The Associate Director of Donor Relations plays a key leadership role in shaping and advancing fundraising strategies across Canada. In close collaboration with provincial Communications and Donor Relations (CDR) Directors and the Donor Relations Roundtable, they proactively support, coordinate, and advise on national fundraising efforts. The Associate Director leads the design and implementation of key fundraising and stewardship initiatives, including direct mail campaigns, impact reporting, monthly giving programs, data management, and other special projects as assigned. With primary responsibility for mass giving, the role also supports provincial teams in the oversight of middle, major, and planned giving strategies. Additionally, the Associate Director supervises a team that provides donor relations support to provincial offices.

Only those candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada should apply.

Essential

• Post-secondary degree in fundraising or communications
• 7+ years fundraising or equivalent experience
• Experience leading multi-channel annual campaigns incorporating direct mail and email in a donor experience cycle (solicitation, stewardship, engagement)
• 5+ years’ experience in a supervisory role
• Project management experience supporting complex multi-entity initiatives
• Strategic thinker who achieves collaboration through positive inquiry
• Demonstrated knowledge, monitoring and understanding of emerging fundraising tools and trends.
• Proficiency in database management and data analysis
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Strong understanding and support for the vision, purpose, beliefs and values of MCC, the biblical call to respond to human need, and the Anabaptist commitment to peace and justice.
• Police record check

Preferred:

• Experience with Donor Perfect Online (DPO)
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation
• Good understanding of the Mennonite/Anabaptist constituency in Canada
• Good understanding of the international relief and development field

Major Responsibilities:

• Strategy implementation and project management - 55%
• Content development – 15%
• Administrative and meetings – 30%

Duties:

Strategy implementation and project management - 55%

• Provide leadership and guidance to the provinces and national CDR team to design, implement and monitor a comprehensive stewardship strategy with appropriate cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities for the mass giving portfolio.
• Build relationships, listen to feedback, and communicate DR plans, recommendations and guidelines to the national and provincial DR network.
• In collaboration with other MCC Canada and U.S. departments, oversee the management of MCC’s fundraising database.
• In collaboration with provincial fundraising departments, develop donor retention, reactivation and acquisition strategies.
• Coordinate the implementation of a national planned giving program.
• In consultation with provincial staff, continue to grow an established monthly giving program.
• Oversee quarterly reporting and analysis of fundraising data, identifying key trends, opportunities, tools and areas for improvement which inform fundraising strategies and decision-making.
• Keep informed of trends, developments and best practice in the DR field

Content development – 15%

• In collaboration with national and international staff, support provincial requests for donor reports and proposals.
• Prepare periodic income-generation reports for the MCC Canada board and audit and finance committee.
• In collaboration with International Program and U.S. staff, oversee the development and implementation of fundraising activities with Low German-speaking communities in Latin America.

Administrative and meetings – 30%

• Coordinate the national donor relations roundtable, comprised of national and provincial CDR staff
• Participate in leadership of DR sessions during general orientation and leadership orientation
• Authorize and approve invoices and expense statements within specified parameters.
• Prepare annual plan and DR budget
• Ensure that the gospel of Jesus Christ is exemplified in the performance of all job responsibilities and through personal example.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, spending time in devotions and prayer with all in attendance in local MCC setting.
• Model nonviolent peacemaking through daily interactions with staff and the public.
• Participate in a local church and gatherings, being willing to use his or her gifts within the local faith community.
• Some domestic travel is required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Contact/Relationships:

Supervision:

Complexity/Competencies:

• Able to maintain healthy, effective working relationships with CDR and program staff at the provincial, national and international levels
• Able to articulate and synthesize information and work within MCC’s structural complexities
• Able to communicate complex issues in clear, simple ways
• Able to analyze fundraising data while thinking creatively to enhance donor retention and growth
• Able to manage multiple tasks and projects, while meeting necessary deadlines
• Committed to communicating with honesty and integrity
• Able to manage relationships with multiple contractors, ensuring their materials are delivered on time and adhere to MCC’s vision and values.
• The tasks require extensive collaboration and consensus building with MCC national and provincial staff
• Must be able to influence the work of others in situations where there is no direct accountability

Independent Action:

• Must be able to work independently and in a team setting, while also initiating delivery of the agreed strategic plan for Communications and Donor Relations (CDR)
•  Stays on task with minimum supervision
• A self-starter
• Gives attention to details and accuracy

Initiative and Ingenuity:

• The position requires a self-motivated, dependable, flexible, gracious personality
• Thinking creatively, outside of the box, and examining problems from many angles are required skills
• Proactive in researching and monitoring giving trends and exploring new giving channels, vehicles and tools
• Able to work with a team of creatives to deliver a wide variety of materials
• Able to understand external audience segments and write for audiences
• Understands donor and audience needs

Communication/Interpersonal Skills:

• Able to prepare clear and relevant fundraising reports for senior leaders
• Possess professional writing, editing and communication skills
• Demonstrates strong intercultural competencies, with the ability to work comfortably and sensitively in cross-cultural situations
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to listen well and build consensus
• Ability to build trust with multiple, complex networks across the MCC system, requiring clear communication and effective collaboration skills

Mental/Physical/Visual Demand:

• Works well under deadline pressures
• Remains productive when projects are more open-ended
• Works well with content vetting expectations
• Able to produce content quickly during international disaster situations
• Possesses strong critical-thinking and decision-making skills in stressful situations

End Result: