Donor Relations and Stewardship Officer

**Who we are**

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities’ most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.

Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.

**Who we need**

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Development and Communications, we are seeking a dedicated and passionate **Donor Relations and Stewardship Officer** to join our fundraising team at CDI. This is a brand new, highly visible role designed in consultation with our CEO. You will play a pivotal role in cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with our donors, ensuring their continued engagement and support by making them valued, appreciated, and connected to our organization's mission.

**Who you are**

You are deeply committed to the nonprofit world, and you are looking for the challenges and rewards of owning the donor relations aspect for Fund Development. You have experience across a full cycle of fundraising and exposure to all aspects, from grant research and writing to curating impact stories and cultivating targeted messaging for donors. You want to make your mark on our stewardship, introduce new methods of engaging donors, and contribute to a successful strategy that includes new ideas and approaches.

**What's in it for you**

**_ Profound purpose. _**Whether it's planning and hosting donor appreciation nights, fundraisers, or open houses, leveraging Raiser's Edge to create targeted campaigns and messages of gratitude, or collaborating within and across teams to make the most significant impact, you will be involved in all aspects of our fund development and donor relations strategy. This is a truly rewarding experience as you will have the opportunity to meet program clinicians, professional experts, senior staff, and young children and their families and connect our donors to their stories.

**_ Growth._** This is an unbelievable opportunity to be the first person in the Stewardship role where you can bring your insights, processes, and ideas to make a measurable impact on our donor base. You want to move the dial on individual donations, elevating the amounts contributed and the commitment offered. You want to learn and grow as part of a broader Fund Development, Marketing, and Communications team. You will be mentored by a manager deeply committed to nurturing the skills of her team and incorporating new ideas. You will be part of a supportive and diverse group of bright minds and fun personalities who share a passion for our mission.

**As our new Donor Relations and Stewardship Officer, you will**:

- _ Prioritize the donor experience. _You will build and nurture relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors to foster long-term partnerships. You will gather donor feedback to understand their motivations and interests, adapting the organization's communication and engagement accordingly. You will maintain frequent, personalized, warm communication with current donors while identifying and securing opportunities for renewed funding at current or higher levels.
- _ Create compelling communications._ You will collaborate with program staff to gather data and stories that demonstrate the impact of donors' support. You will craft persuasive messages and documents, including thank-you letters, impact reports, and project updates highlighting the results of their philanthropic