Director of Philanthropy

Our client, YWCA Canada is looking for a Director of Philanthropy to join their team.  With a demonstrated track record in fundraising, this individual is tired of superficial approaches to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the non-profit sector and wants to disrupt traditional approaches to philanthropy.   

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), this role demands a hands-on people person excelling in the area of Philanthropy.   A strong team player, who is committed to mainstreaming an anti-oppression lens, and having candid conversations about how the potential for advocacy creates social change.  With two to three direct reports and working in close collaboration with the rest of the senior leadership team, you lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to pan-Canadian campaigns, mentoring and coaching QTBIPOC leadership, nurturing ongoing relationships, and strategic program innovation. Being media savvy, you have a strong eye for co-creating campaigns which tap into the activist and changemaker in donors.  

As an integral member of the YWCA Canada senior leadership team, the responsibilities of the Director (supported by the CEO):  

• In consultation with the leadership team, manage YWCA Canada’s response to calls for proposals, including writing narratives, developing budgets, communicating with funders, and monitoring funding opportunities for the federation.
• Creating, updating, and/or maintaining a strategic fundraising plan with weekly and daily targets around contacting prospects and maintaining donor relationships as part of annual fundraising campaigns with clear deliverables in:
  • Growing digital fundraising and awareness campaigns with clear metrics;
  • Piloting Peer2Peer fundraising initiatives in collaboration with YWCA activists and supporters;
  • Leading the ongoing planning, promotion, execution, and evaluation of two main annual fundraising campaigns;
  • Leading the development of pan-Canadian fundraising strategies with the CEO and 31 YWCA member associations; decisions are made together with a national committee representing YWCA’s members;
  • Prospecting and securing additional monetary and in-kind donations and sponsorships to support events and/or planned program needs;
  • Managing a donor recognition program for YWCA Canada donors;
  • Evaluating and negotiating all Third-Party fundraising opportunities and formally managing contracts/ community partner delivery in line with YWCA Canada’s mission, vision, and values;
  • Collaborating with YWCA member associations to document and disseminate best practices in fundraising.

You are also responsible for, but not limited to, the following core deliverables: 

• • General Fund Development portfolio oversight (acquisition/retention and administration);
  • Co-ordinate data management of donors, community partners, sponsors, in-kind and other sources of income using database management tools (e.g. Artez, DonorPerfect) – as well as operate other software and systems (CanadaHelps, etc.);
  • Develop a work plan in collaboration with a National YWCA Committee of stakeholders to identify opportunities for income diversification and execute the work plan;
  • Prepare and deliver donor prospecting and lead generation plans, and ensure effective stewardship and recognition plans for existing donor/ support base;
  • Prepare and deliver major supporting documents and reports such as a “Case For Support”; major event progress/performance reports to YWCA membership; annual and monthly overview reports to donors; donor recognition communications and efforts; and, press/media releases;
  • Ongoing development and implementation of communication plans in support of fund development initiatives;
  • Represent the agency in a public relations capacity for community development, partnership, and prospecting for fund development, advocacy, and branding;
  • Report on targets and deliverables that support the organization’s financial goals;
  • Support individual professional development plans of your direct reports;
  • Collaborate with members of the senior leadership team to develop and implement YWCA Canada procedures and policies;
  • Contribute to fund development-related web development, social media, video production, and other traditional/digital marketing and promotional materials;
  • Build, support, and manage strategic collaborative partnerships;
  • Develop and initiate new fundraising, programming, and service delivery ideas in partnership with ethnically, and economically diverse individuals, institutions, and groups;
  • Conduct public speaking/presentations and represent an agency with professionalism.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in philanthropy, non-profit management or leadership, business administration, marketing, communications, public relations, humanities, or a related field. A certificate in Fundraising management would be an asset;
• 5-10 years of professional philanthropy experience in a fast-paced charitable or non-profit environment;
• A minimum of 5 years of comprehensive fundraising experience;
• A minimum of 3 years of supervisory, management, or leadership experience with a strong ability to motivate and facilitate the development of others;
• CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) designation or in progress;
• Membership in AFP and a local/national planned giving professional society is preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to build and cultivate a culture of philanthropy within an organization and to engage in one-on-one solicitation and ongoing donor stewardship;
• Extensive experience with solicitation and stewardship of individual, foundation, and corporate donors, donors and potential donor cultivation and research, grant writing, and special events;
• A successful track record in executing strategy, setting priorities, managing multiple projects, and working effectively under pressure to achieve individual and organizational goals;
• Advanced ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Strong level of emotional intelligence and ability to listen to others;
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, SharePoint, Donor Perfect, RaisersEdge, granting/donor databases (and management tools), customer relationship management systems, digital communications (social media sites, web content management), and online fund processing systems;
• Exceptional service orientation and strong interpersonal skills. Ability to negotiate and influence others;
• Strong organizational, detail-orientated, analytical, problem-solving, decision-making skills;
• Advanced verbal, and written communication skills, including presentation skills;
• A consummate team player with a flexible, collaborative, and creative approach;
• An ongoing commitment to learning and developing as a professional remains apprised of best practice research;
• Fluently bilingual in (English and French) is an asset;
• Experience working with a board of directors is an asset;
• Knowledge of AFP guidelines, Donor Bill of Rights, and CRA Guidelines is an asset;
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends when required in a variety of social and physical settings along with travel and offsite work (outside of COVID).

Why work at YWCA Canada?

• A collegial work environment that actively encourages collaboration and work-life balance
• An employer-matching pension plan
• A competitive salary based on experience and skills
• A generous benefits package that includes a 3-week base paid vacation, s, health and dental coverage and a supplemental health spending account
• Our offices are closed between Christmas and New Year, which adds another week off to spend with loved ones
• A flexible work culture that takes into account family responsibilities, travel time, job duties, and many other factors

We are always exploring ways to keep the workload manageable, prioritizing rest, welcoming new ideas of looking at modern ways of working, and making our office a top employer.

The successful candidate will be committed to working from an anti-oppression, feminist perspective. We encourage women from racialized and/or newcomer, gender diverse, non-binary and/or gender fluid, 2SLGBTQIA+ First Nation, Métis and Inuit, immigrant, refugee, BIPOC, and people living with disabilities to apply.

YWCA Canada acknowledges that its national office and its member associations are situated upon traditional and current Indigenous territories. These lands are covered by treaties to peaceably share and care for the resources around the territories. Today, these lands are home to many Indigenous Peoples from across Turtle Island (North America), and we recognize the historical oppression and inequalities that they continue to face. YWCA Canada is conscious of its role in truth and reconciliation efforts and is committed to rebuilding and renewing respectful relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.