Director of Development and Communications

Foundations for Social Change 

Director of Development & Communications

Salary Range: $72,000-$80,000

Foundations for Social Change develops evidence-based solutions to advance social change. We believe in a kind and inclusive world where everyone thrives. We bring a fresh perspective to old problems, disrupt the status quo, and create new models to advance a more just society.

Job Summary 

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Development and Communications plays a critical role on our small Executive Team. You will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and execution of all fundraising and communications initiatives to support the fulfillment of our bold vision. Together with the CEO you will help to cultivate, solicit and steward donor relationships based upon our core values of courage, compassion and impact. You will play a vital role in contributing to the strategic vision, overall fund development and communications goals of the organization. This role has significant responsibility for overseeing complex projects, communications strategies and is accountable for achieving specific funding goals. We are an ambitious organization and accordingly this role follows suit.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Working with the team and supporting the development of a culture of philanthropy you will provide leadership to the team in the following areas:

Development, Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Lead and manage identification, development and solicitation of corporate, community and individual prospects for the organization’s fundraising portfolio, utilizing donor lifecycles of acquisition, retention and cultivation.
• Develop, coordinate and implement annual fundraising strategies in collaboration with fundraising staff and volunteers
• Work closely with the CEO to set and achieve annual fundraising goals and revenue targets and to evaluate portfolio progress.
• Oversee the development of the donor recognition and stewardship program, including updating organization policies and procedures
• Direct and lead a multi-year capital campaign to generate revenue and increase donor engagement, including the Cabinet Campaign
• Monitor and evaluate all fundraising activities to ensure that the fundraising goals are being achieved
• Ensure integrity of record-keeping in accordance to relevant Canadian legislation and law
• Assist in the planning and execution of FSC’s fundraising events
• Oversee and support fundraising staff pursuing small and medium gift giving efforts, including third party fundraisers and corporate gift-giving
• Represent FSC at events and speak on behalf of FSC as required
• Foster and steward a culture of philanthropy and gifting within the organization

Key Areas of Responsibility

Working with the team and supporting the development of a culture of philanthropy you will provide leadership to the team in the following areas:

Development, Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Lead and manage identification, development and solicitation of corporate, community and individual prospects for the organization’s fundraising portfolio, utilizing donor lifecycles of acquisition, retention and cultivation.
• Develop, coordinate and implement annual fundraising strategies in collaboration with fundraising staff and volunteers
• Work closely with the CEO to set and achieve annual fundraising goals and revenue targets and to evaluate portfolio progress.
• Oversee the development of the donor recognition and stewardship program, including updating organization policies and procedures
• Direct and lead a multi-year capital campaign to generate revenue and increase donor engagement, including the Cabinet Campaign
• Monitor and evaluate all fundraising activities to ensure that the fundraising goals are being achieved
• Ensure integrity of record-keeping in accordance to relevant Canadian legislation and law
• Assist in the planning and execution of FSC’s fundraising events
• Oversee and support fundraising staff pursuing small and medium gift giving efforts, including third party fundraisers and corporate gift-giving
• Represent FSC at events and speak on behalf of FSC as required
• Foster and steward a culture of philanthropy and gifting within the organization

Key Areas of Responsibility

Working with the team and supporting the development of a culture of philanthropy you will provide leadership to the team in the following areas:

Development, Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Lead and manage identification, development and solicitation of corporate, community and individual prospects for the organization’s fundraising portfolio, utilizing donor lifecycles of acquisition, retention and cultivation.
• Develop, coordinate and implement annual fundraising strategies in collaboration with fundraising staff and volunteers
• Work closely with the CEO to set and achieve annual fundraising goals and revenue targets and to evaluate portfolio progress.
• Oversee the development of the donor recognition and stewardship program, including updating organization policies and procedures
• Direct and lead a multi-year capital campaign to generate revenue and increase donor engagement, including the Cabinet Campaign
• Monitor and evaluate all fundraising activities to ensure that the fundraising goals are being achieved
• Ensure integrity of record-keeping in accordance to relevant Canadian legislation and law
• Assist in the planning and execution of FSC’s fundraising events
• Oversee and support fundraising staff pursuing small and medium gift giving efforts, including third party fundraisers and corporate gift-giving
• Represent FSC at events and speak on behalf of FSC as required
• Foster and steward a culture of philanthropy and gifting within the organization

Communications & Brand Management

• Strategic oversight and management of FSC’s public-facing brand, including online and social media presence, messaging, marketing and communications
• Develop, coordinate and implement an annual communications strategy plan to convey FSC’s vision, goals and programs/services
• Collaboratively develop and manage the creation and update of web content, social media, Annual Report and newsletters
• Oversee the development of press releases, manage media list and queries for communications and maintain media archives
• Solicit opportunities to share stories with media through press releases and advertising

 Leadership & Team Engagement

• Participate in executive management, staff and team meetings, Board meetings, retreats and planning sessions, including strategic and operational plans
• Oversee and mentor 2-3 staff (communications and fundraising assistant)

What You Bring

• Effective and proven leadership skills within an organization and/or department
• Creativity and innovation in sourcing and building new funding/donor relations
• Strong spirit of collaboration and bridge-building between organizations and excellent relationship building skills
• Strategic thinker with project management skills, strong team building and cultivating skills
• Passion for social innovation, JEDI (justice equity,diversity and inclusion) and making an impact
• Exceptional oral and written skills, including proofreading and copy editing; ability to adapt style according to a variety of audiences
• Able to organize, multi-task, problem-solve and remain flexible within a fast-paced and changing environment
• An entrepreneurial drive to support development and increase partnership potential

Desired Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fund development, with some experience in a management role
• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with donors and supporters, and to connect with individuals of diverse abilities and  backgrounds
• Aptitude for budgeting, forecasting and ongoing fundraising analysis
• Strong leadership qualities to quickly establish trust, respect and buy-in amongst stakeholders, donors, and staff
• Experience managing social media accounts, newsletters, and curating print materials an asset
• Demonstrated project and time management skills along with strong attention to detail
• Superior computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and fundraising database experience
• Ability to work independently and within a team and deliver confidently under pressure
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines and manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a team spirited environment with a strong results-oriented focus.

Salary Range: $72,000-$80,000/year. Comprehensive benefits package includes extended health and dental insurance, and a generous paid leave/vacation/sick policy. FSC is working to implement a pension plan with Common Good and increase professional development funding available to staff on an annual basis.

Hours of Work: This position is full-time (37.5 hrs/week). Please note that this position may require some evening and weekend work. Self-scheduling throughout the work week is common practice. Hybrid work-from-home and office attendance is expected.