Join the country’s most trusted environmental organization and become a force for good.

We find solutions for living within the limits of nature. Through a combination of sound science and active public engagement, we seek to motivate Canadians to take action on the environmental challenges we collectively face. Our Foundation is an independent charity, supported by nearly 30,000 donors from across Canada and abroad. With headquarters in Vancouver and offices in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal we address issues from coast to coast to coast, in both official languages. With the support of scientists, academics, progressive businesses, governments, non-governmental organizations and tens of thousands of Canadian we aim to achieve this vision: That within a generation Canadians act on the understanding that we are interconnected and interdependent with nature, and with each other. You can learn more about us at www.davidsuzuki.org

About you

You are an experienced major gifts fundraiser, with a proven track record of identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding large donations from individuals, foundations and companies. You are comfortable working with and supporting colleagues and senior volunteers in building lasting relationships with supporters. You are an effective and conscientious worker who relishes the challenge of building support for environmental progress.

About the role 

The Manager, Leadership Giving is responsible for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts ($10,000 and above), in order to support the David Suzuki Foundation in meeting its organizational goals. This will involve working closely with senior staff and volunteers to identify cultivate and solicit donations to specific projects and for general support from individuals, foundations and businesses.  The Manager for Leadership Giving develops and implements strategies for donor retention, acquisition of new donors, as well as stewardship and recognition.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:              Manager, Leadership Giving, Ontario Region 

Terms:                  Full-time position

Reporting:          To the Associate Director, Leadership Giving

Location:             Toronto office

Responsibilities:

• Plan, direct and implement a major gift program for donors primarily based in Ontario.
• Work with the Associate Director of Leadership Giving to set and achieve annual fundraising goals and revenue targets, and to evaluate progress.
• Responsible for raising funds from major donors ($10,000 and above). Split of major gifts portfolio will be approximately: 60% individual major donors; 20% foundations and 20% corporations.
• Proactively research and develop major donor prospects to support DSF programs
• Write letters of inquiry and detailed grant applications to foundations (institutional, family and corporate), including budgets.
• Coordinate cultivation, proposals and reports with staff in DSF’s other departments.
• Support and work closely with senior volunteer to maximize their effectiveness as fundraisers and ambassadors for DSF.
• Collaborate with other departments in identifying project needs and preparing proposals and reports.
• Write compelling cases for support for initiatives in need of funding.
• Proactively steward current major donors through regular updates, invitations to events, writing reports, and facilitating contact with other DSF staff.
• Arrange and strategically prepare for meetings between prospects/donors and senior leaders of the DSF.

• Initiate and manage special events in the region, including fundraising events and donor cultivation and recognition events on a variety of scales and in a variety of locations.
• Capitalize on DSF-led and external event opportunities for networking, stewardship and cultivation.

Skills & qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree and a minimum of  5 years experience in major gifts fundraising and a global knowledge of fundraising methods and skills with a career track record for raising five and six figure gifts.
• Familiarity with philanthropic community in the GTA and knowledge of environmental issues is desirable.
• Demonstrated high levels of initiative and a successful fundraising track record, recognized ability to raise funds and achieve objectives.
• Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills.
• Outstanding written, verbal and presentation skills.  Ability to connect and build trusted relationships with donors and volunteers.
• Strong writing skills – ideally with experience writing successful donation proposals and grant applications.
• Experience conceiving, planning and delivering fundraising and cultivation events.
• Possesses good judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential or sensitive matters
• Self-starter and effective independent worker.
• Exceptional ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working with and preparing senior leaders/volunteers for meetings and solicitations
• Knowledge of or experience in environmental issues an asset.
• Strong computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, email and social media. Familiarity with donor database management systems required. Experience using Raiser’s Edge an asset.
• Knowledge of CRA charity guidelines and adherence to the AFP Code of Ethics.
• Positive team player with a collaborative work style.

Application process: 

Please submit your cover letter and resume online by clicking on the "I'm Interested" link below.  This will be an ongoing recruitment process until the position has been filled.

We recognize the importance of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from Aboriginal persons, women, members of a visible minority and persons with a disability.