Development Specialist

N/AFull TimeToronto, ON

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Position : Development Specialist

Reporting to: Executive Director

Salary : $60,000 (one year contract)


SUMMARY:

As a direct marketing expert in fundraising, this position implements annual development goals as part of the fund development strategy set by the Executive Director to increase philanthropic contributions in support of approved priorities.


Specifically, this position creates and implements direct marketing appeals to raise funds for organizational priorities with key segments including and not limited to members, vendors, employees, volunteers, the South Asian community, and friends to effectively acquire, renew, and increase the number of donors and revenue. This position is responsible for annual appeals delivered through multiple channels including direct mail, e-philanthropy, social media, and the website.


Additionally, this position undertakes various related fundraising duties consistent with a small start-up fundraising program. Finally, this position will work with the executive director and the Board to identity individuals and corporations for further engagement in support of the creation a prospect pipeline for CASSA.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising:

· This position works with Executive Director to develop annual fundraising plan, appeals, and cases for Board approved fundraising priorities.

· As the expert in direct marketing, this position identifies and recommends segments and channels to achieve funding priorities through specific projects for approval and then implements these strategies.

· Responsible for achieving annual revenue targets, goals, and acquisition targets for direct marketing appeals.

· Ensures appeals to each segment and sub-group are accurate, timely, and consistent with organizational communication strategies.

· Composes and prepares lists for direct marketing appeals for members, vendors, employees. volunteers, the South Asian community, and friends and deploys direct marketing appeals.

· Ensures annual appeals employ best practices in fundraising and makes recommendations on progress of appeals to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.


Marketing and Communications:

· Develops appeals’ content including researching cases for support and identifies individuals to profile in appeals.

· Works with marketing and contracted agencies, as required, to develop effective appeal materials– both print and electronic.

· Composes effective fundraising letters, e-appeals, social media messaging, and website content utilizing strategic messages and develops donor recognition messaging.


Events:

· Works in collaboration with Program Coordinators for all online and in-person events to ensure fundraising and donor relations strategies are incorporated into CASSA events.

· Develops fundraising and donor relations marketing collateral for events in support of approved fundraising priorities to be incorporated into CASSA events in collaboration with the Executive Director and appropriate Program Coordinator.

· Coordinates the appropriate collection of participant information into the database to support the development of the fundraising prospect pipeline for CASSA.


Coordination and Reporting:

· Coordinates budget for print, design, and mailings ensuring appeals are implemented within budget and provides budget details to assist with measuring ROI (return on investment).

· Works with external mailing house agencies, as required, to ensure donor and prospect information is managed in line with governing legislation, specifically, privacy and CASL (Canadian Anti-Spam)

· Develops and coordinates the critical path for each appeal, which includes goals, budget, segmentation, channels, deadlines, and related reporting.

· Coordinates the monthly reports on direct marketing appeals and prepared for management review.

· Coordinates the prospect/donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgement and stewardship engagement activities with leadership volunteers and executive director, as appropriate, to ensure effective prospect and donor relationship management. These elements apply to both unassigned and assigned prospects/donors, as part of the overall donor relations plan.

o Build prospect list with Board and other donors

o Upon receipt of a pledge for a direct marketing appeal, confirms dollar amount in the database.

o Ensure appropriate donor gift acknowledgement and accurate pledge reminders can then be sent to donors.

o Works to ensure thank you letters and reports for donors to demonstrate the impact of donations, including gift acknowledgement and ongoing stewardship.

· Reviews reports for direct marketing appeals monthly and make recommendations on strategies and next steps to the Executive Director.



QUALIFICATIONS:


Education:

· Completion of specialized training programs of up to two years duration i.e., Diploma of Technology in Marketing, Communications or Fundraising, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Courses in technical communications and writing would be an asset.


License(s)/Certifications(s):

· Valid ON Driver’s license


Experience:

· Two years general experience plus two years’ experience in related positions, including specific experience in direct marketing and project management.

· Experience in e-philanthropy a definite asset.

· Experience working in non-profit or charitable organizations.


Software/Computer Application(s) and Expertise:

· Proficiency in a variety of software programs including Microsoft Office and fundraising database applications.


Communication/Interpersonal Skills:

· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

· Must have experience developing communication pieces for multi-channel delivery.

· Must be a team player and work independently when necessary.

· Must exercise considerable initiative when determining strategies and working with multiple constituent groups.


Administrative Skills (i.e.: prioritizing, minute taking, wp speed, etc.):

· Proven ability to plan, prioritize, implement, oversee, and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

· Proven experience of coordinating the development and implementation of multi-channel fundraising appeals.

· Proven ability to manage budgets.


Other Skills/Abilities:

· Ability to work a flexible schedule when required.