Senior Development Officer
The Senior Development Officer at Niagara Children's Centre plays a key role in the organization's fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Senior Development Officer will be responsible for implementing effective fundraising strategies to secure financial support for the Centre's programs and services. This role makes a significant impact by cultivating relationships with donors, managing fundraising initiatives, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the organization.
As an employee of the Centre, you will be part of a community dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for the children and youth we serve. We are a place where families are at the heart of all we do. As an experienced fundraising professional, the Senior Development Officer will identify, build and manage strong and productive relationships to maximize revenue generation to support the programs of the Centre. Join a team that makes a real difference in the lives of children and youth every day.
Key responsibilities include:
Pipeline Development, Prospect Identifications & Solicitation:
- Conduct prospect research to identify new funding opportunities, corporate sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
- Maintain a strong pipeline of potential donors and funding sources.
- Lead efforts to secure major gifts by researching prospects, developing compelling proposals, and conducting effective solicitations, as assigned.
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:
- Identify, grow and manage a portfolio of 100+ major gift prospects ($5,000+).
- Support a portfolio of third-party event donors, service clubs and third-party event-holders.
- In collaboration with the Director of Development and other stakeholders to execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
- Build, maintain, and cultivate strong relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders.
- Design, develop and implement strategies unique to each prospect or donor.
Special Events and Community Engagement:
- Function as the lead for the signature event portfolio, by coordinating and implementing fundraising activities, logistics and project management.
- Oversee and support volunteers, as needed.
- Work collaboratively with development team colleagues to build and oversee an integrated sponsorship strategy, setting and achieving ambitious goals and delivering an outstanding experience.
- Ensure effective donor and volunteer relationships including appropriate recognition, acknowledgement and reporting to cultivate relationships with our supporters and ensure the sustainability of events.
- Execute, and manage fundraising events, including the Signature Event (Superhero Run) and donor recognition activities.
- Responsible for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding sponsors.
- Provide outstanding customer service to all stakeholders to ensure a positive experience pre and post-events.
- Demonstrate timely responsiveness to internal and external partners and create strong alliances with key stakeholders.
- Work with the Director of Development to build a profile within the community.
Key Relationships:
The Senior Development Officer is concerned with the effectiveness of all relationships and will collaborate with internal and external teams to execute strategies. The following are particularly significant to the position:
External
- Funders and donors
- Community Outreach
- Service Club members
- Centre Ambassadors
Internal
- CEO
- Director of Development and the Development Operations Coordinator
- Marketing & Communications Officer
- Employee Volunteers
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Business, Non-profit Management, and/or Fundraising) or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with a proven track record of success in securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
- Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices in the non-profit sector.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate the organization's mission and funding needs to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation and stewardship plans.
- Proficiency in using fundraising databases and software for donor management and reporting.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ethical and professional conduct, with a commitment to maintaining donor trust and confidentiality.
- CFRE is considered an asset.
Why Join Us?
- We provide a total rewards package that supports your well-being and has a culture that supports and encourages continuous professional development and growth.
- Provide a competitive hiring range of $73,000 to $86,000 commensurate with experience.
- Participation in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan (HOOPP) from day one of employment with us, offers healthcare and dental benefits, and access to the Employee and Family Assistance program.
Application Process:
If you are inspired by the work of Niagara Children's Centre and would like to join our team, we would love to hear from you. Qualified and interested applicants are asked to submit the following.
Applicants are to submit their application package as
one document to:
HR@niagarachildrenscentre.com
We will be reviewing candidate submissions as they are received and moving forward with interviews. Early submission is encouraged.
The Niagara Children’s Centre is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodation is available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. The selected candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.