Development Manager

Relationship Development Manager

About Progressive Life CentreProgressive Life Centre (PLC) is a registered charity and leading centre of excellence in Durham Region, dedicated to empowering teens and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Our state-of-the-art facility offers innovative programs including life skills training, employment preparation, social development, and specialized services in a neurodiversity-affirming environment.

**Position Overview**

We're seeking a passionate and strategic Relationship Development Manager to join our mission-driven team. This role is crucial in building and maintaining strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders to secure financial support and expand our impact in the autism and developmental disabilities community.

**Key Responsibilities**

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
- Build and nurture relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation partners.
- Develop personalized communication strategies and recognition programs.
- Manage donor database and ensure timely, meaningful stewardship activities.
- Coordinate donor appreciation events and recognition initiatives.

Fundraising Strategy & Implementation
- Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising plans to support PLC's programs and facility needs.
- Identify and secure major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
- Lead fundraising campaigns, including our annual Golf Tournament and special initiatives.
- Create compelling grant proposals and sponsorship packages.

Relationship Management
- Serve as primary contact for key donors, sponsors, and community partners.
- Build trust through transparent communication about program impact and organizational needs.
- Maintain regular contact schedule with donor portfolio.
- Ensure donor needs and interests are understood and addressed.

Prospect Research & Outreach
- Research and identify potential new donors, corporate partners, and foundation prospects.
- Develop targeted outreach strategies for different stakeholder segments.
- Cultivate relationships with community leaders and autism advocacy organizations.
- Represent PLC at networking events and community functions.

Event Management
- Plan and execute fundraising events, including our annual Golf Tournament.
- Coordinate donor engagement activities and facility tours.
- Manage event logistics, sponsorship coordination, and volunteer recruitment.
- Ensure events align with PLC's mission and brand values.

Reporting & Analysis
- Track fundraising progress against goals and KPIs.
- Analyze donor data to inform retention and acquisition strategies.
- Prepare regular reports for Executive Director and Board of Directors.
- Maintain accurate records of all donor interactions and contributions.

**Required Qualifications**
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
- Experience: 3-5 years of fundraising, relationship management, or business development experience.
- Fundraising Knowledge: Understanding of fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and ethical practices.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
- Relationship Building: Proven track record of building and maintaining professional relationships.
- Results-Oriented: Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed fundraising targets.
- Technology Proficiency: Experience with CRM systems, database management, and Google Workspace

**Preferred Qualifications**
- Experience in nonprofit fundraising, particularly in disability services or healthcare.
- Knowledge of autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities.
- Grant writing experience.
- Event planning and management experience.
- Familiarity with Canadian charitable regulations and tax receipting.
- Connections within Durham Region business and philanthropic communities.

**Performance-Based Bonus Structure**:

- Meet $150,000 target receives bonus equivalent to 80 hours of work at base rate.
- Exceed by 25% ($187,500) receives bonus equivalent to 120 hours of work at base rate.
- Exceed by 50% ($225,000) receives bonus equivalent to 160 hours of work at base rate.

**Job Type**: Part-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 20 per week

Additional pay:

- Bonus pay

**Benefits**:

- Flexible schedule
- On-site gym
- Work from home

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

- PLC is hosting our 1st Annual Golf Tournament on September 16, 2025 at Wyndance Golf Club to support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. We have sponsorship tiers from $500-$5,000+ including beverage cart ($2,500) and skills contests ($1,000 each).

Please provide (200-300 words total):
Your 3-step strategy to secure corporate sponsors for this tournament
A 30-second elevator pitch explaining why a business should sponsor PLC's golf tournament
One creative sponsorship idea not alr