Jays Care is looking for a passionate individual with a drive for seeing positive change for youth facing barriers in Canada.  The Specialist, Community Development Communications will report to the Director of Philanthropy to identify prospective donors, develop proposals, and will work closely with the Director of Programs and the Marketing and Communications team to lead the development of organization-wide communications materials that effectively tell the story of our work and impact. The incumbent will be responsible for evaluating community investment opportunities and drafting compelling written communication materials that effectively communicate our impact to donors and prospects. As a cross-functional position, this role will also focus on prospect research, writing strategic donor proposals, stakeholder communications and donor reporting in collaboration with Jays Care Foundation’s philanthropy, programs and marketing teams to inspire and grow our stakeholder base.

Prospecting and Proposal Communications Development (40%):

• Proactively research and identify potential sources of foundation, corporation, provincial and federal funding to support Jays Care programing
• In collaboration with appropriate programs team staff and philanthropy staff, draft and submit funding proposals and grant applications
• Track status of all outstanding applications and follow up with funding agencies as necessary

Special Projects – National Initiatives (30%):

• Design, implement and manage specific grant streams and new funding distribution
• Manage the partnership development process, making informed recommendations to management on which organizations JCF should invest in through in-bound applications and/or external solicitations
• Assist with supporting Directors on a variety of initiatives for expansion of the Foundation impact across Canada
• Manage & track community investment effectively in Salesforce
• Implement special projects and/or participate in cross-functional projects and teams

Community Investment, Impact Reporting and Stewardship (30%):

• Create reports required by donors and ensure all grant requirements are being fulfilled
• Support the stewardship of donors with members of the philanthropy and programs teams
• Collaborate with program managers, philanthropy and marketing communications team members to create standardize reports for all programs
• Work with the communication teams to help tell the story of Jays Care Foundation programs in a consistent manner
• Help create Web content and e-mail templates
• Liaise with provincial and federal sport bodies to update on Jays Care activities

EXPERIENCE

Required (must have):

• Professional experience in the public and/or the not-for profit sector
• Excellent communication abilities. Strong writing skills, excellent command of the English language and demonstrated understanding of donor centric communication
• Highly organized with the ability to multi-task, strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Team Player. Ability to see the big picture goals of the organization and contribute on day-to-day tasks

IT KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

Required (must have):

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite including Excel
• Knowledge of Salesforce Non-Profit Success Pack (an asset)
• Working knowledge of Google Docs & Survey Monkey
• Able to navigate internet and email use
• Knowledge of iwave, CharityCan, Grantconnect or other prospecting tools

COMPETENCIES / PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Strong planning, research and coordination skills
• Strong attention to details when planning
• Highly organized
• Highly motivated and committed to program success
• Good team work ethic, as well as capable of working independently
• Accurate and timely reporting
• Decision making skills
• Able to work under pressure
• Interested in being part of community development
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff, board as well as external partners and prospective partners*Please include a cover letter when applying for this position
• Apply here: https://jobs.rogers.com/job/Toronto-Specialist%2C-Community-Development-Communications-ON/845099200/

About Jays Care Foundation:

As the charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays, Jays Care uses baseball to teach life skills and create lasting social change for children and youth in marginalized communities across Canada. We proudly work in all ten provinces and three territories running programs to level the playing field for Canadian kids facing some of the most pronounced opportunity gaps, including: kids living in inner cities; kids living in First Nation and northern communities; kids living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities; and girls without access to sport. To learn more, visit jayscare.com.
Jays Care is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.