Philanthropy Specialist

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) leads a national movement of individuals, organizations and communities working together to end homelessness in Canada. The CAEH works toward a Canada without homelessness. We do it by helping communities and governments across the country apply proven approaches to transform programs, policies, and systems toward the goal of ending homelessness. 

CAEH strives for inclusion and diversity by attracting extraordinary people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Candidates with lived experience of homelessness and/or who self-identify as being from a marginalized community, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIA persons, are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized. We ask that these candidates indicate their relevant identities in their cover letters. 

What is the Opportunity? 
CAEH is building its philanthropic capacity within the Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal areas and is currently in the quiet phase of a $12.5 million capacity campaign to accelerate an end to homelessness in Canada. We are looking for an experienced fund development professional who knows how to build strong and lasting major donor, foundation, and corporate relationships to join our small but mighty team as a Philanthropy Specialist.  

The Philanthropy Specialist will support building a pipeline of major donors, establish and foster relationships with granting foundations, and help secure sponsorships for the Alliance’s National Conference on Ending Homelessness. This position will support the implementation of the $12.5 million Demand More Capacity Campaign and will report directly to the Philanthropy and Campaign Lead. 

What’s in it for you?

• Five weeks paid annual vacation (plus an additional paid winter break week) and up to 12 sick leave days per year.
• Up to $1,500 annual professional development allotment
• Flexible and supportive work environment
• This position can be located anywhere in Canada, with preference towards the Eastern Time Zone due to goal of developing stronger funding relationships in Toronto/Ottawa and Montreal areas.
• This position requires the ability to work from a virtual/home office location without the standard support available at a business office.
• Some travel for business will be required for semi-annual staff retreats, the annual CAEH conference, and to meet with donors and funders.
• The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $90,000 annually based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including a 3% employer RRSP/TFSA contribution.

What will you do?

• Support the $12.5 M Demand More Campaign plan, as well as any other CAEH Campaign.
• Embody a culture of philanthropy and ensuring that all fund development practice is aligned with the organization’s values, vision, and mission.
• Draft and send Letters of Intent (LOI’s, EOI’s or LOE’s), Gift Proposals, and other documents for potential donors, funders, and sponsors.
• Assist with collection of content for fundraising proposals.
• Develop appropriate cultivation strategies for donors, funders and sponsors including working with volunteers and senior staff members.
• Participate in all aspects of the Gift Cycle as appropriate, either independently or with Campaign Cabinet Volunteers.
• Qualify and move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion towards solicitation and closure.
• Identify through research, donor, funder, or sponsor prospects to support CAEH’s continuing growth.
• Make solicitations for donations or sponsorships on behalf of CAEH when appropriate.
• Input appropriate donor/funder/sponsor information and data into CAEH’s CRM software, NationBuilder.
• Secure sponsorships and exhibitors for the Alliance’s National Conference on Ending Homelessness, and other events as required.
• Create, coordinate, implement and execute online grassroots fundraising strategies on behalf of CAEH to further CAEH’s goals.
• Collaborate with internal team leaders to provide collateral, specifically materials for solicitation including print, web and social media platforms as needed.

Required Qualifications and Experience for role:

• A passion for ending homelessness, a belief its possible, and a sense of urgency to get there.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years professional fundraising experienceis required, with proven experience as a fundraising and development specialist, and progressive experience at a charitable organization or similar environment.
• CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive)
• Must have successful experiences or be fearless in making cold calls to establish new connections with foundations and corporations, along with a proven track record in securing major donations, grants, and corporate sponsors.
• Exceptional communication skills, verbal and written with ability to provide examples.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership and major gift donors to secure philanthropic contributions.
• Proficiency with a CRM (ideally NationBuilder) software is essential.
• Ability to work independently through the use of technology with cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft Office, Sharepoint, Zoom and Teams.
• Ability to work from home, ideally from somewhere in Eastern Time Zone due to goal of developing stronger funding relationships in Toronto/Ottawa and Montreal areas.
• Bilingual (French) is a considered an asset.

Does this role sound like a good match for you? Please take the time to tell us about yourself in a cover letter and how you are a good fit for this role. Please submit your cover letter along with your resume by September 29, 2023.

We thank all applicants, but please note that only qualified candidates being considered for an interview will be contacted.