Are you passionate about building partnerships that transform lives and communities? Join UGM as our new Development Officer, Foundations and help turn generosity into lasting impact.

The Development Officer, Foundations (DOF) reports to the Manager, Corporate & Foundations (MCF) and is responsible for the writing and preparation of grant proposals to foundations and government sources, conducting research on granting opportunities, managing relationships with foundations, prospecting for new foundation sources and conducting face-to-face meetings and tours as needed. The DOF will also assist in the gathering of materials and statistics, preparation of stewardship reports and other interim communication to Foundations and tracking of Foundation deadlines.

The DOF will implement direction and strategy for the foundation’s portfolio with the guidance of the MCF. The DOF will be responsible for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundation donors.

This is a permanent, full-time position. The starting range for this position is $68,640.00 to $74,997.00 annually.

Who We Are

Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries, generous vacation and sick leave, an RRSP matching program, as well as the potential for educational assistance and flexible work arrangements. In addition, our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled paramedical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team. If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humour, then you will be a great fit at UGM.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Foundations

• Develop and maintain relationships with a current portfolio of foundation donors.

• Develop and implement strategies to effectively identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward assigned donors with the goal of strengthening the relationship between UGM and the donor, resulting in increased giving.

• Ensure an organized system of tracking Foundation submission deadlines is in place, regularly updated and followed. Ensure applications, proposals and outcome reports are submitted on time.

• Maintain an awareness of available projects, equipment and vehicles that are within the annual budget that need funding.

• Write grant proposals and stewardship reports to foundations and government agencies.

• Research and identify potential foundations to approach to help fund the operating budgets of the various programs at UGM and to meet new program and capital funding needs.

• Research government grants.

• Conduct tours of UGM’s facilities and seek to engage foundation donors in volunteer opportunities.

• Regularly engage donors through phone calls, emails, mailings and in-person meetings.

• Provide on-line presentations, meetings, and tours.

• Work with Creative Services on the development of case materials to help support applications and proposals.

• Present viable new gifting opportunities to the team for consideration and implementation.

• When time permits, assist the Principal Giving team with writing of proposals and Principal Giving appeals.

• When time permits, assist Corporate Development team with research on corporate giving opportunities.

• Produce and present short-term and long-term strategic plans for UGM’s foundations partnership program to the Manager, Corporate & Foundations ensuring that foundation partnerships are compatible with UGM’s strategic directions.

• Meet established financial objectives.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Commit to providing servant-leadership nourishing a truthful, forgiving, approachable, joyful, healthy environment.

• Model open communication and work collaboratively within the External Engagement department and UGM as a whole for the good of the organization, in support of UGM’s mission, core values and strategic plan.

• Work in collaboration with the External Engagement Department team to ensure all donor interactions are consistent with UGM’s brand and key messaging.

• Present viable new gifting opportunities to the team for consideration and implementation, where appropriate.

• Work with senior staff and volunteers for gifting strategies and asks.

General

• Ensure the maintenance of timely and accurate donor records.

• Complete proposals, reports, and tasks in a timely manner.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the Salesforce fundraising program.

• Manage time effectively.

• Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices, and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• University and/or professional certification in communications or related field.

• 3 – 5 years of experience in editing, creative writing, technical writing, donor relations or related field in the not-for-profit sector. Experience in corporate and/or administrative environments.

• Consideration may be given to alternate combinations of lived experience and education.

• Proven experience in database management, experience working with Salesforce software is an asset.

• Intermediate computer skills (Excel, Word, and Outlook).

• Good knowledge of, and operate according to, UGM’s Ethical Code of Fundraising and Financial Accountability policy and confidentiality policy.

• Good knowledge of, and operate according to, the AFP guidelines & Donor Bill of Rights.

• Good knowledge of, and operate within, CRA and CCCC guidelines, which relate to financial and gift-in-kind donations and donor recognition.

Working Conditions

• Work Location

Work is generally performed indoors within an office environment, with standard office equipment available.

• Physical Requirements

Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing, walking or reaching for up to 10% of the time. Employee is required to look at a computer screen and use a keyboard for up to 90% of the time.

• Work Conditions

Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises

• Hours of Work

Moderate overtime may be required.

• Hazards

Hazards are considered minor and controllable.

• Other

Due to the nature of the job, and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check and must submit a Driver’s Abstract and have a vehicle to attend meetings.