DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Are you motivated by the opportunity to build a fundraising program that empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families to fully participate in their communities? If so, we encourage you to apply.
About Us:
The Geneva Centre for Autism Foundation (GCAF) is a fundraising arm of the Geneva Center for Autism (GCA) charged with raising funds in support of GCA. GCAF’s purpose is to enable opportunities for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to live, learn and engage in their communities by raising funds and supporting programming, education, and training initiatives offered through the GCA.
About You:
We are seeking a dynamic and self-motivated fundraising professional who excels at finding, and creating new opportunities for engagement, innovation, and growth. You will have outstanding interpersonal, communication, writing, and public speaking skills. You will be self-motivated, work well under pressure and be able to handle several projects at one time. You will have good judgment and, ideally, a sense of humour.
The Role:
In this new and exciting opportunity, the Director of Development has an important role to play in the community and within the GCA. You will create and oversee the implementation of a new diversified, integrated and collaborative fundraising strategy in alignment with the GCA strategic framework, which will include annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate donations, special events, grants, and in-kind gifts.
You will work collaboratively with the board, volunteers, GCA, and GCAF teams at all levels to deliver exceptional cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and partners and to understand the needs of the GCA. You will model the best practices by actively leading a portfolio of key major and corporate donors, by building long-lasting and productive relationships.
- Overall you will be responsible for:
• Develop multi-year fundraising plan aligned to the overall business plan of GCA and 5 year GCA Strategic Plan
• Develop and manage timelines for various fundraising activities to ensure strategic plans and critical fundraising processes are carried out in a timely manner
• Implement the fundraising plan in accordance with ethical fundraising principles
• Monitor and evaluate all fundraising activities to ensure that the fundraising goals are being achieved with strong financial oversight and strong donor relationships
• Directly manage a personal portfolio of top-tier prospects and donors including individuals and foundations, and strategic partnerships with corporations and other organizations.
• Monitor trends in the community or region and adapt fundraising strategies as necessary
• Foster a culture of philanthropy within the organization
• Develop a comprehensive communication plan to promote the organization to its donors and maximize public awareness of the fundraising activities of the organization
• Build relationships with community stakeholders to advance the mission and fundraising goals of the organization
• Establish and maintain a highly collaborative relationship with the GCA Foundation Board of Directors, ensuring they have the information required to execute their governance function
• Engage volunteers for special fund development projects
• Develop strong processes to effectively manage the Foundation and its administration, including maintaining all donor mailing lists and databases, GCAF’s online presence, records, and key metrics. - What you bring to the role:
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation will be considered an asset
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive fundraising experience and demonstrated track record of success in raising six-figure gifts/donations
• Understanding of sector trends in corporate social responsibility/community investment and sponsorship
• Experience in pipeline development, prospect review and qualification, proposal development, report writing, successful cultivation and solicitation
• Ability to align corporate/donor interest with approved funding priorities/case for support to inspire giving and long-term engagement
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrable experience in planning donor events and activities and creating/managing a program of donor contacts designed to increase annual revenue
• An entrepreneurial approach to fundraising, finding and creating new opportunities, and strong financial acumen to assess the impact of these activities
• Initiative and independence, combined with the ability to work well in a team and manage and mentor other staff.
• Can provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
• Willing to submit to an Enhanced Police Check and Vulnerable Sector Check. - What we offer in return:
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package
• RRSP contributions
• Flexible/Remote work arrangements
• Generous vacation entitlements
Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and current resume stating salary expectations to careers@autism.net with “Director of Development” in the subject line of your email.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Geneva Centre for Autism is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment. Geneva Centre for Autism is also committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities during the recruitment, assessment and selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation in respect of the materials or procedures used at any time during this process. If you require an accommodation, Geneva Centre for Autism will work with you to determine how to meet your needs.