The Nova Scotia Nature Trust
For 30 years, the Nature Trust has been dedicated to protecting Nova Scotia’s most ecologically important wild places across the province. We work with private landowners to conserve lands that represent our best hopes of nurturing biodiversity, protecting ecosystems with the most effective natural services to keep our waters and environment clean, and keeping our incredible shorelines intact and our old forests standing tall. We are a dedicated and talented staff team with a network of passionate volunteers and visionary donors and community partners who together have protected more than 30,000 acres of incredible lands from tip to tip of Nova Scotia.
We’re making a difference for nature, and you can too.
As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on financial contributions from donors at all levels to help propel our conservation work, and over time the Nature Trust has developed a strong and growing base of major donors. As we continue to grow our impact and expand our capacity, we are looking for a new team member who can help us advance our major donor program. We have a collaborative staff team, hybrid work opportunities, flexible schedules, a competitive benefits package, and we’re committed to maintaining a positive and supportive culture. And every day we get to go home knowing that we’ve done something great for the future of Nova Scotia – and the planet.
Want to know more about how you might be a great fit with us? Read on!
Role Summary
Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy and Engagement, the Leadership Giving Advisor inspires and cultivates high-level supporters of the Nature Trust to achieve a vision of conservation in Nova Scotia. As a vital member of our Development Team, you will identify and personally connect with passionate and strategic donors who want to create a positive impact for nature through philanthropy. You are adept at fostering positive connections with donors and clearly communicating the Nature Trust’s mission and priorities. As Leadership Giving Advisor, you will focus on cultivation, stewardship and solicitation of gifts of $1000+ and will manage a portfolio of approximately 200 VIP individuals, along with some corporate and foundation partners. You’ll use your passion for the work of the Nature Trust to create a shared vision with donors that will translate into the funding growth that will ensure sustainability for the organization’s future.
If you’re a candidate for this role, you have earned a reputation as an authentic relationship-builder who can generate results. You’re known as someone who easily forms connections and are as comfortable in conversations around kitchen tables as you are in C-Suite meetings. You might be an experienced fundraiser, senior customer service provider or a successful salesperson who is passionate about nature. You’re positive and forward-thinking with a strong personal work ethic, and you have a talent to pick up on particularly interesting and informative nuggets in any conversation. You’re a great listener and you understand how to link the personal values of supporters to initiatives that will connect them to meaningful impacts. And you are committed to ensuring that every person you speak with feel special and appreciated.
This position is part of a small development team which includes Coordinators of Donor Relations, Events, Database and a Senior Advisor of Legacy Creation. You will work closely with the Director of Philanthropy and the Executive Director to support leadership giving to achieve annual revenue goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage portfolio of approximately 200-250 donors and prospects at levels of $1000+
- Work with the development team to support the donor journey from new and annual donations through to multi-year pledges and future commitments
- Lead major gift development for specific fundraising campaigns and initiatives by identifying prospects, arranging personal meetings and securing major gifts to support overall campaign goals
- Oversee effective donor stewardship activities for VIP group of major supporters with a focus on retention and growth
- Participate in strategic networking and outreach activities to identify new potential major gift supporters
- Write major funding proposals as needed
- Collaborate with Marketing and Communications team to inform creation of effective donor communications, outreach and engagement materials
- Assist with developing annual fundraising plans
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Post-secondary degree or equivalent in relevant field or a combination of post-secondary education with fundraising / sales experience
- At least 5 years of direct fundraising or sales experience with demonstrated success
- Experience with moves management practices and demonstrated understanding of the different stages and strategies of donor/client engagement
- Proven experience developing strong working relationships with senior leaders, partners and donors
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
- Proven personal time management skills, including the ability to establish plans, meet deadlines, track follow-ups and provide regular status reports
- Recognized as a committed team player who recognizes the power of collaboration to generate success.
- Strong understanding of CRA rules and regulations as they pertain to fundraising
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and CRM software such as Donor Perfect, Blackbaud NXT, Sales Force or similar
- Valid drivers license and ability to travel within Nova Scotia for personal donor visits and activities.
Additional Skills and Knowledge Desired
- Experience working in a complex multi-stakeholder environment
- Working knowledge of charitable giving options such as insurance gifts, stock transfers, tax law and legacy giving mechanisms
- Direct experience in major gift fundraising
- CFRE designation or equivalent
- A deep personal interest in protecting nature and the environment
- Solid knowledge of Nova Scotia’s unique areas, communities and geography
Working with the Nature Trust
We are committed to having a team of staff and volunteers that reflects the diversity of Nova Scotia. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous persons, under-represented peoples, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, visible minorities, racialized people, and people with disabilities.
We are strongly committed to maintaining a positive, supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture, and the passion and care you’ll find in your teammates is a testament to our shared dedication. Our ongoing commitments to a healthy workplace include regular team meetings and check-ins, ongoing cross-team communications and collaboration, support for work-life balance, flexibility with working hours and schedules, staff outings to enjoy nature together and a competitive compensation and benefits package.
The Nature Trust team works in a hybrid office environment with the physical office located in downtown Dartmouth. Staff have the option to define their regular workplace as primarily office- or home-based. This position will be expected to attend periodic meetings in person at the office, to ensure regular interaction and communication with other staff members, and to regularly meet with donors and prospects in person, which entails travel throughout the province. Occasionally there will be required events and activities outside of regular working hours.
Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefit package.
To apply
Please send a current resume and cover letter (as one document) to [email protected] by Friday, August 29, 2025. Please clearly specify experience related to the Nature Trust’s needs, why you’d like to work with the Nature Trust and why you believe you’re a good fit with our organization.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $70,000.00-$82,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1M1
