At Karis Disability Services what you do matters. Since 1965, our team has come alongside people with developmental disabilities, and their families, to celebrate each person’s unique gifts as we promote communities where everybody belongs. Driven by our values which are firmly rooted in the Christian faith, together we serve more than 2,000 people each year across Ontario and Saskatchewan, supporting them wholistically - body, mind, soul and spirit. Believing each person is made in the image of God, we welcome everybody to find the personalized supports they need to thrive. Beyond Canada, our global work impacts over 300,000 people across 60 communities in six countries. Learn more about Karis Disability Services at www.karis.org.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Donor Relations Specialist who embodies empathy and a deep commitment to enhancing the donor experience at Karis Disability Services. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build authentic, personal connections with current, new and prospective donors, fostering meaningful relationships that inspire long-term commitment to our mission.

Full-Time, Permanent

Donor Relations Specialist

40 hours/week

Waterloo, Ontario

The Donor Relations Specialist is responsible to deliver donor experiences that grow donor commitment to Karis Disability Services. They will build authentic, personal connections and amazing donor experiences that create meaningful relationships with current, new and prospective donors. The Donor Relations Specialist will equip colleagues across Karis, who hold those connections, to do the same. For Child Sponsorship donors, this role will collaborate with the Child Sponsorship Coordinator on an integrated donor approach. The Donor Relations Specialist will also coordinate the grants and legacy programs, as well as donor events, and engage volunteers to appreciate our donors well.

The Donor Relations Specialist embraces the Christian Faith Foundation of the organization; ensures the Christian ethos and the Values, Vision and Mission permeate their job responsibilities; and personally commits to the expectations as outlined in the Statement of Faith.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver heartfelt gratitude through personalized donor communication (calls, emails, cards, videos, in-person).
• Coordinate and implement integrated donor journeys and onboarding strategies.
• Support donor acquisition and engagement campaigns through mail, email, and events.
• Lead stewardship initiatives like call-a-thons, card-writing campaigns, and video outreach.
• Collaborate with the Child Sponsorship Coordinator to integrate donor experiences.
• Organize and manage donor fundraising and stewardship events (in-person or virtual).
• Research and write grant proposals and manage reporting and recognition timelines.
• Equip and train staff and volunteers on donor engagement best practices.
• Track donor interactions and stewardship actions in the donor database.
• Analyze donor data and trends to support strategy development.
• Promote community fundraising and support third-party events in alignment with policy.

Requirements:

• College diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Fundraising, Communications or related fields.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a donor relations role or service-related position.
• Proficient donor-centric communication skills, both oral and written, that inspire and engage.
• Relationship building and strong collaboration skills.
• Proven planning and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Self-directed with a high capacity to manage multiple priorities and timelines.
• Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge NXT is an asset.
• Event Management experience is an asset.

Why Should You Apply?

• Live out our shared values, help others, and find purpose in your work every day.

• Receive competitive wages.

• Find support through a comprehensive Benefits package including an Employee and Family Assistance Plan and 2 weeks of vacation.

• Grow your leadership with mentorship, training, career development, and tuition reimbursement.

• Collaboration and Teamwork! Working together on a team, we tackle challenges, share insights, and support one another in fostering a thriving workplace culture.

Application Deadline: 4:00 pm on August 4th, 2025

Apply with a cover letter and résumé by 4:00 pm on August 4th, 2025 to the attention of the Development Strategies Manager via the Apply Now feature.

Start Date: August 2025

Hourly Range: $29.48 - $33.30

Karis Disability Services seeks to hire a workforce that represents the diversity of the communities where we serve. We are committed to promoting communities of belonging where Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour feel valued, respected, represented, and heard. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from members of groups with historical or current barriers to equity. We seek to provide accessibility through all stages of the hiring process for all applicants with disabilities, consistent with our Accessibility Policies and the AODA. Please let us know if you require accommodation, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.