Fundraising Relationship Specialist

**Who we are**

At Heart & Stroke our mission is to promote health, save lives and enhance recovery. We are committed to a culture that exemplifies our core values: champion health, practice humility, embrace change, drive impact, learn and grow and be heartfelt as we work together to beat heart disease and stroke.

To learn more about our mission, values, commitment to EDI, and the difference Heart & Stroke makes in the lives of people in Canada at every age, please visit our website.

**Who we need**

Our bold, dynamic and passionate Development team, who has the honor of building and nurturing donor and volunteer relationships who raise funds to enable the Foundation to deliver its critical mission and reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke in Canada, is looking for a full time permanent Fundraising Relationship Specialist (VIP) to join the team

Reporting to the Senior Fundraising Relationship Manager, GTA, the Fundraising Relationship Specialist (VIP) will lead the effective delivery of the Heart and Stroke’s fundraising initiatives through the coordinated efforts of volunteer resources.

**In this role you will**:

- Promote Heart & Stroke’s (H&S) mission, and invite others to become involved with our foundation in a way that is meaningful to them
- Develop, maintain, engage, recognize and grow volunteer partnerships and community supporter relationships
- Ensure full support and operation of H&S fundraising with excellence and in alignment with our organizational values
- Steward and build relationships through active and ongoing engagement initiatives

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required for this role as travel in and around the GTA will occasionally be required (mileage reimbursement provided). This Hybrid role will work from a home office; however, may on occasion be required to attend meetings or collaboration sessions at our Toronto office.

**How you will make an impact every day**

Maximize fundraising initiatives through active stewardship and relationship management for the region
- Create plans and implement all fundraising activities for Fundraise Your Way and VIP Ride for Heart Fundraising, ensuring they are fully supported, and operating to meet revenue goals and KPI’s
- Proactively approach and create initial contact with community members with the goal of inviting new support and participation
- Maintain excellent relationships with established supporters and liaise with prospects to maximize all available opportunities for partnerships and revenue growth
- Manage all promotion/communications plans and activities
- Support and inspire fundraising organizers, participants and volunteers so they can be successful in their desire to support Heart & Stroke
- Assist individuals including, but not limited to, all Ride VIP’s Nationally, with online fundraising
- Create plans to ensure regular engagement of key donors, organizers and stakeholders
- Anticipate participant needs and proactively search for solutions to ensure participant expectations are met or exceeded
- Monitor and adjust plans, real time, to influence fundraising and relationship outcomes
- Build, manage and sustain the internal business relationships necessary to support achievement of fundraising goals
- Identify and recommend new and current relationships that could serve the organization while ensuring continued growth and success of fundraising initiatives
- Create an excellent experience and positive interaction for all who are involved with Heart & Stroke
- Support the implementation and execution of new regional and national initiatives

Volunteer relationships, engagement, and management
- Recruit, develop, train and work alongside an appropriate mix of regional volunteers to support fundraising activities
- Lead, manage, set priorities as well as determine development and training needs of volunteers to strengthen volunteer structures including meetings, volunteer recognition and stewardship

Plan and initiate promotional activities that supports and enhances H&S’s community presence
- Attend and actively participate in local networking, community, and health-related events
- Identify mission opportunities to engage donors
- Deliver a variety of presentations to workplaces, community groups and stewardship events

**What you bring**

**Educational Requirements**
- Post-secondary education
- CFRE certification and involvement in a professional association is an asset

**Work Experience**
- 3-4 years of related experience in fundraising, sales and relationship management
- Volunteer engagement and experience working with diverse communities
- Experience and comfort developing new relationships and fundraising opportunities
- Event planning, coordination and/or project management experience would be an asset

**Skills**
- A professional and exceptional donor centric service approach
- Proficient with remote technology, online and social platforms
- Developing rapport virtuall