THE OPPORTUNITY

Kerry’s Place, Canada’s largest service provider for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families, is seeking a Director, Community and Donor Engagement to lead fundraising, volunteer, and community engagement in support of the mission of enhancing the quality of life for people with Autism.

Reporting to the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives this new position will be responsible for all revenue generation programs and activities and will represent Kerry’s Place in communities throughout Ontario.

The Director will lead the development of a comprehensive fund development strategy and subsequent annual plans, with a goal of strengthening existing initiatives and implementing new streams of revenue. The incumbent will identify resource requirements to support the strategic direction for fundraising and community engagement including current and future investments in staffing, volunteers, systems, and processes. The Director will manage and implement fundraising plans and activities, event coordination, corporate partnerships, team development, and volunteer relationships.

This is an opportunity for an experienced fundraising generalist with a passion for engaging broad and diverse communities to build relationships across Ontario and grow a fundraising program. Along with fundraising, experience working with volunteers and coordinating events as well as promoting the mission throughout the community will contribute to success in the position.

At Kerry’s Place, we help enhance the quality of life for more than 8000 people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) each year! Our dedicated team of professionals have become experts in the field through our continuous training and development programs. Get ready for a fun and vibrant career because every day is an adventure at Kerry’s Place!

ABOUT KERRY’S PLACE

Kerry’s Place is Canada’s largest service provider to families with children, adolescents, and adults, with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Since 1974 Kerry’s Place has been creating and providing evidence-based supports and services across the province of Ontario that enhance the quality of life of those with ASD.

With staff of more than 1200, Kerry’s Place is one of the only organizations in the country that serves the entire life span of those with ASD.

Through the Ontario Autism Program, we provide children and youth, and their families a menu of timely, evidence-based services needed to achieve their goals at home, at school, and within their communities. This initiative serves individuals with ASD up to age 18, delivering skill-building groups, individual consultation, parent training and coaching, system navigation and family support.

Programs and Services

Kerry’s Place provides numerous Community Services and Supports, including our day and overnight respite options to provide a well-deserved break for families with loved ones with Autism, along with our many camps, swim programs and leisure groups.

Our Adult Skill-Building and Peer Support Groups broaden the social circle for every individual we support.  Our Employment Programs help young adults with Autism develop skills that lead to meaningful, lasting employment opportunities.

We provide adults with ASD Residential and Semi-Independent Living Supports at 90 distinct properties across Ontario. Our group living approach provides a safe, 24-hour, home environment where residents are encouraged to pursue their own personal goals including outings into the community, employment, athletics, and a varied array of hobbies and interests.

Many of our residents grow with Kerry’s Place, spending upwards of 30 years with us. And through a lifetime of shared pursuits and generational experiences, we too, grow with them.

Our Vision

Persons with Autism are full and equal members of their communities.

Our Mission

To enhance the quality of life for persons with Autism by being leaders in:

• Developing and providing evidence-based support; and
• Building capacity by sharing our knowledge and expertise.

Our Values

• Demonstrating Respect by celebrating diversity, supporting inclusion, and advancing the dignity and uniqueness of all persons.
• Empowering Choice by providing opportunities and supporting the right of all persons to make informed decisions.
• Demonstrating Integrity through truthful, accountable, and ethical actions and relationships.
• Promoting Collaboration through person centred care and partnerships, seeking input and valuing diverse perspectives.
• Striving for Excellence through continuous learning and quality improvement.

Our Aspirations

Over the course of the current strategic period and on through to 2035 we aspire to be:

• An acknowledged leader in the ASD sector, known for developing and delivering best-in-class services and supports to persons with ASD and their families.
• A nationally recognized authority on providing effective services and supports for persons with ASD and their families; sought after to participate in projects, research and learning conferences worldwide; and a go-to resource for those seeking an expert opinion.
• An organization raising multi-million dollars annually in order to do more for those we currently serve and to serve those for whom there is no government funding available.
• An employer known for supporting its employees by providing meaningful careers that make a difference in the lives of those living with ASD.

2023-2026 Strategic Plan

Strategic Theme #1: Service Excellence

Strategic Result: A high performing organization that provides innovative and exceptional services for Autistic individuals and their families, and that supports the future growth and sustainability of the organization.

Strategic Theme #2: Organizational Excellence

Strategic Result: A high performing organization with exceptional people able to adapt and provide excellent supports and services.

Strategic Theme #3: Sector Leadership

Strategic Result: A leader in providing innovative and exceptional services across people’s lifespan.

