Community Relations Specialist

Become a changemaker with Islamic Relief Canada Join our team and work towards our mission to mobilize Canadians to transform more lives around the world in the most trusted manner.

About the Department:
The Fund Development department aims to develop and implement strategies to increase the funding income of Islamic Relief through a range of fundraising initiatives and through acquisition and retention of donors, volunteers and community supporters.

Job Purpose:
This position will work directly under the Regional Manager and will be responsible for supporting the achievement of organizational objectives related to developing and strengthening community relations. The role includes representing the organization at fundraising and other events, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, and serving as the main point of contact and representative of IRC with a focus on major donors—nurturing existing relationships and developing new ones. Each regional representative will follow a standardized approach to community engagement and donor cultivation to ensure alignment and consistency across the region.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Community Relations- Explore and develop new relationships and partnerships with the goal of widening community outreach and increasing the number of new donors to Islamic Relief.- Conduct public speaking engagements on behalf of Islamic Relief.- Manage the stakeholder relationships by holding regular meetings, providing feedback on donations and exploring what Islamic Relief can offer them.- Manage mosque and community relations.- Organizing Jummah or Taraweeh collections for campaigns.- Distribute material for specific campaigns at mosques and other gatherings (Ramadan, Qurbani, Emergencies).- Set up fundraisers at mosques and in the community to raise funds and awareness.- Meet fundraising targets and ensure return on investment is met with individuals and/or networks we partner with.- Formalise partnerships with individuals and networks by following the necessary protocols, i.e. establishing a Memorandum of Understanding or contracts.- Provide fundraising support to stakeholders working with Islamic Relief.- Respond to fundraising and other enquiries in relation to regional activities.- Communicate performance and provide regular updates to Line Manager.- Utilize all regional and personal social media platforms to promote Islamic Relief messaging, campaigns, activities and appeals.

2. Major Donors- Maintain relationships with major donors across Western Canada through regular touchpoints, feedback, and stewardship activities.- Focus on upgrading existing donors to new projects, learning their profiles and presenting relevant program opportunities.- Support Islamic Relief with the development of a Major Gifts Engagement Strategy.- Acquire new major donors through outreach and fundraising activities.- Develop and implement a major donor strategy in consultation and collaboration with Head of Region and Head of Department.- Ensure donor journey is being implemented across regions.

Qualifications & Competencies

**Experience**:
- Experience in establishing and developing relationships with key stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:
- Knowledge and understanding of the local region and community- Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to motivate and manage volunteers- Excellent communication skills Excellent presentation skills- Strong motivation and empathy towards the aims and objectives of the organization- Numerical skills, the ability to work accurately under pressure and pay attention to detail- Ability to represent Islamic Relief in a wide range of situations- IT literate with ability to use Microsoft 365, data bases and project management tools to deliver on KPIs.- Strong organizational skills i.e. ability to prioritize and plan work, set and achieve deadlines, establish and maintain monitoring systems etc.

Other:
- Current local driving license and access to a vehicle.- Have a flexible approach to work in order to accommodate events, functions and work activity.- Willingness to travel nationally and internationally, and at short notice.

Starting Salary:
$60,000.00