Director of Development
The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) advocates for all animals and in particular those animals whose lives it can influence through care, education, community engagement and relationships.
Are you passionate about the critical role that animals play in our lives, the important connection between animals and their people? Do you want be part of a leadership team that helps countless vulnerable animals in our community? Are you passionate about the role philanthropy plays in advancing this work?
If you have a proven track record in fundraising at a senior leadership level, and a passion for making our community a better place for animals, please consider applying today.
The Director of Development is responsible for leading a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program that relays impact through storytelling, inspires donor support, and fosters lasting relationships to advance the mission of GHS. They will be responsible for elevating GHS’s fundraising achievements through the creation and implementation of strategic directions that actively engage community partners, sponsors, prospects and donors at all levels; leveraging key relationships to achieve fundraising goals; securing major gifts, and promoting and enhancing the public image of the organization.
Reporting to the Executive Director and leading a team of four direct reports, the Director of Development is a key member of the senior management team at GHS and plays a leadership role in setting and executing the organization’s fundraising strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Establishes short-term and long-range goals for funding sources, with responsibility for growing giving and donations through a variety of channels including community giving, monthly giving, corporate giving, foundation support, planned giving, and major/leadership giving
- Builds and maintains strategic and collaborative relationships with donors, funders, and partners to increase opportunities for innovation and positive impact outcomes
- Grows, manages, and cultivates a pipeline of mid-level and major gift donors and prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Works to secure multi-year gifts that allow for future planning and support sustainability
- Prepares and negotiates gift agreements and proposals; strategically engages and supports volunteers, board members and internal leadership to cultivate prospects, solicit and close gifts
- Develops, implements, and maintains a forward-thinking donor stewardship and recognition program that cultivates loyalty and growth from all philanthropic sources, along with the development of a prospect acquisition strategy
- Develops legacy giving plans and strategies and promote legacy giving inside and outside the GHS
- Provides leadership over the planning and execution of fundraising events, ensuring each event is executed with excellence and results are evaluated and reviewed for continuous improvement in subsequent years
- Leads and manages a team of four fundraising professionals and motivates through coaching and mentoring
- Meets regularly with supporters, donors, prospects, partners, etc.
- Working closely with the Director of Communications & Community Engagement, develops and executes an annual stewardship and communications plan identifying key communications vehicles and events to maximize community partnerships and demonstrate impact to various audiences, including existing and potential donors/partners
- Participates as a member of the GHS leadership team to set strategic and organizational goals
- Embraces and consistently enacts organizational values of respect, caring, integrity and partnership, supported by being authentic and accountable to yourself and our team
Required Experience & Skills:
- Post secondary degree in a related field
- 7years of progressive experience in fundraising
- Proven track record in securing major gifts including developing a pipeline, prospect research, creating cases for support, and multi-year gifts
- Demonstrated success in donor appeals; donor relations, stewardship, and recognition; setting revenue and expense budgets; and communications/promotional activities
- Experience in building and retaining a high-performing team including recruiting, coaching, managing, and inspiring staff
- Demonstrated strategic thinking and leadership skills, with ability to work within a senior management team
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and a superior ability to build and foster solid relationships with tact and diplomacy
- Self-motivated, high energy, and results oriented with the drive to exceed expectations
- Excellent problem solving, research, and analytical skills, along with good judgment, flexibility, personal integrity, compassion, and adaptable to change
- Commitment to highest levels of professional standards and ethics, and knowledge of Canadian charity laws and CRA regulations
- Demonstrated proficiency in Raiser’s Edge (or similar CRM) and Microsoft Office
- Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is considered an asset
- Comfortable being around animals of all types and some general knowledge of animal care/responsible pet ownership would be an asset
- Excellent understanding of animal welfare would be an asset
Position Details:
- Full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) permanent position. Flexibility is needed for some evening and weekends.
- This position primarily works at the Guelph Humane Society, located at 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd. There is an option for working remote one day/week
- Requires a current driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
- Competitive paid time off, including vacation and personal days
- Group insurance benefits include dental, health, and vision care
- Opportunities for training and development
How to Apply:
Please include a resume and cover letter (including salary expectations) to Lisa Veit at lveit@guelphhumane.ca. Please indicate Director of Development in the subject line of your application. Applications are encouraged on a rolling basis up to February 19, 2024.
We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices. We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission, vision, and values.
GHS welcomes and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment process.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.