Director of Community Engagement

Project SHARE of Niagara Falls; Ontario; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in Niagara Falls is seeking a Director of Community Engagement to enhance fundraising and communications efforts. This role involves strategic planning, managing donor relations, and collaborating with the leadership team to support the agency's mission. The successful candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills, with a passion for community service. This is a one-year contract position with a competitive salary range based on experience.

Qualifications

• Significant field experience in fundraising.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement strategic fundraising and communications plans.
• Oversee all annual fundraising activity including major gifts.
• Manage donor relations including solicitation and stewardship.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Networking

Teamwork

Education

Post-Secondary education in communications

CFRE designation

Tools

Word

Excel

Fundraising database programs

Job description

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Community Engagement works to increase the revenue and awareness of Project SHARE by overseeing the agency’s fundraising and communications. The Director will serve as a member of the leadership team, supporting the mission, vision and values of Project SHARE. The Director of Community Engagement will create fundraising and communications plans and budgets to achieve goals set out in the agency’s strategic plan. This will include overseeing annual giving, major gifts and legacy giving programs. The Director of Community Engagement will support the Fundraising Coordinator and Fundraising Events Coordinator roles, and work closely with the Executive Director, fundraising committee, board of directors, donors and volunteers to create a culture of philanthropy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and implement strategic fundraising and communications plans to enhance long term goals for the organization, in alignment with the strategic plan
• Work closely with the Manager of Finance to create fundraising budgets and reports, track grants and fulfill funder contract requirements
• Oversee all annual fundraising activity including annual giving, major gifts and planned giving
• Maintain up to date portfolio of prospective donors
• Manage donor relations including solicitation, cultivation and stewardship
• Create and maintain donor recognition and fundraising policies following best practices including the AFP Code of Ethics
• Chair fundraising committee meetings and recruit members working with the Volunteer Coordinator and development team
• Oversee the management of a donor database and ensure compliance with CRA regulations for charitable giving
• Create monthly fundraising reports for the board of directors, and manage fundraising targets to ensure budgetary needs are met
• Work with partners through Feed Niagara, Feed Ontario and Food Banks Canada on regional, provincial and national fundraising opportunities

Communications

• Work with the Board of Directors & Executive Director to promote Project SHARE and educate donors and the community at large
• Media relations including sponsored campaign advertising and earned media coverage
• Manage all agency marketing initiatives
• Host agency tours, deliver presentations and other public relations activities to increase awareness and generate support
• Oversee creation of donor communication materials including thank you letters, direct mail campaigns and annual reports
• Write grant and fundraising proposals and impact reports, meeting deadlines as required
• Participate in networking and advocacy opportunities including the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network, Niagara Fundraiser’s Network, Feed Ontario and Food Banks Canada

Management & Administration

• Coach, train, develop and supervise Fundraising Coordinator & Fundraising Events Coordinator
• Participate in leadership team meetings and support the agency staff as a member of senior management
• Recruit, train and supervise student placements and projects for fundraising, communications and public relations
• Supervise all staff in the absence of the Executive Director and Operations Manager, leading staff meetings as needed
• Contribute to operational and strategic planning, and lead development department planning
• Maintain confidential records of computer accounts & passwords, and act as IT resource in Warehouse Manager’s absence
• Work with Warehouse Manager and Administrative Assistant to ensure accurate records of in kind donations and inventory

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Post-Secondary education in communications, fundraising, public relations combined with significant field experience in fundraising
• CFRE designation is preferred

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of fundraising, donor bill of rights and CRA regulations for charitable giving
• Knowledge of community leaders, donors, networks related to nonprofits and fundraising
• Passion for and commitment to the goals and values of Project SHARE
• Knowledge of poverty alleviation strategies and food security industry
• Exceptional organization, communication, event and time management skills
• Skills in strategic planning, evaluation and problem solving
• Ability to work independently and as a team player and to facilitate and mobilize support
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• Ability and interest in working with diverse and disadvantaged populations
• Experience recruiting and supervising volunteers and staff
• Strong writing, presentation and networking skills
• Fully literate in Word, Excel and fundraising database programs
• Outgoing, inclusive and welcoming in nature
• Clear criminal background check
• Knowledge in IT and graphic design is an asset

Working Conditions

• One year contract with potential for renewal
• Annual salary of $69,000 to 79,000 commensurate with experience
• Evening and weekend hours will be required for attendance at meetings and special events
• Where possible, a flexible schedule for a 37.5-hour work week should be adhered to
• All overtime work must be pre-approved in advance by the Executive Director

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to AJ Heafey, Interim Executive Director [emailprotected]