Direct Response Specialist – Ocean Wise

Location: Remote (Canada)
Salary: $67,000 – $82,000 CAD per year
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Department: Philanthropy & Partnerships
Date Posted: June 16, 2025

About Ocean Wise

Ocean Wise is a global conservation organization working to protect and restore the world’s ocean through education, research, public engagement, and policy advocacy.

Role Summary

As Direct Response Specialist, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing all direct response fundraising efforts, including annual giving, monthly giving, mid-level donor engagement ($1,000–$10,000), and third-party fundraising events. You’ll report to the Director of Philanthropy and may be hired at either Specialist or Senior Specialist level based on experience.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Response Fundraising

• Plan and execute multi-channel campaigns (digital, mail, social)

• Develop compelling, data-informed content and stewardship materials

• Track and analyze campaign performance; adjust strategies accordingly

• Update online fundraising tools (FundraiseUp, CanadaHelps, website)

• Coordinate vendors, designers, and internal teams

• Stay current on trends and best practices

Mid-Level Giving

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors ($1K–$10K)

• Identify upgrade opportunities and refer major gift leads

• Develop personalized engagement and stewardship strategies

• Maintain accurate donor records

Third-Party Fundraising

• Manage third-party and peer-to-peer events

• Guide community fundraisers and ensure brand alignment

• Track and acknowledge all external contributions

• Promote personal page fundraising

What You Bring

• Post-secondary degree/diploma (ideally in fundraising, marketing, or communications)

• 3–5 years’ experience in direct response or annual giving

• Experience managing multi-channel campaigns and donor portfolios

• Familiarity with social media as a fundraising tool

• Proficiency with fundraising tools (e.g. Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, FundraiseUp)

• Strong relationship-building, writing, and data analysis skills

How You’ll Be Measured

• Growth in monthly/annual donors and retention rates

• Number and performance of direct response campaigns

• Upgrade rate of mid-level donors to major gift levels

• Timely and accurate CRM usage

• Third-party event growth and supporter satisfaction

• Engagement and satisfaction of donors and internal stakeholders

What We Offer

• Remote-first work (with optional Vancouver HQ access)

• Salary: $67,000 – $82,000 CAD

• 15 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 wellness days, 12 paid holidays

• Comprehensive benefits plan including extended health, dental, vision

• $300 Health Spending Account

• RRSP matching up to 6% (after 1 year)

• Annual in-person retreat

• Ongoing professional development opportunities

How to Apply

Apply directly via Ocean Wise’s careers portal by submitting:

1. Your resume

2. A cover letter addressing the qualifications and responsibilities

Deadline: Rolling, but early applications are encouraged.

Diversity and Inclusion

Ocean Wise encourages applications from equity-deserving communities and will provide accommodation during the hiring process upon request.

Learn more: https://ocean.org