Director, Major Gifts
Why Literacy? Work with purpose at United for Literacy.
Canada’s literacy divide widens daily because so many people lack adequate support. Solving systemic literacy challenges is key to advancing social equity and prosperity across our country. Literacy changes everything.
United for Literacy (formerly Frontier College) is a national charity that was founded in 1899. We believe literacy is a right, and that every place can be a learning place. Our vision is a Canada in which everyone has the literacy skills they need to achieve their goals at school, at work, and in life. Our mission is to provide local learning support programs that change lives.
We encourage applications that reflect the diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds we serve at United for Literacy (UFL). In keeping with our ongoing efforts to promote equity and reflect the diversity of our organization, we encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.
The Opportunity
We are currently seeking a senior fundraising leader responsible for the overall strategy, performance, and growth of individual giving ($25,000 +) This role provides strategic leadership across major giving program, while directly managing a portfolio of approximately 75 donors. The Director leads integrated fundraising efforts, working cross-functionally to ensure donor centred fundraising across the organization, taking ownership of his/her portfolio, with a focus on our major giving program including donor advise funds and planned giving.
The Director of Major Gifts will work closely with the Vice President of Philanthropy & Communications. He/she will also work with and other staff members at United for Literacy including the executive team and the communications and marketing team, to develop, create, and implement individual campaigns and donor engagement strategies.
Comfortable working independently the Director, Major Gifts is a proactive, self-starter who thrive on building long-term relationships, with donors whose values align with those of United for Literacy. This role involves planning, organizing, and coordinating various strategies for prospecting, nurturing, soliciting, and retaining donors under your responsibility, as well as expanding the current and potential donor base.
Your Main Responsibilities and Major Duties
- Donor Conversion & Strategy (80%)
- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive annual and multi-year individual giving. strategy to meet ambitious revenue and donor growth goals.
- Build and manage a portfolio of major gift donors ($25,000+).
- Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure major gifts.
- Provide strategic oversight for major giving program, including annual and monthly gifts.
- Provide strategic input regarding integrated fundraising and pipeline development.
- Provide strong leadership to the Individual giving team strengthen moves management and integrated fundraising.
- Support volunteer engagement in donor cultivation and solicitation activities.
- Work closely with Vice President, Philanthropy & Communications to align donor communications, campaigns and pipeline strategies.
- Analysis & Reporting (20%)
- Oversee the analysis of donor trends, risks, and opportunities, leveraging both historical and predictive insights.
- Monitor performance against targets and recommend course corrections as required.
- Monitor and track moves management and pipeline performance using donor database.
- Superior record keeping skills, ability to develop and manage budgets and financial reports.
- Prepare high quality reports and strategic recommendations for senior leadership and the Board members as needed.
Skills, Attributes and Requirements
- 5 to 7 years of proven track record of success in major gift development from high-capacity individuals securing annual major gifts ($25,000+)
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated initiative, enthusiasm and tenacity in achieving revenue targets.
- Experience developing donor journeys and implementing integrated fundraising strategies.
- Experience with development of individual appeals.
- Experience with donor databases (Donor Perfect preferred) and fundraising analytics.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical capability and sound judgment.
- Experience leading and developing fundraising teams.
- Inclusive leadership style and commitment to donor centered, equitable fundraising practices
- Experience working collaboratively across multiple departments and working closely with senior level executive leaders and volunteers.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across and outside of the organization.
- Exceptional diplomacy skills and tact, including discretion and ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
- Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities with accuracy, discretion and professionalism.
- Superior attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a reliable ability to deliver on commitments.
- Working knowledge of data management systems, including strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Excel and Word.
- Adaptable in a remote work model and expected to travel domestically as needed.
- A university degree is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Assets (Preferred)
- Mastery of fundraising best practices, including relationship management (moves management), donor segmentation, prospect research, and stewardship strategies.
- Experience in a national nonprofit organization or in a complex philanthropic environment.
- Knowledge of emerging trends in philanthropy and data informed approaches to guide development strategies.
- Ability to embody the values of United for Literacy, namely equity, inclusion, respect, and collaboration, in relationships with donors and teams.
Working with United for Literacy
Hours of Work: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (some evening or weekend hours required) In addition to your salary, you will benefit from:
- 15 vacation days per calendar year, pro-rated.
- Plus: paid time off during our seasonal closure between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
- Plus: half-days off before some long weekends (start your long weekend early!)
- Plus: generous and compassionate wellness time allowance, and a “floating day” for personal/cultural events.
- Flexible work hours, remote work options (in consultation with your supervisor).
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental benefits package after probationary
- Employer-matched contribution to defined contribution pension plan. Eligible to enroll after one year of
- A work environment that seeks to be open, inclusive, and
- Staff-led groups and committees as well as national team-wide trainings and
Ready to Join Our Team? Please email your cover letter and resume to: ywu@unitedforliteracy.ca
Subject Line: (Insert Job Title – Your Name)
No phone calls, please. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview. For more information about United for Literacy visit www.unitedforliteracy.ca
We welcome applications from individuals who self-identify on the basis of any of the protected grounds under the Human Rights Code. We are committed to integration and maintaining the independence of individuals and removing barriers to accessibility in the workplace. We are committed to full compliance with the Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation. We invite applicants to request accommodation, as required, throughout the application and hiring process.