Fund Development Manager

Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division is seeking a Fund Development Manager to drive major gifts, manage donor appeals, and steward relationships in and around Toronto.

The role reports to the Chief Development Officer and operates in a hybrid model, with some in-office and field activities to support fundraising efforts and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ related professional experience in fundraising/fund development.
• Experience with major gifts, donor stewardship, and campaigns is essential.
• Strong relationship management, communication, and proposal development skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of donors and funders from identification to stewardship across individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Identify and secure high-value gift commitments through strategic engagement and solicitation.
• Lead annual campaigns, monthly giving, direct mail, and online fundraising appeals.
• Represent CMHA Ontario at local events to expand donor networks and partnerships.
• Oversee grant opportunities, write proposals, manage budgets, and report to funders.
• Supervise and mentor department staff, promoting collaboration and professional development.
• Ensure fundraising policies comply with CRA regulations and organizational guidelines.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Grant management

Relationship management

Strategic planning

Leadership and mentoring

Education

Graduate degree in a relevant field

Tools

CRM software

Grant writing tools

Job description

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is committed to improving services and support for individuals living with mental illnesses and addictions issues, and to the promotion of mental health in Ontario.

We are looking to hire a Fund Development Manager to help the organization’s efforts in securing major gifts, managing donor appeals, supporting third-party events, and stewarding donor relationships. This role reports to the Chief Development Officer at CMHA Ontario and is based in Toronto.

Revenue Generation and Major Gift Development

• Manage and grow a portfolio of relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations, overseeing the full lifecycle from identification of prospects to stewardship.
• Identify and secure high-value (HV) gift commitments through strategic engagement and solicitation.
• Provide leadership for annual campaigns, including monthly giving programs, direct mail, and online fundraising appeals.
• Represent the organization as an ambassador at local, regional, and community events to expand donor networks.

Grant Management and Proposal Development

• Research, identify, and qualify grant opportunities that meet the organization's needs.
• Develop compelling content for grant proposals and customized funding presentations to secure multi-year commitments.
• Coordinate the complete grant lifecycle, including writing support letters, preparing budgets, and meeting all grantor reporting requirements.

Stewardship and Operations

• Establish best-in-class stewardship plans, including establishing, executing, and reporting on annual targets and initiatives.
• Ensure donors are recognized in meaningful, values-aligned ways through impact reports and personalized acknowledgments.
• Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM, ensuring timely updates for performance tracking and weekly reporting.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures related to fundraising operations to ensure compliance with CRA regulations and organizational guidelines.
• Oversee donor care and retention activities, ensure timely and effective donor communications, donation processing, data management, and donor inquiries to support donor satisfaction, stewardship, and retention.

People Management

• Supervise and mentor staff within the department.
• Provide coaching and performance management in relevant areas, supporting team members’ success and continuous development.
• Promote a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement and development within the team.
• Actively participate in the recruitment, selection, and talent management of employees, helping to manage vacancies and new positions.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ related professional experience, with a demonstrated track record of achievement in fundraising and/or fund development. Graduate degree in a relevant field is an asset.
• Understanding of the community-based sector is an asset, and experience with the charitable or non-profit sector is valuable.
• Proven success in developing, securing, and stewarding complex and multi-faceted funding relationships, with strong relationship management and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify and pursue new funding opportunities, develop proposals, and manage multiple funding priorities, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Strategic, highly organized, and proactive approach with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with senior leadership and internal teams.
• G license required.
• Excellent interpersonal communications skills, with an affable, helpful manner
• Self-starter, able to work independently towards goals
• Strong initiative
• Adaptable
• Organizational Commitment

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, permanent, management position working 35 hours/week. This position is based in Toronto, Ontario. Travel may be required to attend meetings, events, and other activities related to the role, possibly requiring an overnight stay depending on location. We are currently operating within a hybrid model, with colleagues working from the office 3 days/week and from home 2 days/week.

This role is both an active job of continuous outreach and desk work with extended periods of sitting, reading, telephone interaction, and working at the computer. This position involves some moderate lifting, shipping, and handling. Attendance at various meetings throughout the workday/workweek will be required; meetings may occur on short notice, depending on the circumstances.

This position is not within the bargaining unit.

The Canadian Mental Health Association celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings professional and lived experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you.

Workplace and candidate accommodation is available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process upon request. To request accommodation, please contact [e-mail]

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by EDGEPATH Talent Solutions Ltd. and Human Resources at CMHA Ontario.