Foundation Manager

**Background**
The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable foundation that partners with the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, and Schlegel Villages to enhance care and quality of life for older adults. Through engagement with key partners and collaborators, RIA supports practice-relevant research and knowledge mobilization. Research evidence is used to inform programs, education and training, and influence practice and policy.

**Primary Purpose**
The foundation manager provides operational leadership to RIA fundraising in alignment with RIA values. This role is responsible for inspiring and securing donors and accountable for meeting or surpassing fundraising targets. Additionally, the foundation manager will also be responsible for developing and executing the fundraising plan, leading donor stewardship, partnership and relationship development, and event planning. The individual will be capable of building superior relationships and be a people person. The foundation manager will require a hands-on approach engaging in fundraising activities from start to finish. This role will work closely with the senior leadership team to profile the RIA, secure new donors and is accountable to the executive director.

The role will support RIA’s vision, mission, and values as well as have an interest and passion for enhancing quality of life and care for older adults and team members working in senior living.

**Key Accountabilities**
**1. **Fundraising Lead**: Develop and execute an annual implementation plan to meet or surpass fundraising targets. Contribute to creative brainstorming to develop new and enhance existing methods to raise funds for the organization. Manage and execute fundraising policies and procedures. Design, execute and manage the annual business plans related to fundraising, which include activities such as giving projects, while controlling financial outlooks and budgets. Evaluate the performance of fundraising efforts to inform future activities and direction. Leverage technology to improve fundraising activities.

**2. Partnership and Relationship Development**:Establish, maintain and foster relationships with donors and the community to build partnerships and enhance fundraising activities. Research potential donors to gain insight into needs, beliefs and donation habits to identify strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships. Create and maintain comprehensive donor recognition programs including accountability strategies to donors so they feel their donations are valued. Establish, manage and maintain a donor database to ensure a complete and orderly record of donors and to foster strong relationships and communication with all existing and future donors.

**3. **Event Planning**: Lead planning and delivery of RIA events and activities that profiles the RIA to prospective donors and the community.

**4. **Communication**: Excellent written and verbal communication skills (including the use of plain language) to interact and communicate with the RIA team, partners and donors. Excellent presentation skills to education and engage prospective donors with the RIA. Proactively communicate and engage with donors and the senior fundraising steering committee. Lead communication campaigns via newsletters, social media, mail to generate donations and develop collateral materials to support fundraising efforts.

**5. **Other**:Take on additional tasks, activities and special projects, as they arise.

**Position Requirements**

**Education**:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or related/field.

**Skills and Experience**:

- Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising.
- Experience using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to manage donor engagement, communication and relations.
- Ability to exemplify a commitment to the RIA’s mission, vision and values.
- Creative, imaginative and entrepreneurial attitude towards fundraising.
- Ability to influence others using excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Exceptional communication skills, including oral presentations tailored to different audiences.
- Demonstrated financial aptitude and efficiency in use of financial digital tools.
- Managing multiple tasks and competing priorities in an organized and efficient manner.
- Ability to problem solve and drive, plan and manage change.
- Ability to lead and participate in committees and/or project teams.
- Demonstrated self-starter with a proactive attitude who can anticipate needs.
- Experience with evaluation and reporting on donor outcomes to influence direction and activities.
- Experience and fluency using Microsoft Office and Google Workspace products.
- Fluent in English. Fluency in French is an asset but not required.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be available for travel.
- Eligible to obtain a police background/criminal record check.

**Scope of Work**
- **Interpersonal