Director, Development

**Director, Development**

**Status**: Full-time Permanent

**Location**: St. Catharines, Ontario

**Open Date**: October 18, 2024

**Closing Date**: Open Until Filled

The Director, Development at Niagara Children's Centre assumes the lead role in the organization's fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Development will be responsible for implementing effective fundraising strategies to further the mission and secure financial support for the Centre's programs and services. This role makes a significant impact by cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, community groups and corporations; managing fundraising initiatives; provides strategic insight, administrative oversight, team leadership; works with key volunteers and Board members to achieve fund-raising goals, and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the organization.

As an employee of the Centre, you will be part of a community dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for the children and youth we serve. We are a place where families are at the heart of all we do. As an experienced fundraising professional, the Director of Development will identify, build and manage strong and productive relationships to maximize revenue generation to support the programs of the Centre. Join a team that makes a real difference in the lives of children and youth every day.

Key responsibilities include:
**Strategic**:

- Development of a Fundraising Strategic Plan including annual fundraising targets, and operating plan
- Build upon existing fundraising programs to a fully integrated fund development program including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving and special events
- Develop and implement donor communication strategies
- Develop policies and processes to support ethical fundraising, outstanding donor relations and effective operating processes
- Make sure that all fundraising activities are consistent with the Niagara Children’s Centre mission, vision and values; and supports the Centre’s Strategic Plan and operational requirements

**Relationship Building**:

- Cultivate and steward relationships with individuals, corporate and foundation donors and partners,
- Recognize donors using a variety of tools;
- Promote and maintain local media contacts to recognize donors, sponsors, service clubs and other charitable organizations within the community;
- Identify and establish community partnerships which will result in support through sponsorships, promotion, in-kind support and/or donations;
- Build / enhance relationships with Service Clubs, 3rd party event hosts and regional community groups;
- Be involved with community networks as appropriate to the role;
- Establish and maintain relationships with fundraising staff in other Ontario Children’s Treatment Centres and local fundraising organizations.

**Pipeline Development, Prospect Identifications & Solicitation**:

- Conduct prospect research to identify new funding opportunities, corporate sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
- Maintain a strong pipeline of potential donors and funding sources.
- Lead efforts to secure major gifts by researching prospects, developing compelling proposals, and conducting effective solicitations, as assigned.

**Donor Cultivation & Stewardship**:

- Identify, grow and manage a portfolio of 100+ major gift prospects ($5,000+).
- Support a portfolio of third party event donors, service clubs and third party event holders.
- In collaboration with the CEO and other stakeholders to execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
- Build, maintain, and cultivate strong relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders.
- Design, develop and implement strategies unique to each individual prospect or donor.

**Special Events and Community Engagement**:

- Function as the lead for the signature event portfolio, by coordinating and implementing fundraising activities, logistics and project management.
- Oversee and support volunteers, as needed.
- Work collaboratively with development team colleagues to build and oversee an integrated sponsorship strategy, setting and achieving ambitious goals and delivering an outstanding experience.
- Ensure effective donor and volunteer relationships including appropriate recognition, acknowledgement and reporting to cultivate relationships with our supporters and ensure the sustainability of events.
- Execute, and manage fundraising events, including the Signature Event (Superhero Run) and donor recognition activities.
- Responsible for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding sponsors.
- Provide outstanding customer service to all stakeholders to ensure a positive experience pre and post events.
- Demonstrate timely responsiveness to internal and external partners and create strong alliances with key stakeholders.
- Work with the CEO to build profile within t