Director of Advancement

As a key member of the leadership team for the Jesuits of Canada, the Director of Advancement and Communications will develop a new Advancement and Communications Strategy that will innovate the Jesuits' approach to fundraising and strengthen relationships with donors, benefactors, and the wider public, while promoting the mission and values of the Jesuits across the country. This role is responsible for developing and growing fundraising and stewardship programs and initiatives, and leading effective communication strategies. The ideal candidate has strategic insight, proven fundraising experience, and exceptional communication skills, alongside a deep respect for the Ignatian spiritual tradition and Catholic identity.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Advancement and Communications Strategy and Implementation Plan aligned with the Jesuits' mission to double income over the next 3-5 years.
• Lead and mentor a well-established and experienced team in Toronto and Montreal in fundraising, donor relations, digital presence, publications, & media relations.
• Support the implementation of the new Advancement and Communications Strategy by guiding and coaching the team on new initiatives and responsibilities.
• Oversee the continued integration of Anglophone and Francophone fundraising operations, including donor CRM platforms.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Provincial (leader of the Jesuits in Canada) and leadership team on matters related to Communications and Advancement.

Advancement & Fundraising

• Conduct a review of current fundraising programs as part of the development of a new Advancement Strategy.
• Guide and support the planning and execution of all philanthropic initiatives, including Annual Appeals, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Donor Stewardship, and Campaigns Management.
• Build and maintain a strong portfolio of current and prospective Major Gift donors and Foundations.
• Move donors through the pipeline and convert them into Major Gift donors by building and maintaining relationships through ongoing stewardship.
• Develop individual strategies for high-capacity donors and prospects to renew and upgrade gifts.
• Develop a broad awareness of Jesuits' initiatives and identify areas for support.
• Partner with Jesuit works and affiliated organizations to support coordinated Advancement efforts.

Communications & Public Engagement

• Conduct a review of existing print and digital publications as part of the innovation of the Communications Strategy.
• Direct the production and distribution of print and digital publications (newsletters, magazines, annual reports).
• Guide the development of messaging that reflects Jesuit values and priorities and ensure brand consistency across platforms.
• Manage the organization's media relations, communications, and online presence, including website and social media channels.

Qualifications & attributes

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Advanced degree, preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in Advancement, Development, or Communications roles, preferably in a faith-based or non-profit setting.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to redesign fundraising programs and grow revenues.
• Proven success in achieving results, developing solicitation strategies and a track record of success cultivating, soliciting, and closing Major Gifts.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, ministry-based environment and religious organizational context.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the mission of the Catholic Church and the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
• Inspirational and mission-driven leader with strong team management skills.
• Experience with Blackbaud donor management, and familiarity with CRM systems, such as Salesforce and HubSpot, and digital marketing and communications tools.
• Discreet and trustworthy, with a high degree of professional integrity.

This position is based in
Toronto
, with regular travel to Montreal and occasional travel to other locations across Canada.

Please send your CV and cover letter to