Development Specialist

WHO WE ARE

Compelled by the love of Jesus, the Calgary Dream Centre (CDC) exists to see lasting change across generations by breaking the cycles of poverty, homelessness, and addiction. We provide recovery programs, housing, and vocational training to people in the pursuit of a life worth living. Because no one is beyond hope.

MISSION AND VALUES ALIGNMENT

The CDC is a Christian faith-based organization. Our work is compelled by the love of Jesus, and our programs are built on the conviction that no one is beyond hope.

All employees are expected to understand, respect, and actively support this mission, and to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with CDC’s values. Faith is extended to the people we serve as an invitation. It is offered to everyone, required of no one. Staff are expected to uphold that posture in their work.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Development & Communications Manager, the Development Specialist will offer personalized care for individuals, businesses and corporations who give financially to the CDC, while supporting the fund development efforts of the organization including events. Personifying our hopeful, collaborative, generous, determined core values, this role will think out of the box to provide meaningful connections to all supporters and seek out new fund development opportunities for the CDC.

Aligned with CDC's mission, the role executes fund development plans, emphasizing major gifts and corporate support for a robust revenue base. Responsibilities include reporting, impact analysis, policy compliance, and fostering relationships within the team for strategic growth in fundraising and mission activities. Reporting to the Manager of DevComm, the Development Specialist will bring their strong relationship-building and project management skills to the Development and Marketing team. This position will focus on the stewardship, cultivation, and activation of corporate and community partners, and drive strategy to grow revenues supporting the CDC's fundraising and mission activities.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITES

• Collaborative Mindset: Fostering open communication and cooperation to achieve shared organizational goals.

• Culture of Support: Contributing to a positive work environment by building strong, trust-based relationships with all team members and departments.

• Interdepartmental Problem-Solving: Working closely with all departments to identify challenges and share knowledge to drive solutions to create a united team.

• Responsible for participating in staff events and functions: Essential to support fun and dynamic team functions to participate in CDC culture.
  

DONOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT & STEWARDSHIP

• Maintain and cultivate relationships with existing and prospective donors and sponsors; serve as the primary contact/stewardship person for donor inquiries and requests.
• Respond to donor and sponsorship inquiries promptly and professionally ensuring donors and sponsors feel valued and appreciated.
• Identify and engage with key donors, businesses, and corporate sponsors in consultation with the Manager.
• Follow Donor Recognition policies and procedures.
• Organize and participate in cultivation and stewardship events; represent CDC at internal and external events.
• Design and execute individual and corporate giving campaigns in collaboration with the DevComm team and external consultants.
• Regularly engage donors through various channels including phone calls, direct mail, email, events, and meetings.
• Organize and participate in cultivation and stewardship events.
• Ensure all donor interactions are consistent with the CDC’s brand and messaging.
• Contribute to the overall fundraising goal by developing and strengthening donor relationships.

CRM & DATA MANAGEMENT

• Own CRM data entry, hygiene, and day-to-day maintenance; own CRM query design, segmentation, and reporting.
• Maintain the donor records database with timely data entry; generate reports and analyze donor data for fundraising strategy.
• Maintain a thorough working understanding of the CRM program (Virtuous); record every donor interaction and correspondence.
• Safeguard donor data confidentiality and comply with donor privacy regulations and policies.
• Assist with tax receipting, particularly donor-requested receipts.
• Create campaign codes and segmentation in the CRM; create online donation forms and embed them on website landing pages, in consultation with the Marketing & Communications Specialist; manage stewardship automation emails and series.

FUND DEVELOPMENT

• Execute the monthly giving program day to day, including stewardship to increase long-term sustainable funding.
• Assist with the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns, events and initiatives.
• Actively seek out new funding opportunities that align with the Calgary Dream Centre’s needs and mission in consultation with the Manager.
• Develop and annually review the agency’s Corporate Partnership Plan.
• Develop fundraising proposals and stewardship reports. Present viable new gifting opportunities to the team.
• Assist with the sourcing, drafting, and preparation of meeting documents, proposals, presentations, reports, etc.
• Lead in the cultivation and stewardship of sponsors for CNOY and CDC golf tournaments.
• Create campaign codes and segmentation in CRM.
• Create online donation forms and embed onto landing pages on the CDC website.
• Manage stewardship automated emails and series in collaboration with the Marketing & Communications Specialist.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIRED

• Completion of a post-secondary Diploma or Degree in Development, Communication, Non-profit Management or related field.
• 3+ years’ experience in the non-profit sector.
• Experience with donor stewardship, fundraising, and event planning.
• A combination of skill and experience will be considered.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Excellent organizational skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of groups.
• Knowledge in preparing reports, and ability to maintain up-to-date files and information.
• Ability to meet deadlines, take initiative, multi-task and be initiative-taking.
• Comfortability connecting with current and potential donors through all forms of communication including phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Acute attention to detail and a commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, take initiative, and be self-motivated.
• Proficiency in Office 365, Google Drive, Slack, Canva, and experience in CRM software.
• Knowledge of and expertise in Virtuous CRM software is considered an asset.