.
- Lead design and delivery of donor community visits.
- Support Director, Development, with ongoing donor research and proactive engagement with potential funders.
- Collect and analyze data related to development activities and donor engagement. Prepare reports summarizing the impact of development activities and project success.
Communications
- Work with the Director, Development and Communications Manager to support creation of fundraising communications materials including presentations, proposals, and events.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Indigenous and philanthropic networks including the Circle on Philanthropy, Indigenous Leadership Initiative, Environment Funders Canada, Nature Investment Hub, Pollination Foundation, and other Indigenous organizations and philanthropic partners.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced fundraising and development professional who shares our commitment to serving First Nations with respect, integrity, and accountability.
Specifically, we’re looking for someone who:
- Has completed post-secondary education in business, public affairs, communications, project management, or Indigenous studies.
- Brings five or more years of experience in development and fundraising, or comparable experience in project management, coordination, and implementation.
- Has working knowledge and experience with development and fundraising concepts, practices, and techniques, especially those relevant to Indigenous-led conservation, stewardship, or economic development.
- Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the inherent stewardship responsibilities First Nations have in their unceded territories, and their need for sustainable finance to develop and sustain stewardship capacity to fulfill those responsibilities in a modern context.
- Experience managing confidential client information and corporate file systems.
- Strong word processing and computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Acrobat, Zoom, and Teams.
- Proficient with Microsoft Outlook in arranging meetings and managing multiple calendars.
- Experience in drafting, proofing, and editing correspondence for professional audiences.
- Experience creating compelling, high-quality communications materials would be an asset.
- Experience with customer relationship management software such as Salesforce would be an asset.
About Coast Funds
Coast Funds is an Indigenous-led conservation finance organization that supports First Nations to invest in sustainable economic development and ecological stewardship within their traditional territories.
Coast Funds was created in 2007, as an outcome of the Great Bear Rainforest agreements, to manage funds for First Nations’ terrestrial stewardship and economic priorities in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. In 2024, First Nations worked with Coast Funds and other partners to secure new funding, through the Great Bear Sea PFP, for marine stewardship and community development. Today, the organization manages conservation endowments and economic funds, which are allocated between participating First Nations. Coast Funds also provides financial administration services to First Nations and their partners.
To date, Coast Funds has delivered $120 million for over 450 Indigenous-led conservation, economic development, and sustainable energy projects. With these investments, First Nations are strengthening coastal communities, diversifying local economies, and stewarding lands, waters, and life.
Benefits and Work Culture
Coast Funds offers a competitive salary ($85,000 – $95,000), complemented by a strong benefits package that includes four weeks of vacation to start, health and dental coverage, life insurance, paid sick leave, RRSP contributions, a mobile phone plan, budget and leave for professional development, and opportunities for continued learning and professional growth.
Following the announcement of the Great Bear Sea PFP, Coast Funds is growing its team to deliver new financing and services for First Nations. There’s never been a better time to join a team that shares a commitment to serving First Nations and supporting their work to strengthen coastal communities and protect the lands, waters, and life in their territories.
How to Apply
Coast Funds is working with Gerard Search to recruit for this role. To apply, please submit a resume at cover letter at this link.
Applications are being considered on a rolling basis. The hiring team will review applications as they’re received and will schedule first-round interviews in December.
We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Given the nature of our work, we will be giving priority to Indigenous candidates and then to candidates who have worked with Indigenous organizations and bring a solid understanding of Indigenous practices, traditions, and worldviews.
