Community planning director

Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada is our country's leading charity dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth growing up in the child welfare system. Children and families at risk, children and youth in government care, and youth transitioning out of care.

We raise and grant funds and deliver a wide range of high-impact programs and services in partnership with 114 child- and youth-serving agencies across the country. 4M to support 16,073 children, youth, and families across Canada to ultimately bring us closer to a future where all families, children, and young people involved with the child welfare system live meaningful lives and thrive.

Our vision is a future where the children and youth we serve have the strength and resilience to create a lifetime of their own unstoppable successes.

To learn more about us, please visit our website.

The Opportunity/ Purpose of the Position

Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada is seeking a new Director, Major Gifts to build on our momentum regarding individual and private foundation major giving realized through the recently extended, $100 million Stand Up For Kids: Futures Transformed Campaign. p>

The Director, Major Gifts plays a pivotal role in leading and delivering on strategies for two high potential, growth areas of our major gifts program – individual and foundation giving – in alignment with CAFC’s strategic plan and priority programs. The Director, Major Gifts will be responsible for advancing a portfolio of five and six figure donors and prospects at various stages of the development cycle. The Director will help further CAFC’s goals to mature our major gift program over time; p>

The Director, Major Gifts reports to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and acts as a senior member of the Foundation’s management team, leading a team of at least 2 direct reports and collaborating across the organization with ease to achieve annual fundraising goals.

If you are dedicated to delivering excellence as a leader, are goal-oriented and resourceful, and have a proven track record of mobilizing people toward a shared goal and of building enduring major gift relationships both independently and with the support of a volunteer leader, we encourage you to apply.

Specific Accountabilities

1. Major Gifts Fundraising and Donor Relations
   Lead the strategy, planning, execution, and growth for annual and multi-year Major Gift (individuals and foundation) fundraising. Working with CDO, align campaign and major gift strategies and plans to the Foundation’s strategic framework, priority programs (i.e., Personally manage a portfolio of Major Gift donors and prospects, including solicitation and renewal strategies, providing engagement, recognition, and stewardship opportunities. Personally initiate and lead cultivation and solicitation strategies for lead prospects at the six and seven figure levels, working closely with the Campaign Cabinet, Executive Leadership Team, and the Board of Directors. Strategy and execution oversight to grow Individual and Foundation Major Gift prospect pipeline. Working with CDO, Development Directors, and Senior Development Officer, Stewardship to ensure high quality development and execution of cultivation, engagement, and stewardship activities; and implement donor recognition and stewardship plans for individual and foundation major gift donors. Attend Foundation and/or external events, and speak publicly as required.
2. Management and Operational Planning
   Working with CDO, lead Business planning and budgeting process for Individual and Foundation major gifts portfolio, including setting revenue targets and strategies as well as updates/reports to the Board and ELT. Manage expense and revenue budget for Individual and Foundation major gift portfolio. Participate in bi-weekly Directors Meetings and contribute to annual fundraising KPIs for the Development Team. Contribute to campaign fundraising strategy, planning, and execution.
3. Team Leadership
   Lead, coach, and supervise up to four direct reports on the Development team to achievement, ensuring effective use of human resources and fostering a high-performance team culture reflected in CAFC’s VOICE values. Responsible for targeted recruitment, orientation, performance management, employee/professional development for direct reports. Ensure direct reports are compliant with Foundation policies and procedures including Raisers Edge NXT. li>
4. An undergraduate degree is required and CFRE accreditation would be considered an asset.
5. Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate staff, senior fundraising volunteers (Cabinet and/or Board) to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
6. Experience working with sophisticated major donors, corporate partners, senior business/community leaders as well as senior board and fundraising volunteers.
7. Compelling and persuasive communicator and presenter, adept at building relationships with a range of constituent groups and inspiring support and engagement.
8. Natural leader – creative, positive and solutions-oriented and an exemplary team player who drives collaboration across the organization.
9. Demonstrated success in pipeline management and development.
10. Direct experience in fundraising campaigns considered an asset.
11. Data-driven decision-maker that brings a proficiency in Raiser’s Edge to help elevate CAFC’s commitment to data-integrity and delivery of effective fundraising programs.
12. Adept at effectively managing multiple projects to meet deadlines and strategic objectives.
13. Proficiency in the full suite of Microsoft Office products and internet tools.
14. Fluency in French is an asset.
15. Knowledge of child welfare issues and social services is an asset.

CAFC as an Employer

Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada provides equal employment opportunities to employees regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. We offer a family-friendly environment that allows for flexible work arrangements in order to support staff diversity and ensure a healthy work-life balance.

Our Values:

• Vital Learning & Innovation
• Open Communication
• Inclusion & Diversity
• Care & Compassion
• Empowering Accountability

We offer: a generous vacation package, plus 3 float days, participation in the OMERS Defined Benefit Pension Plan with contributions matched 100% by the employer, a comprehensive benefits (including medical, dental, life and disability) package, Employee Assistance Program, and a competitive salary. p>

CAFC staff are currently working in a hybrid work model, working remotely and in the downtown Toronto office at least 1-2 days a week.

We acknowledge that the Foundation’s main office is in Toronto, which is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada is committed to supporting meaningful reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and others in these lands and across Canada.

We thank all candidates for their interest in the work of Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada; No telephone inquiries please.