About Defeat Duchenne Canada:

Defeat Duchenne Canada is the country’s only national charity dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We have provided leadership in research, advocacy and support since 1995 when John Davidson, our Founder and his son, Jesse, embarked on their epic journey to raise awareness and funds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research. We will continue to fight, alongside families impacted by Duchenne, for improved treatments and equitable access for all, to ensure those affected can live long, active lives.

About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy:

One in every 5,000 boys is born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common fatal form of muscular dystrophy. The disease is relentless. It slowly weakens the body’s muscles, deteriorating function of vital organs and ultimately – shortens life. Although some medical treatments have been developed to help slow progression that are in use in a number of countries worldwide, the options currently available in Canada are extremely limited and unfortunately, there is no cure.

 Role Overview:

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Development provides strategic leadership to the overall fund development portfolio. In doing so, they will work collaboratively with all members of Defeat Duchenne Canada’s small staff team. The Director will leverage their experience leading a wide-range of fundraising streams including peer to peer/event-based fundraising, direct mail, tribute, individual, and corporate giving, major gifts and sponsorship. They will demonstrate skill in cultivating and stewarding donor relationships and providing meaningful recognition to build deep and lasting connections.

The Director, Development will work with the CEO to build a robust fund development strategy, with a strong focus on high return on investment activities. They will also build and provide leadership to an impactful Fund Development Volunteer Committee to increase capacity and support for this critical portfolio. The Director will bring a solid understanding of Raiser’s Edge in order to effectively manage donor relationships, maximize the software’s functionality and provide oversight and support to Defeat Duchenne Canada’s Database Administrator.

Direct Report(s):

You will co-manage the Administrator, Finance, Database and Support with the CEO, to ensure excellence in Raiser’s Edge record keeping, gift processing and reporting.

 Key Professional Responsibilities:

Provide strategic leadership to the following revenue streams:

• Major and Individual giving (direct mail, general online donations, monthly, tribute)
• Events (Walk to Defeat Duchenne, Duchenne Family & 3^rd Party Fundraising)
• Major gifts
• Corporate philanthropic giving and corporate/Industry Sponsorship
• Community partnerships
• Grants (Foundations, Government and other)
• Manage a portfolio of relationships; personally soliciting and closing gifts as well as prospecting, cultivating and stewarding donors to maintain and deepen engagement
• Develop communication materials in collaboration with the Manager, Marketing and Communications. (i.e.: appeal letters, donor correspondence, Case for Support, etc.)
• Provide statistical analysis of donor and fundraising activities

Compensation and Vacation Entitlements

The starting salary range for this position will be $75,000-$80,000. Defeat Duchenne Canada also offers a comprehensive benefits package and generous vacation entitlement that will include 3-weeks vacation to start plus 5 paid days off between Christmas and the new year as well as our summer Friday program which includes Fridays leading up to each long weekend between Victoria Day and Thanksgiving (5 Fridays total). Pay for performance increases may be earned annually, budget permitting and come into effect on January 1.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position. In most cases those hours will be worked Monday- Friday although this role may require some evenings and weekends to attend conferences, meetings with volunteers, donors or other key stakeholders.

Place of Employment

If candidate is in Greater London, ON, It is preferable they work from our London office most days. Otherwise, this position can be performed remotely from anywhere in Canada with occasional visits to London for Defeat Duchenne Canada team activities and/or in-person meetings with key donors and stakeholders in the London area. Occasional travel in Canada may also be required on rare occasions to attend conferences, education events, forums, etc.  

Qualifications

• 5 years fundraising leadership experience in the charitable sector, across multiple fund development channels, (peer to peer/events, major gifts, direct mail, legacy giving, etc.)
• Relevant post-secondary degree
• Proven ability to engage, cultivate and secure major gifts
• Strong strategic abilities
• Ability to develop and manage budgets and operational plans
• Raiser’s Edge experience (or similar customer relationship management software)
• Ability to work independently/remotely as required
• Team player with proven ability to collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Staff management experience
• Ability to manage projects and supplier relationships ensuring adherence to timelines, budget and scope

Please submit your resume and cover letter to CEO, Lisa McCoy (lisa.mccoy@defeatduchenne.ca), no later than Friday, July 5.