Senior Manager, Development 

Job Posting 

Be a part of a rapidly growing organization focused on one of the most pressing challenges in Canada: supporting sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities. Water First partners with Indigenous communities to solve local drinking water and environmental water challenges through education, training, and meaningful collaboration.  

We seek a creative-thinking, experienced and detail-oriented Senior Manager, Development. 

Under the direction of the Director, Development & Communications, the Senior Manager of Development will lead the Fundraising team and provide strategic guidance, as well as proven fundraising experience and expertise. With the significant growth seen in the Water First fundraising program, this new position will foster strong relationships with current and prospective major gift donors, through managing a portfolio of individual, corporate and foundation supporters.  The Senior Manager will also collaborate with Communications team members to craft donor updates, stewardship, and reporting materials, as well as manage the Stewardship Program for all donor segments. The Senior Manager will be a strong people leader who’s comfortable effectively coaching and mentoring staff and will support multi-year planning and budgeting.  

Start Date: January 3, 2023 

Work from Home / Remote: Yes 

Wage: $75,000 – $95,000 (Some flexibility based on level of experience) 

Water First supports progressive labour policies, including: 

• Flexible hours 
• Health benefits 
• Defined benefit pension plan 

• Generous paid vacation  

This is a remote work-from-home position. Candidates must be available to travel during the week to the Creemore, Ontario office located at 178 Mill St., Unit D, for critical meetings as required. 

 

Responsibilities for this position include: 

1. Manage a portfolio of current and prospective major gift donors ($10,000+), including individuals, corporate and foundation donors, as well as support the Director of Development and Executive Director with their donor portfolio: 

• Provide a high level of personalized engagement and build meaningful relationships 
• Develop and implement a grants management system, responsible for grant writing and management of all funding applications submitted 
• Responsible for and collaborate with colleagues to ensure reporting for all major donors 
• Research and engage with prospective supporters 
• Represent Water First and speak at events 

• Ensure donor interactions are captured in Water First’s donor database  

 

1. Enhance and manage a comprehensive Donor Stewardship Program for all Water First supporters:  

• Implement best practices to steward and recognize donors, in a way that engages donors in Water First’s work, inspires lasting relationships and promotes engagement 
• Develop new recognition and engagement opportunities for donors and Influencers 

• Ensure an annual calendar of stewardship activities is maintained 
• Provide direction and support donor cultivation and recognition events 
• Develop customized acknowledgements, donor updates, stewardship reports, and other related donor materials with the Communications team 

 

1. Lead the Fundraising team, provide direction, management support and coaching to ensure an effective fundraising program:  

• Contribute to the overall fundraising goal of $4,000,000+ annually by building and implementing key fundraising plans 
• Pursue new areas of growth for the fundraising program, encouraging innovative ideas and continuous improvement 
• Collaborate with the Communications team to support the annual year-end direct mail campaign 
• Collaborate with the Director of Development to ensure gift agreements and proposal obligations are on track and can be fulfilled 
• Support multi-year strategic plans and develop fundraising program budgets 

• Monitor annual goals, deliverables, key performance indicators, financial results, and projections 
• Collaborate with the Director of Development to review, approve and manage department budgets, major purchasing, and overall expenses 
• Oversee the hiring, training, and support of new fundraising staff 
• Oversee employee performance while integrating individual and organizational goals 
• Collaborate with multiple departments to work towards organizational goals 

• Promote a fundraising culture throughout the organization 
• Assist in other duties as required to further the goals of the Fundraising team  

 

The ideal candidate for this position will possess the following: 

 

• 10-15+ years of progressive fundraising work experience, with specific experience in major gift fundraising (managing relationships with donors contributing $10,000+ annually)  
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of fundraising best practices, activities, donor engagement and accountability 
• Proven track record as a skilled leader with the ability to manage and motivate teams 
• Strength in hiring, recruiting, managing, developing, coaching, and retaining individuals and teams, while empowering them to elevate their levels of responsibility and performance 
• Demonstrated experience managing program expense budgets of $250,000+ annually 

• Dedication to the nonprofit sector and passion for our mandate, which can be demonstrated through your skills having worked in a dynamic environment  
• Evidence of professionalism, judgment, initiative, tact, discretion, confidentiality, diplomacy, and creativity  
• Collaborations with Indigenous communities would be considered a strong asset 
• Experience speaking publicly to small and midsize groups  
• Strong oral and written communication skills 

• A flexible team player with demonstrated ability to collaborate and support colleagues  
• Comfortable working independently with little direction under tight deadlines 
• Strong time management skills needing minimal supervision 
• Exceptional digital skills (email and social media) and computer skills: Google Suite and Microsoft Suite; knowledge of and experience working with CRM databases  
• Willingness to continually expand one’s professional skill set, to learn on the job, and to respond to and thrive in a dynamic work environment 

• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record 
• Regular access to a vehicle  
• Willingness to travel to northern Indigenous communities approximately 10% of the time to provide program and communications support for program delivery  
• Candidates must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada under relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations 

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, we would love to hear from you! Qualified Indigenous applicants are encouraged to apply. 

Applications to be submitted online here. 

Water First is an equal opportunity employer and employs personnel without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical and or mental handicap or financial ability. 

By following the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Water First Education and Training strives to ensure that all recruiting processes are non-discriminatory and barrier-free. If you require accommodation, please advise in advance of attending an interview. 

While we appreciate all interest, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates will be required to undergo a Vulnerable Sector security check as a condition of employment.