Fundraising At Kerry’s Place

Fundraising currently makes up about 0.5% of overall revenue, driven by the annual Golf Classic event, major gifts from individuals and foundations, and monthly giving. The goal of the Director Community and Donor Engagement is to work with the team to develop a holistic strategy to grow all aspects of the fundraising program (including major and planned gifts, direct response, community events and special events). In addition, our ambition is to launch specific campaigns to help fund exciting projects on the horizon.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Kerry’s Place Autism Services
• Our History
• Senior Leadership Team
• Annual Reports
• Publications
• Services & Support
• Fundraising
• Strategic Themes

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy and Management

• Lead the development of an effective multi-year fundraising strategy to fulfill the objectives of Kerry’s Place’s Strategic Plan.  Develop annual fundraising plans to execute the strategy.
• Launch and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive fundraising program, including Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Direct Response, Community Events and Special Events.
• Develop, collaborate, and maintain positive relationships with donors, families, volunteers, partners, and the community.
• Deliver cultivation and stewardship of major donors and corporate sponsors in collaboration with the leadership team.
• Manage the signature Kerry’s Place event, the Annual Golf Classic, including chairing committee meetings, ensuring minutes are distributed and partners are updated.
• Act as point of contact for third-party community events working one-on-one with vendors where appropriate, ensuring they receive timely communication and have resources available to increase funds.
• Represent the organization at a variety of events in the areas where we provide services.
• Develop and deliver regular, effective donor communications that demonstrates impact, ensures appropriate recognition, and inspires giving.
• Assist in the development of a comprehensive capital effort to take place in 1-3 years.
• Evaluate donor recognition and launch a recognition program.
• Develop a donor prospect pipeline by researching new potential sponsors and donors, developing strategies for cultivation, and reaching out.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Team to design promotional material, share positive outcomes, ensure the website is current and easily navigated by supporters regarding fundraising content, and ensure that the use of social media channels is built into any/all plans.

Leadership

• Demonstrate support for the Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan of Kerry’s Place.
• Act as a face and voice for Kerry’s Place in the community, engaging the senior team and staff where appropriate.
• Motivate, support, and recognize volunteers and committee members to ensure their engagement is optimized through effective stewardship.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, recruit appropriate staff of Kerry’s Place and volunteers as required for fundraising initiatives.
• Participate in both internal and external committees and task forces as needed.
• Apply a continuous improvement approach to processes and reports to provide insights into Kerry’s Place operations, opportunities, and challenges.
• Keep abreast of fundraising trends and best practices, methods of giving, and other opportunities for strategic donor growth.

Resource Management

• Develop and report on annual fundraising budgets and maintain operations within budget including authorization of expenditures as per Finance policy.
• Review data requirements and systems and set the path for moving forward with a commitment to data integrity that will strengthen donor experience.
• Maintain customer relationship database and provide recommendations for increased efficiency, promoting fundraising data integrity throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with the Finance Department to manage donations and adhere to appropriate recording and receipting of gifts.
• Review and adhere to all Policies and Procedures at Kerry’s Place, including Finance & Administration; Services & Supports; Human Resources; Health & Safety, and all others.
• Adhere to management responsibilities for Health & Safety as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and applicable regulations.
• Adhere to the Donor Bill of Rights and engages in ethical decision making in all fundraising endeavors.
• Remain current with all related legislative requirements such as: Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Experience

• Track record of success in fundraising, community engagement and/or donor cultivation.
• Strong knowledge of charitable organizations.
• Excellent relationship-building/management skills both internally and externally.
• Proven experience in leading and managing cultivation and stewardship events.
• Demonstrated experience in prospect pipeline development.
• Experience leading volunteers for fundraising event planning and execution.
• Experience and/or a passion for working with vulnerable populations.
• Working knowledge of related legislation and regulations such as: Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, etc.
• Financial record-keeping experience and knowledge of budgeting is an asset.
• Proficiency working with fundraising data systems.
• CFRE designation and/or education in Fundraising, Event Management or other related fields is considered an asset. 

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Position requires flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Travel required across all regions where services and support are provided.
• As a condition of employment, all employees must have and provide proof of full COVID-19 immunization. Where a person is unable to vaccinate for human rights protected reasons, an accommodation may be provided.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

KCI Search + Talent has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Kerry’s Place. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Mia Gardiner, Senior Consultant, KCI Search + Talent by email at KP@kcitalent.com.

All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence. Interested candidates should send resume and letter of interest to the email address listed above by December 11, 2023.

The total compensation hiring range for this position is $97,000-$108,500, including a variable pay component recognizing the unique role and revenue generation responsibilities, with annual increases. Kerry’s Place offers a wide range of additional benefits.

Kerry’s Place is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from all qualified persons. Kerry’s Place is also committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

To view the full Position Brief, please visit www.kcitalent.com