Lead Officer

Hamilton Foundation for Student Success

PASS Grade 6 $103,536 to $116,532

Vacancy Status: Current Vacancy

About The Board

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to decolonizing education, equity, engagement and innovation. We are guided by our vision, Growing Together, the mission that every student experiences a sense of belonging and engages in dynamic learning to reach their potential and build their own future. Our values of Compassion, Dignity, Trust, and Joy guide our daily work and ensure that we honour the unique and distinct identities as well as individualized needs of every student and every staff member at HWDSB. Proudly serving a community of approximately 50,000 students in the City of Hamilton and surrounding area, HWDSB operates across 80 elementary schools, 13 secondary schools and 1 Adult Learning Centre, in addition to providing support and service to approximately 8,800 staff members.

Staff Wellness

At HWDSB, staff wellness is a priority. We are committed to co-creating and fostering an environment where staff feel safe, valued, and supported. We are continuously striving to support the needs of our diverse community and actively work to foster and maintain a culture of human rights.

Our holistic Staff Wellness program has been designed to support employee's well-being in all dimensions of health. As one part of this comprehensive program, all staff as well as their dependents have access to free and confidential supports through our Employee and Family Assistance Provider (EFAP), in addition to many other program components.

About The Role

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Communications & Community Engagement, the Lead Officer provides strategic and operational leadership for the Hamilton Foundation for Student Success (HFSS). Working closely with the HFSS Board of Directors, the Lead Officer advances the Foundation's strategic priorities by leading fundraising, community engagement, grant and program administration, communications, financial oversight, and organizational operations. This role is accountable for generating sustainable and diversified revenue, strengthening partnerships, and demonstrating measurable impact in support of the HWDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) and Board Improvement Plan (BIP).

Board Liaison And Governance

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to

As the primary liaison to the HFSS Board of Directors, supports governance responsibilities, including strategic planning, fundraising direction, risk management and policy compliance. Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic and annual operating plans while ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, CRA requirements, and Board-approved policies.

Fundraising And Revenue Generation

Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Foundation and HWDSB priorities. Establish and achieve annual revenue goals by building a sustainable pipeline of donors and funding opportunities which may include major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, annual campaigns, planned giving and/or third-party events.

Donor And Community Relations

Maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, community partners and other interested parties through the cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and recognition activities. Oversees donor database management, reporting and performance tracking.

Grants, Awards And Program Oversight

Leads Student Support Grants, School Support Grants, award programs, and student nutrition programs funded by the Foundation. Manages grant and award applications, reviews, reporting, and compliance requirements and evaluate program results and impact to ensure they meet student needs and organizational goals. Supervises and provides guidance to the Student Nutrition Coordinator.

Communications, Marketing And Events

Leads communications and marketing strategies that raise awareness, support fundraising efforts, and demonstrate impact. Oversees digital and print communications, social media, donor communications, annual reports, and media relations. Provides leadership for Foundation events and fundraising initiatives, ensuring strong planning, execution, governance, and community engagement.

Financial And Administrative Oversight

Oversee all financial and administrative functions of the Foundation which includes budget planning, monitoring and reporting. Ensure sound financial practices, charitable receipt compliance and effective internal controls in collaboration with the HWDSB Finance Department.

Leadership And Strategic Partnerships

Provide leadership and support to Foundation staff, including performance management and professional development. Set priorities, assigns work, and ensures accountability to achieve organizational goals. Develop and maintain relationships with schools, community groups, businesses, and other partners to increase engagement and funding opportunities. Represent HFSS at community events and within the sector. Additional duties may be assigned to support the operational needs of HWDSB.

Qualifications

Post-secondary diploma/degree in a related field. Professional Designation (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) would be considered an asset. 5 years experience in a senior level fundraising or grant proposal development, or a combination of non-profit and community-based employment and or lived experiences. Experience or exposure to the operations and governance of a non-profit Board of Directors. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including database management; or experience with Blackbaud software. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Hamilton community and familiarity with the Education sector is preferred. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail along with the ability to identify and implement process efficiencies. Written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Demonstrated commitment to working in a diverse school community and/or work environment. The successful applicant may be required to work after hours (evening or weekend work) to support fundraising events, donor engagement, and community initiatives. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

Deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m. on Thursday July 30, 2026.

In-person interviews will take place after the posting has closed.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations

HWDSB is committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process, based on any human rights protected grounds. If you require accommodation, please email and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Employment Equity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity Statement

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to building inclusive learning and working environments where students see themselves reflected in the curriculum, staff population, physical surroundings and the broader community.

HWDSB's mission is to empower students to learn and grow to their full potential in a diverse world. Guided by this mission, HWDSB strives to build a workforce that embodies the values of human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion, while reflecting and welcoming the diverse and distinct identities, experiences and needs of our students and our communities.

HWDSB Seeks Qualified Candidates Who Share Our Commitment To Equity And Inclusion, And Who Will Contribute To The Vision Of Creating Inclusive And Equitable Outcomes. HWDSB Especially Invites And Welcomes Applications From

Indigenous Peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples). Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin (e.g., Black and racialized communities, immigrant communities, etc.). Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities. Persons who identify as women. Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. (i.e., Two-spirit and LGBTQIA+).

As part of HWDSB's commitment to employment equity and removing barriers to groups that have faced and continue to face barriers in employment, we invite all applicants to complete a voluntary questionnaire that collects identity-based information. The voluntary questionnaire is on the Apply to Education application page for this position.

Land Acknowledgement

HWDSB is located on ancestral Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Confederacy land as determined by the Dish with One Spoon treaty. The Dish with One Spoon wampum belt represents the treaty relationship between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and Anishinaabe with respect to sharing the land and resources thereon.

The intent of this agreement is for all nations sharing this territory to do so responsibly, respectfully and sustainably in perpetuity.

We respect the longstanding relationships with the local Indigenous communities, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Six Nations of the Grand River.

Applicant Self-Identification Form

The information collected on this form is used to monitor HWDSB's progress toward our equity goals including our commitment to diversity in HWDSB recruitment and hiring practices. We are committed to the security and confidentiality of information under our control, and to the protection of privacy with respect to personal and confidential information that is collected, used, disclosed and retained in the system . Information on this form is collected pursuant to (Ministry of Education) and in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act . Access to this form is restricted to specific individuals in Human Resources. The Research and Analytics Department will use aggregate data from all the forms (not individual data) for internal reporting. Their access and use of the data is governed by MFIPPA and . Applicant Self-Identification Forms will be maintained in the Human Resources job competition file and securely destroyed 3 years after the job posting for candidates not selected for an interview and 3 years after the job posting for candidates interviewed, in accordance with general records retention principles. If you prefer not to answer any of the questions, you can select “prefer not to answer”. This in no way affects your application or the applicant selection process. If you have questions or concerns about this form please contact .