Position: Fundraising Specialist

Who We Are
Inn From the Cold (IFTC) works with people experiencing homelessness. Offering a year-round temporary shelter, transitional housing program, daily drop-by program and numerous group programs, we work with and support our clients on their journeys out of homelessness. We are just wrapping up our first-ever capital campaign, having raised over $2.5 million to build a new housing centre in Newmarket.

The Opportunity
Philanthropy and community support are key drivers of our success.

We are seeking a proven fundraising professional to join our team. You will lead our fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Executive Director, the Finance and Administration Manager, the Board of Directors and the fundraising volunteers. A committed relationship-builder, you will ensure a positive donor experience through engagement, cultivation and stewardship. Your organizational skills and attention to detail will ensure efficient operation of the annual fundraising program and accuracy of the donor database.

Primary Responsibilities

Working closely with the Executive Director, you will create and implement an annual plan to operationalize our 5-year strategic fund development plan. The sources of annual donations will include government and foundation grants, individual gifts, corporate donations / sponsorships, and in-kind donations, IFTC fundraising events, community (3^rd party) events and will bequests.

Specifically, the Fundraising Specialist is responsible for:

1. Supporting Major Gifts ($5k+) from individuals, corporations, service clubs and foundations

• Working closely with the Executive Director, deepen relationships with existing donors through stewardship to grow and/or sustain regular giving.
• Identify potential new donors (grants, individual, corporate) through research, volunteers and staff; work with Executive Director to engage

2. Direct Response Appeals

• Working closely with the Executive Director and Finance & Administration Manager, develop and implement direct response campaigns (print, email and social media) to cultivate annual, mid-level and monthly donors
• Develop and produce appeals including writing and gathering relevant content, ensuring appropriate consent from clients, staff and ensuring accuracy on details of programs from program staff.

3. Gift-in-Kind donations

• Develop and maintain “wish list” by working with program and administration coordinators to determine what is required and if offered gifts are needed.
• Act as initial contact, coordinate receipt and distribution of donated goods

4. Annual fundraising events (both IFTC-run and community run)

• Working closely with the Board of Directors, fundraising volunteers, the Executive Director and the Finance & Administration Manager coordinate the successful execution of IFTC fundraising events such as sports tournaments and social events
• Support the Finance & Administration Manager in her work with community event organizers
• Identify and assess opportunities for new fundraising events – especially community events – in support of IFTC.

5. Volunteers

• Recruit, train and steward volunteers to support the annual fund development program and activities
• Supervise volunteer tasks in Development (e.g. thank you calls, donor updates)
• Cultivate volunteers into donors as appropriate

6. Communications

• Using existing campaign and annual fund cases for support, create impactful development communications messaging and resources such as proposals, appeal letters, brochures, website content, social media posts and campaigns and donor impact reports.

7. Fundraising Administration

• Working closely with the Executive Director and the Finance & Administration Manager develop the organization’s annual fundraising revenue and expense budget, track and analyze fundraising revenue, expenses, and other key performance metrics.
• Prepare accurate and timely Board Reports and other reports as required.
• Prepare funder reports in a timely manner showcasing donor impact and documenting progress against funder measurables.
• Ensure all receipts and thank you letters/calls are accurate and timely

8. Database management

• Working closely with the Finance & Administration Manager ensure all donor records are accurate, complete, and up to date in the donor database.
• Ensure individual donor communication preferences (frequency of communication, donor listings etc.) are identified via direct communication, recorded in the database, and respected.

What you will bring to our team

• 3 - 5 years of demonstrated success in a fundraising/development role
• Post-secondary diploma/degree preferably in fundraising, marketing, business or related discipline
• Strong knowledge of development best practices
• Relationship builder with exceptional interpersonal, communication and networking skills. Demonstrated ability to interact comfortably and professionally with a wide range of internal and external constituents such as staff, volunteers, donors, and clients.
• Strong analytical ability.
• Well-organized, flexible and detail oriented.
• Strong spoken, presentation and written communication skills.
• A team player with proven ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Solid working knowledge of micharity, or similar fundraising CRM.
• Understanding of homelessness and affordable housing landscape in Canada an asset
• Experience in fundraising for non-profit housing development and/or social services sector an asset

Essentials:

• Vulnerable Sector Screening (Police Record Check at our expense) acceptable to Inn From the Cold
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a vehicle (we reimburse business mileage)

The Details

Reports to: Executive Director

Job Type: Full-time, 24-month contract with possibility of extension based on performance. 3-month probationary period will apply.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends during special events

Salary: $50,000 - $60,000/ year, commensurate with skills and experience, willing to consider flexible working hours for seasoned candidates.

Benefits: Extended health and dental benefits. Free, on-site parking.

Flexible Work Environment: Hybrid, with some in office but mostly work from home, casual dress, flexible working hours

Location: Inn From the Cold is located at 510 Penrose Street, Newmarket, ON; we will be moving to 17046 Yonge Street just south of Eagle Street in Newmarket in late 2024.

How to Apply
Please email your application to Ann Watson, Executive Director at annwatson@innfromthecold.ca

Diversity & Accessibility
Inn From the Cold strives to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Additionally, we are committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If you are contacted, please advise the hiring manager if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.

Application Deadline: Wednesday July 5, 2023 at 5 pm. Resumes will be reviewed as received and interviews scheduled with selected applicants.