Careers & Fellowships

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The Walrus provokes new thinking and sparks conversation on matters vital to Canadians. As a registered charity, we publish independent fact-based journalism and produce national ideas-focused events. The Walrus and its strong community of supporters are invested in the idea that a healthy society relies on informed citizens.

POSITIONS WE ARE CURRENTLY HIRING FOR:

Fundraising and Engagement Officer

The Walrus provokes new thinking and sparks conversation on matters vital to Canada. As a registered charity, we publish independent, fact-based journalism across platforms; produce national, ideas-focused events, including our flagship series The Walrus Talks; and train emerging storytellers through our fellowship program. The Walrus is invested in the idea that a healthy society relies on informed citizens.

We are currently accepting applications for a Fundraising and Engagement Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to join The Walrus team for someone who thinks creatively, works fast, and can seize the ever-changing moments in Canada’s journalism to increase the growth of supporters, drive revenue, and deepen engagement with our stakeholder base. The successful candidate will be responsible for writing high-visibility messaging on our website and other digital platforms, as well as overseeing our semi-annual direct mail campaigns and online fundraising auction, aiming to increase engagement and raise funds from supporters across Canada and beyond.

This dynamic role is ideal for someone with a strong interest in media, community building, fundraising, and communications. The Fundraising and Engagement Officer will drive revenue for independent, fact-checked journalism made in Canada. As part of the development team, you will work closely with the editorial, digital, marketing, and audience engagement teams, as well as with the Donor Relations Officer and Senior Manager of Philanthropy, reporting to the Head of Philanthropy.

Responsibilities

  • Write and edit copy for email communications, direct mail, social media, website content, and other marketing/fundraising materials to increase donations, including for the annual online auction as part of The Walrus Gala
  • Sustain and grow online giving and monthly giving programs, including The Walrus Plus membership, with a focus on converting web visitors and newsletter subscribers, as well as ensuring good stewardship of existing donors
  • Work with stakeholders across the organization, including the editorial and management teams, to help deliver audience and supporter priorities for The Walrus
  • Develop and execute direct mail and online fundraising campaigns, pop-up messaging on our website, donor renewals, monthly giving, year-end giving, and other special appeals
  • Manage donor growth and engagement by segmenting data and identifying prospects for long-term renewal and growth
  • Share weekly reports that analyze and track performance of online giving programs and direct mail
  • Plan events and identify other opportunities as a way to engage with The Walrus community
  • Respond promptly to all internal, donor, and audience inquiries, maintaining a strong customer service focus
  • Manage vendors and partners related to direct mail, online giving, and The Walrus Gala auction

Qualifications

  • Excellent project and time management skills
  • Experience in journalism, online marketing, direct mail, and/or cross-channel marketing in either for-profit or nonprofit settings
  • Ability to write for an online audience at a professional level and to implement direction from other writers in the organization
  • Understanding of internet tools, processes and techniques for fundraising, audience engagement, and donor stewardship
  • High comfort level with databases, audience segmentation, and data analysis and integration
  • Some experience in or interest in best practices for website optimization, search engine marketing, and social media advertising
  • Ability to work effectively across departments; strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and the ability to manage competing, time-sensitive priorities in a newsroom setting and meet deadlines
  • Self-starter with a can-do attitude; willingness and ability to formulate a plan and personally implement down to the smallest detail
  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • Preference for candidates based in Toronto/GTA

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation package includes a base salary of $60,000 to $65,000, commensurate with experience, in addition to a full benefits package consisting of medical, dental, vision, prescription, mental health coverage, an employee and family assistance program, and paid vacation. We also have half-day summer Fridays and a week off over the winter holiday break.

This role is pay band 2. Disparities in how candidates negotiate compensation can contribute to pay gaps. Our salary grid offers greater transparency as part of our equity and pay band work. The posted salary range is non-negotiable as a result.

The Walrus supports flexible, hybrid work, including a collaborative, open office environment in downtown east Toronto. A laptop will be provided, along with a free subscription to the print or digital edition of The Walrus and a deeply discounted rate for family and friends.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your résumé and cover letter to [email protected] with the following subject line: “Fundraising and Engagement Officer: [your name].” Applicants are welcome to share any relevant work or their portfolio. The application deadline is 5 p.m. ET on Monday, May 5, 2025.

First round interviews will take place over Zoom in May. After a second interview, selected candidates will be asked to complete a small writing assignment, for which an honorarium will be provided.

The Walrus is committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace. We value employment equity and strongly encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, and racialized people; people with disabilities; people of all genders; and the LGBTQ2+ community. If you require any accommodation in the recruitment process, please let us know by email at [email protected].

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada to qualify. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in working at The Walrus.