The Director, Development at
Niagara Children's Centre assumes the lead role in the organization's
fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Development
will be responsible for implementing effective fundraising strategies to further
the mission and secure financial support for the Centre's programs and
services. This role makes a significant impact by cultivating relationships
with donors, foundations, community groups and corporations; managing
fundraising initiatives; provides strategic insight, administrative oversight,
team leadership; works with key volunteers and Board members to achieve
fund-raising goals, and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the
organization.
The ideal candidate will
demonstrate a successful track record in all areas of fundraising and have a
minimum of (5) five years experience, particularly in major gift solicitations.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills are essential as well as a
proven ability to set and achieve goals, nurture relationships and foster
respect and loyalty.
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 Director of
Development 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:
Strategic:
- Development of a Fundraising Strategic Plan
including annual fundraising targets, and operating plan
- Build upon existing fundraising programs to a
fully integrated fund development program including major gifts, annual giving,
planned giving and special events
- Develop and implement donor communication strategies
- Develop policies and processes to support ethical fundraising, outstanding donor relations and effective operating processes
- Make sure that all fundraising activities are consistent with the Niagara Children's Centre mission, vision and values; and supports the Centre's Strategic Plan and operational requirements
Relationship Building:
- Cultivate and steward
relationships with individuals, corporate and foundation donors and partners,
- Recognize donors using a variety
of tools;
- Promote and maintain local
media contacts to recognize donors, sponsors, service clubs and other
charitable organizations within the community;
- Identify and establish
community partnerships that will result in support through sponsorships,
promotion, in-kind support and/or donations;
- Build/enhance relationships
with Service Clubs, 3rd party event hosts and regional community
groups;
- Be involved with community
networks as appropriate to the role;
- Establish and maintain
relationships with fundraising staff in other Ontario Children’s Treatment
Centres and local fundraising organizations.
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 CEO 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 individual 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 CEO to build profile within the community.
Key Relationships:
- The Director of Development 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, and other senior leadership and management
- Senior Development Officer, 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.
- CFRE certification and membership in the
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in
fundraising, ideally in the not-for-profit sector, 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.
- Demonstrated leadership and team building
- 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 considered an asset.
Why Join Us?
- We provide a total rewards package that supports your well-being,
and supports and encourages continuous professional development and growth.
- Provide a competitive hiring range of $110,000 to $132,000 commensurate
with experience.
- Participation in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan (HOOPP) from day
one of employment with us, we offer healthcare and dental benefits and access
to the Employee and Family Assistance program.
We
will be reviewing candidate submissions as they are received and move 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.