Director of Development, Marketing & Communications

About the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada: The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGIC) is where hope meets action. We are amplifying community-led initiatives to create a world where people, animals, and the environment all thrive together.

 

Our impact is global: we are actively working with communities to protect and restore critical chimpanzee habitats across five African nations (Senegal, Uganda, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Republic of Congo), preserving these incredible ecosystems for future generations. Here in Canada, we support Indigenous-led conservation initiatives that protect ancestral territories. Through our Roots & Shoots movement, we are supporting the next generation of conservation leaders, empowering young changemakers from coast-to-coast-to-coast to ignite grassroots action in their own backyard. Every project, every partnership, every young activist we inspire creates ripple effects that transform communities and ecosystems worldwide.

About the Role: Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Development, Marketing & Communications will spearhead the integrated Development and Communications team at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. This pivotal role presents an opportunity to drive transformative change by crafting and executing breakthrough strategies that elevate brand recognition, foster trust, and secure the organization’s long-term impact and growth.

As the strategic architect behind JGIC’s marketing and fundraising initiatives, you will shape the vision while working closely with the Associate Director of Development, who manages the day-to-day operations and tactical execution of our fundraising strategy. You will lead and inspire a dynamic team with three direct reports: Associate Director of Development, Digital Marketing Manager, and Content & Storytelling Manager, each offering their specialized expertise while coordinating with other departments to amplify our mission.

This hybrid role offers flexibility with time split between remote work and our collaborative office space located on the University of Toronto’s downtown campus.

 

Scope of Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Drive transformative marketing and fundraising strategies that amplify our impact and accelerate mission- critical goals.
• Ensure smooth integration across marketing, communications, and fundraising teams to create breakthrough campaigns that move the needle.
• Engage with the Board of Directors and committee members to elevate our brand presence and expand our influence in the conservation space.
• Contribute expertise as a member of the core leadership team, helping to steer JGIC’s evolution and progress towards the organization’s strategic plan.

 

Development:

• Support the execution of fundraising initiatives led by the Associate Director of Development that push boundaries and deliver exceptional results.
• Cultivate high-value relationships with major donors and forward-thinking corporate partners who share our vision for global change.
• Ensure fundraising efforts directly support our mission and create a measurable impact for wildlife and our community partners.

 

Marketing & Communications:

• Champion and execute our brand strategy, ensuring Jane Goodall’s powerful legacy resonates across every platform and partnership.
• Lead innovative brand initiatives that maintain message authenticity while maximizing reach and engagement across diverse audiences.
• Strategically deploy resources to drive meaningful behaviour

 

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as one of the key spokespersons for the organization, representing the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada at events and meetings.
• Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including partners, sponsors, and media
• Engage with other Jane Goodall Institute chapters globally on branding, development, and joint

 

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team that thrives on challenges, foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous learning.
• Unlock team potential through targeted professional development in marketing, communications, and
• Track and optimize key performance metrics that demonstrate JGIC’s impact and organizational
• Mentor and guide the Associate Director of Development to reach the next level of fundraising opportunities and ambitious targets.

 

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in a related discipline
• Minimum of 5-7 years in a leadership role with related experience spanning the scope of responsibilities
• Experience in securing major gifts, foundation grants, and/or corporate partnerships
• Deep alignment with JGIC’s mission and a commitment to ethical, community-centered storytelling
• Creative, innovative, and proven ability to think outside of the box
• Personable and adaptable: ability to be a strong ambassador of the organization
• Collaborative, welcoming, willing to listen and provide constructive input
• Results-oriented
• A self-starter, able to think critically
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong financial and budget management
• Understanding of environmental issues and community-led conservation an asset
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required

 

What We Offer:

Dynamic Environment: Thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization with a team that is making a tangible difference in the world.

Flexible Work Model: Enjoy a hybrid work environment with work-from-home flexibility and in-person collaboration at our downtown Toronto office.

Competitive compensation and benefits: Access comprehensive benefits, including RRSP contributions. The salary range for this position is $103,700 to $112,000, commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Work-Life Balance: Half-day on Fridays, starting with three weeks of vacation, plus an annual holiday closure at the end of the year.

Professional Growth: Access to professional development opportunities.

 

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply through Charity Village through this link, by submitting a CV and a cover letter with the “Director, Development, Marketing, and Communications” as the subject line.

JGIC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and does not discriminate based on race, ethnic background, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, or disability. We encourage candidates from underserved or historically marginalized groups to apply. If you face barriers related to your intersectional identities and want to inquire about individualized application support, please contact us at [email protected].

The deadline for applying is Wednesday, July 30th, 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.