Job Description

Company Description

CAWST is a Canadian charity and licensed engineering consultancy, where we teach people how to bring safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene to their communities using simple, affordable technologies.


At the heart of everything we do is our belief that when people have their basic water and sanitation needs met, they have the opportunity to succeed. This is what drives our dedicated team to work with a global network of more than 1,500 clients and partners. Together, we have reached over 50 million people since our inception in 2001.


Collectively, we are making a difference at a scale beyond what any of us could do individually. But our job isn't done yet and we need you to help us expand our reach.

We are looking for a dynamic

Major Gifts Specialist

with a background in major gift fundraising to join our growing team. In this role, you will help build and sustain a network of philanthropic supporters across Eastern Canada, with a focus on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Montreal, and Ottawa.


As a key member of our Market Development team, you will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors who share our passion for making a difference. Your work will directly contribute to CAWST's goal of reaching

100 million people with clean water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030.

Please note:

This role is based in Calgary, with a hybrid work model (M-W in-office, Tr-F flexible). However, we welcome remote candidates, ideally in the GTA, who bring strong connections in Eastern Canada's philanthropic markets.

Application Deadline:

April 7, 2025

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Portfolio Management

Manage and maintain a portfolio of

80-150

major gift donors and prospects. Conduct

100 to 180 quality personal visits

per year and submit at least

30 proposals

annually. Secure

major gifts of $50,000+

, with an emphasis on six- and seven-figure contributions. Collaborate with Prospect Research to identify

new donor prospects

, while also expanding your network through outreach, engagement, and traditional networking. Develop

compelling proposals, grant applications, and solicitation materials

tailored to donor interests. Maintain accurate donor records in our

CRM system

and collaborate with our

Stewardship Officer

to ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition.

Relationship Building

Cultivate

long-term, meaningful relationships

with donors, prospects, and partners. Attend events, conduct face-to-face meetings, and create strategic engagement opportunities. Work closely with internal stakeholders to align donor priorities with CAWST's mission and funding needs. Provide insights and strategic recommendations to help refine CAWST's

development strategy

.

Team Collaboration & Mentorship

Share

expertise in major gifts

and prospect management with colleagues. Support fundraising efforts at organizational events and campaigns. Assist in engaging and supporting

board members and volunteers

in their fundraising efforts.

Qualifications

What You Bring

Minimum of

5 years of experience

in major gift fundraising, with proven success securing

six-figure+ donations

.

Exceptional networking and relationship-building skills

to engage donors and secure support.

Outstanding communication skills

, including the ability to draft persuasive proposals and navigate complex conversations. A

data-driven approach

with experience managing a robust donor pipeline and achieving fundraising targets.

Proficiency in CRM systems

and donor database management.

Strong knowledge of philanthropic trends and best practices

in major gifts fundraising. A

collaborative, adaptable, and mission-driven mindset

.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification

is an asset but not required. Post-secondary degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience. Experience securing

multi-year pledges, corporate investments, legacy gifts, and blended giving

. Success in

grant writing and institutional funding processes

is a plus. Familiarity with philanthropic trends in the

GTA, Montreal, and Ottawa

markets. Ability to

travel as needed

for in-person donor meetings, events, and team activities.

Additional Information

Work Environment

Hybrid work environment

: In-office (Monday - Wednesday) & Remote (Thursday - Friday, when possible), with flexibility for in-person meetings and events. Opportunity to work with a dynamic team dedicated to solving the global water crisis.

Benefits of working at CAWST:

A meaningful role, making a difference every day for people living without basic water and sanitation. A workplace culture where collaboration and innovation are fostered. Rich on-the-job experiences and professional development opportunities. Strong promotion of work-life balance and flexible work environment.

When applying, please include:

A

cover letter

that gives an overview of your experience as it applies to this role, and explains why you are excited about joining our team. Your

resume

.

If you're a passionate communicator with a heart for philanthropy, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today

and be part of a movement that's changing lives around the world.

CAWST values equitable opportunities, sustainable solutions, and collaborative and inclusive processes. CAWST recognizes and accepts differences in cultural, religious, and political processes and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.