Fund Development Officer - Grants & Stewardship
Job Summary
Free Play for Kids is looking for an innovative, strategic, and proven Fund Development Officer to support our mission of providing kids with the opportunity to play in a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment. This role will be directly responsible for identifying and pursuing grant, sponsorship, and donation opportunities.
This position acts as a critical fundraiser and communicator for the Free Play brand in front of donors and sponsors and, as such, will need to intimately understand the programs and the organization to craft perfect pitches, proposals and reports.
The Fund Development Officer will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Executive Officer.
Education & Qualifications
Degree or diploma in Fund Development, Business, Communications, Marketing or equivalent.
Minimum 2 years of experience in grant and proposal writing.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in fund development and donor stewardship.
Proven track record of successful solicitation with donors, sponsors, and grantors.
Proven track record of successful donor and sponsor management.
Proven track record of successful grant management and reporting.
Business development experience is strongly considered an asset.
Proficiency with GSuite, Zoom, and Microsoft Office software.
Clear Criminal and Vulnerable Sector check.
Responsibilities
Grant Writing (50%)
Support in the procurement and management of $3,000,000-$4,000,000 per year of grant funds via identification, submission, and reporting. This includes collecting and consolidating information, writing compelling applications, tracking qualitative/quantitative impacts, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
Working with the Free Play team to research and understand potential areas of growth and funding opportunities, and communicate clearly to necessary external stakeholders via a variety of mediums such as grant applications and proposals.
Self-edit and submit excellent written communication copy that requires minimal to no revision.
Researching and identifying new market opportunities and developing proposals to secure new sources of revenue for the organization.
Leveraging the organization’s existing network of program partners for targeted asks to support Free Play’s overall mission and strategy.
Facilitating the submission and follow-up process for any funding requests in progress.
This position will evolve over time, based on initiatives and objectives identified in Free Play’s strategic plan and vision.
In addition to normal duties, from time to time there may be work assignments arising from special events, special projects, or overall program initiatives.
As an ambassador of Free Play, model key organization values through interactions with all internal and external partners and team members.
Donor Stewardship (50%)
Support in the procurement and management of between $500,000-$1,000,000 of donations and sponsorship per year through meetings, pitches, proposals, and stewardship.
Manage relationships with donors and sponsors through facilitation of regular check-ins, invitations to programming, reporting, and social media mentions.
Supporting the management of all sponsorship and donor relationships
Coordinating and overseeing the fund agreement process
Researching major gift donor & sponsor prospects
Plan and execute a donor and sponsor relations event
Support the timely resolution of donor relations and stewardship-based inquiries through research, problem-solving, and communication with relevant FP staff members
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor stewardship activities
Stay up to date with donor stewardship trends and identify new methods that can be implemented
Skills & Knowledge
Strategic thinker
Exceptional written and verbal communication
High level of discretion and sound judgment pertaining to confidential matters
Servant leadership
Teamwork and collaboration
Service and quality-oriented
Motivated, reliable, and accountable self-starter
High attention to detail
Continuous learner
Respect for / understanding of cultural diversity
Position Conditions
This is a full-time position performed in an office at a rec centre environment, but work setting and schedule may vary slightly depending on projects, including remote work as needed.
Application Instructions
Please send a Cover Letter and Resume to jobs@freeplayforkids.com with the job title in the email subject line.
Free Play for Kids is an equal-opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are values of Free Play for Kids. Free Play welcomes applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.
Free Play for Kids respectfully operates on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our community.
