Summary

Seeking a strategic and dynamic Development Director to lead fundraising and communications for The Stop Community Food Centre. This senior role drives donor engagement, philanthropic revenue, and brand visibility to support our mission.

Description

Director of Development & Communications
Permanent Full-Time

ABOUT THE STOP

The Stop Community Food Centre’s mission is to increase access to healthy food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds community, and challenges inequality. From its origins 40+ years ago as one of Canada's first food banks, The Stop has since grown into a vibrant community centre that uses food as a gateway to addressing many issues, including poverty, the environment, social isolation, and health in one of Toronto’s lowest-income neighbourhoods. The Stop is accredited by Imagine Canada for excellence in non-profit accountability, transparency, and governance..

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development & Communications will work to deepen The Stop’s relationship with a growing community of donors and supporters and to strengthen The Stop’s reputation as a leader in community-based food security. The Director of Development & Communications is a key member of the senior management team, providing overall strategic leadership and direction for The Stop’s fundraising and communications efforts.

The successful candidate will bring their experience in non-profit fundraising and communications to lead a team and work closely with the staff across three sites to grow support and awareness for The Stop. They will work to ensure that The Stop’s fundraising aspires to best practices and is grounded in transparency, equity and social justice; values the contributions of staff, volunteers, donors and board members, and that the lived experiences of the diverse staff and community are reflected throughout the organization.   

With a strong plan already in place, there is opportunity to continue to strengthen and solidify funding and to build on brand reputation for The Stop.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising

  • Oversees a range of fundraising activities, including annual campaigns, grants, and donors at all levels.
  • Continue to develop a strong and diverse revenue base including foundation, government, corporate, and events.
  • Ensure all fundraising and communication strategies align with The Stop’s goals and values.
  • Ensure all fundraising efforts align with The Stop’s gift acceptance policy, reflect its commitment to social justice, follow CRA guidelines, and adherence to Imagine Canada standards for the administration, processing, and management of donations and donor privacy.
  • Prepare and present regular fundraising reports and analysis to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Communications

  • Leads the development and management of all internal and external communications, such as publications, social media, and marketing materials.
  • Oversee the Communications Officer in developing and implementing comprehensive strategic communications plans, including digital and print media, donor communications, and marketing campaigns.
  • Enhance the organization’s brand identity and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms
  • Increase internal communications initiatives to foster a sense of pride within the workplace. 
  • Develop crisis communication strategies and manage public relations efforts to protect and enhance the organization’s reputation.
  • Collaborate with program teams to craft compelling impact stories that highlight the organization’s achievements and community impact.

Strategic Direction

  • Collaborate with the senior leadership team to shape and execute the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with mission, values, and long-term goals.
  • Identify emerging trends and opportunities in philanthropy and communications to position the organization as a leader in the food security sector.
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives to align fundraising and communications strategies with organizational objectives.

Leadership

  • Provide overall leadership and management to the Fund Development team including Development Manager, Development Officers, Database Administrator and Communication Officer and any other roles within this portfolio.
  • Lead the creation and execution of a bold annual and multi-year fund development plan across diverse revenue streams, including monthly, major gifts, and planned giving.
  • Set clear goals and expectations for the team, conducting regular performance evaluations and providing constructive feedback.
  • Facilitate professional development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and stay abreast of industry best practices.
  • Act as an ambassador for the organization, building strong relationships with community members, donors, partners, and other stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

  • A passion for The Stop’s mission and work.
  • Relevant experience (5+years) in a management role raising funds and awareness in the non-profit sector.
  • Strong relationship builder who can work collaboratively at all levels across the organization, including the Board of Directors and external partnerships.
  • Ability to effectively and passionately communicate to a wide variety of internal and external audiences.
  • Skilled at translating organizational priorities into a compelling and inspiring case for support.
  • Strong decision-maker; guided by analyzing and interpreting data, making comparative analysis, and forecasting future impacts of strategic fundraising initiatives.
  • A creative thinker, proven ability to bring ideas and strategies to fruition.
  • Degree in a related field(s)/ or a suitable combination of experience and education.
  • Strong knowledge of fundraising and other information systems, data management, and procedures. Experience with Raisers’ Edge an asset.
  • Solid understanding of Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression work and commitment to social justice.
  • Strong understanding of Canadian charity regulations, and obligations of a non-profit organization.
  • Passion, integrity, results-oriented, and self-directed.

SALARY: $80,000 – $90,000 with a generous extended health benefits program and an employee-matched group RRSP plan after 1-year.

TERM: Permanent full-time.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé using the Bamboo submission tab. The position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and selected individuals will be invited first to participate in a video or telephone interview and then, if successful, in one or two in-person interviews.

The Stop is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are happy to provide reasonable accommodations for the role and within the interview process. If you require any accommodations during this process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.