Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, aged 16-29 through mental health services, social services, and housing. Friends of Ruby offers Youth Mental Health services, a Youth Drop-In Centre, and a Transitional Home. The Centre provides access to barrier-free counselling and therapeutic groups, case management and a drop-in space with hot meals, community, and comprehensive programming. The Home provides transitional and emergency housing, mental health, and life-skills to support youth moving towards independent living. 

Friends of Ruby recognize that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract and develop incredibly talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We strongly encourage applicants from the 2SLGBTQIA+, Allies, BIPOC and ACB communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of the role. 

Position Summary

The Development Officer, Donor Communications (DO) will be a vital member of the Development and Communications team. This role currently reports to the Director, Development and Communications, with possible changes in the reporting structure as the team grows. The role requires close collaboration with diverse internal teams, including fundraising, finance, mental health and youth services programs, and other stakeholder groups. Contributing to the overall fundraising goals, the DO will be leading all donor communication activities, including but not limited to, government and corporate granting proposals, donor solicitation proposals, e-marketing fundraising appeal letters, and various stewardship impact reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities

Granting and Donor Communications:

• In collaboration with the Manager, Transformational Partnerships, meet or exceed the overall revenue targets for all granting and funding opportunities as established within the annual operations plan.
• Prepare effective proposals and grant submissions for corporations, corporate foundations, private foundations, industry partners, and governments that are compelling, accurate, and professionally written including case statements, tailored proposals, and sponsorship packages.
• Collaborate with Marketing to execute three digital annual fundraising appeals in alignment with the organization's services and philanthropic goals.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds in multicultural settings to capture stories and content for appeals, grant opportunities and impact reporting.
• Develop mini cases for support around key fundraising priorities.
• Proposal development for sector wide funding initiatives.
• Prepare donor correspondence, thank you letters, stewardship updates, etc.
• Actively contribute to the development of meaningful donor stewardship events and engagement opportunities for major and mid-level giving programs.

Marketing and Communications:

• Support the Manager, Marketing and Communications on the internal communication strategy and execution.
• Contribute to internal and external organizational communications,
• Developing and execute strategic fundraising messaging in support of all Development and Marketing activities.
• Support major gift, corporate and Board of Directors material development including reports and presentations to the Board and senior management related to Development and Marketing.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and deepen internal and external stakeholder engagement across the organization in developing funding proposals and grant reporting.
• Share knowledge and skills across departments, fostering a culture of cross-departmental collaboration.

Development Support:

• Provide support to the Director, Development and Communications on donor related strategies and activities.
• Assist with internal fundraising reporting and other duties as directed to meet departmental strategic priorities and key deadlines.
• Provide support on major gift proposals, gift agreements, prospect research, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of writing and/or fundraising experience.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record in crafting effective solicitation and donor communications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional diverse teams and prioritize tasks in a time-sensitive environment.
• Experience working for a social service/mental health/housing non-profit.
• A champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & ARAO, including but not limited to:
  • Ability to navigate and communicate effectively in diverse environments;
  • understanding of the broader social and cultural contexts that impact DEI efforts;
  • understanding of equity issues and a commitment to promoting fairness and equality;
  • excellent communication skills with an emphasis on inclusive language.
• Knowledge, allyship and lived experience with the diversity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
• Experience working with diverse teams and promoting a positive brand image.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check Program.
• Legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Working a hybrid model, 3 days per week onsite, in downtown Toronto. The current hybrid model may be subject to change, considering business needs and responsibilities.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate occasional organizational needs, including evening and/or weekend work.
• Ability to travel to other community-based settings as required.

Location: Hybrid Model, Downtown Toronto, Ontario.

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by the Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the People and Culture team of any accommodation you may require during the interview process.