Job Description

We need the ocean. The ocean needs us.

Role Summary

As the Senior Specialist, Direct Response, you will report to the Manager, Donor Relations & Engagement and will be responsible for managing all aspects of Ocean Wise's direct response activities, including annual fundraising campaigns, monthly giving, and third-party events. You will also be responsible for managing the mid-level program, which includes donor engagement, solicitation, and stewardship of donors capable of giving between $1,000-$10,000 annually.

Who You Are

As the Direct Response Senior Specialist, you are a passionate advocate for the Ocean Wise mission, skilled in crafting compelling messages that inspire action. You have a keen understanding of donor behavior and are adept at using data-driven strategies to optimize fundraising campaigns. Your creativity and analytical skills help drive engagement and support for the Ocean Wise cause, ensuring we can continue to protect our oceans.

What You Will Be Doing

Direct Response Fundraising Campaigns


Growing the portfolio from approximately $400,000 annually to $1M + in the next 2-3 years. Managing and growing integrated, multi-channel direct response fundraising activities, including the acquisition, stewardship, retention, and upgrading of annual and monthly donors. Work closely with our Communications team to ensure workplan flow Coordinating activities with internal teams and external agencies and suppliers. Researching, developing, and writing engaging campaign content using data and best practices, including for social media. Coordinating and writing donor stewardship pieces and other communications, working with the Manager, Donor Relations & Engagement on execution. Developing segmentation strategies to maximize results. Acquiring new supporters through innovative outreach using 3rd party vendors (eg. Neighbourhood mail), as well as internal data from a recently completed database wealth screening. Updating online tools (website, Marketing Cloud, FundraiseUp, CanadaHelps) to create a positive donor experience. Continuously tracking and measuring each campaign's results and adjusting future activities accordingly. Staying abreast of trends and changes in the marketplace when it comes to direct response, and available channels and tools. Working with outside vendors as required.

Mid-level Giving


Overseeing the mid-level program (donors giving $1,000 to $10,000 annually), including identifying, engaging, cultivating, and soliciting prospects and donors through a variety of multi-channel activities. Developing appropriate stewardship strategies to retain and upgrade mid-level donors, including writing general and tailored reports as needed, and in collaboration with the Manager, Donor Relations & Engagement. Maintaining accurate and complete records of all donor interactions in the database. Identifying donors with the capacity of giving a major gift, and referring them to the Major Gifts team, based on frequency and value of giving.

Third Party Events


Launched in 2025, the revenue target for the portfolio is to reach $100,000+ in the next 2-3 years. Working with the Philanthropy Coordinator to manage contributions made through community group fundraising, third-party events, and community-driven cause-related marketing initiatives. With the Philanthropy Coordinator respond to inquiries from community groups and companies, providing advice and guidance on developing successful activities. Liaising with the internal teams as necessary. Striving to ensure all groups are acknowledged and recognized in an appropriate manner, commensurate with their contribution, and as outlined in our policy. Promoting and supporting peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, emphasizing personal page fundraising. Developing and writing materials that will support community groups in their fundraising efforts. Maintaining accurate donor reports in the database. Adhering to the organizational Third-Party Policy and ensuring accurate and appropriate branding.

What You Bring

Post-secondary degree or diploma, ideally in a related field (e.g., fundraising, marketing, communications) 5+ years' experience in direct response fundraising and/or annual fund development Experience in developing and executing strategies for personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Extensive experience in acquisition. Demonstrated effectiveness in building and nurturing strong relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders. Experience in social media best practices as they related to fundraising. Proficient in using donor databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge NXT, Salesforce), digital communications tools (e.g., Marketing Cloud), and online giving platforms (e.g., Fundraise Up) Proven ability to work and build relationships with multiple stakeholders, both internally and externally Knowledge of developing fundraising targets and budgets, forecasting, and analysis

How You Will Be Measured

Successfully achieving revenue targets. Increase in the number of annual and monthly donors year over year. Achieve a donor retention rate conducive with annual targets. Development and implementation of at least three multi-channel direct response campaigns per year. Maintain or reduce the cost per dollar raised (CPDR) for campaigns. Creation of campaign content that achieves an average engagement rate conducive with annual targets. Positive feedback from internal teams and external agencies on campaign materials. Maintain 100% accuracy and completeness of donor interaction records. Timely identification and referral of donors with major gift potential to the Major Gifts team. Identify donor segmentation strategies. Increase the number of community group fundraising events annually. Develop and distribute supporting materials that result in positive feedback from community groups. Ensure 100% acknowledgment and recognition of all third-party contributors according to policy. Participation in at least two professional development courses related to fundraising and donor engagement annually. Continuous improvement in proficiency with donor databases, digital communication tools, and online giving platforms, reflected in increased efficiency and effectiveness. Positive feedback from donors, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders, measured through surveys and direct feedback. Successful collaboration with internal teams and external partners on fundraising initiatives. Accurate and timely reporting on fundraising performance and financials. Support the annual budgeting and planning process.

What We Offer

This full-time, benefits-eligible position offers:


A remote working environment, with the option to work in person in our beautiful downtown Vancouver head office A competitive base salary, $75,000 - 90,250 per annum, in line with market data for not-for-profit organizations Benefits coverage on a premium cost-shared basis, including + Extended health and dental coverage
+ Vision coverage
+ Group term and supplemental life insurance
+ Short-term disability
+ Long-term disability
+ $300 Health spending account
RRSP matching of up to 6% after one year of service 15 paid vacation days to start 10 paid sick days, 2 wellness days 12 paid Statutory and General Holidays each calendar year An annual all-staff retreat to allow in-person connections and team building Professional development opportunities The opportunity to be part of a team that's helping to save the ocean!

Where and How You'll Work

This is a remote-first position with the possibility to work at our headquarters in downtown Vancouver, if desired. The standard work week for this role is 37.5 hours, Monday through Friday, with rare exceptions for some evening or weekend work.

Who We Are

Ocean Wise is a global conversation organization on a mission to build communities that take meaningful action to protect and restore our ocean. Learn more about us at ocean.org.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Ocean Wise, we believe that a welcoming and diverse workplace fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented. We encourage applications from individuals belonging to equity-deserving groups and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.