JOB POSTING: Development and Communications Specialist

Job Type: Full time

Organization: Spirit North 

Work Location: Remotely within Canada.

ABOUT SPIRIT NORTH: 

Established in 2017, Spirit North is a national charitable organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring Indigenous children and youth through sport and play. Our vision is health, wellness and a brighter future for all Indigenous children and youth.

Programs are developed and delivered in collaboration and partnership with communities for the purpose of improving physical and mental health, increasing community engagement, and building sustainable sport and recreation programs. Our methodology is designed to reduce barriers to participation in sport and recreation such as geographical isolation and socio-economic imitations, while incorporating community traditions, values, and beliefs.

Headquartered in Canmore, AB, our work is guided by our values which are the following: 

• OPEN: we are diverse, inclusive, and respectful.

• CARING: we care about children and youth, communities, and the land.

• HONEST: we act with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

• COMMUNITY: we value partnerships, relationships and success through collaboration.

DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST POSITION SUMMARY:  

Reporting to the Director of Development, this position will bring donor and program impact to life by crafting compelling reports, fundraising materials, and donor and government relations-focused content. This role requires writing for a variety of audiences on various platforms, strong collaboration with internal and external teams, and high standards of accuracy and discretion in a fast-paced environment.

Support strategic communications for Spirit North through planning, research, writing and editing of donor engagement and government relations collateral. Responsibilities include writing grants, applications, and proposals, e-mails/newsletters, event invitations, key messages, web and social media copy, scripts, speaking remarks and storytelling. Guide, execute and track stewardship/engagement planning for Spirit North donors and audiences. Work collaboratively with the communications and development teams to integrate donor/government relations strategy with accuracy, creativity and good judgment. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•       Research and write reports (grant, donor, stewardship, impact), edit and secure approvals, and manage email distribution.

•       Research and write fundraising and government relations collateral, including customized proposals or applications with budgets, and email solicitations; provide strategic edits to strengthen fundraising messages.

•       Storytelling and communications for proposals, reporting, and newsletters; collaborate to build content for Spirit North website, social media, blog and engagement projects (video, infographics, etc.).

•       Plan and manage engagement plans for donors in collaboration with the Development and Marketing and Communications team.

•       Support communications with programs, community, and external communication initiatives.

•       Draft speaking remarks and event related materials. Maintain accuracy, quality and alignment with Spirit North brand and key messaging.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary diploma / degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field. 

• 5–7 years of professional writing / communications experience, preferably in fundraising or donor relations. 

• Experience with trauma-informed storytelling, working with Indigenous communities, and youth. 

• Experience formulating high-impact, donor-focused communications and campaigns, including fundraising proposals, grants and donor impact reports. 

• Knowledge of the donor cycle, stewardship, communications and recognition within fundraising contexts. 

• Expertise in developing communications strategies and tailoring messaging for cultivation of specific audiences. 

• Experience in research, editing, writing and project management; strong portfolio across media (print, web, video, social). 

• Attention to detail, initiative, and ability to work independently and in a team; strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving and time-management abilities. 

• Value creativity and sense of fun. 

• Diplomacy, discretion and good judgment; ability to work with senior leadership, program staff and communities; ability to meet deadlines and manage priorities. 

• Assets: knowledge of Keela - CRM, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, video production tools (e.g., iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro) and social media. 

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience (range $65,000 - $75,000).

• Health insurance and retirement benefits package.

• Professional development opportunities and support for ongoing learning and growth.

HOW TO APPLY: 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to , with “Development and Communications Specialist – your name” in the title. 

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. 

Spirit North provides equal opportunity to all employees regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. We are a family-friendly organization that allows for flexible work arrangements in order to support staff diversity and ensure a healthy work-life balance. 

We are a child-centered organization. Our recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of the children in our programs. 

This posting will close October 17, 2025