Contract Fundraising & Digital Marketing Lead

Unitarian House of Ottawa

Charitable Not-for-Profit Retirement Residence

$35 per hour | 64 hours per month

Annual Contract Value: $26,880

One-Year Contract (Renewable)

Work Model: Primarily remote, with required onsite attendance for select meetings and fundraising events

Reports to: Executive Director

Event Collaboration Reporting: Activity & Volunteer Coordinator (for event planning and execution)

About Unitarian House of Ottawa

Unitarian House of Ottawa is a charitable not-for-profit organization that provides affordable housing as well as quality care and support for older adults. We enable a uniquely vibrant and fulfilling seniors’ community where engaged residents, staff and volunteers contribute together to the wellbeing and safety of those who live here — and will continue to do so for decades to come.

As one of the only retirement residences in our region that self-subsidizes residents and receives no direct government operating funding, fundraising is essential to sustaining affordability and expanding access to care.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and technically proficient Fundraising & Digital Marketing Lead to advance philanthropic revenue and strengthen our digital presence.

This hybrid contract role integrates:

• Major gifts development
• Legacy and planned giving strategy
• Website development and optimization
• Brand marketing
• Retirement residence occupancy marketing
• Fundraising event support

The successful candidate will operate independently while collaborating closely with internal leadership and the Activity & Volunteer Coordinator on fundraising initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Major Gifts & Legacy Giving

• Develop and manage a portfolio of qualified major donor prospects.
• Build and implement a legacy/planned giving framework tailored to residents, families, and community supporters.
• Prepare donor proposals, stewardship plans, impact reports, and gift agreements.
• Support Board members and leadership in cultivation strategies.

Retirement Residence Marketing & Occupancy Support

• Develop digital marketing strategies supporting occupancy and community visibility.
• Promote Unitarian House’s Financial Assistance Program and affordability model.
• Optimize website content to drive inquiries and tour bookings.
• Develop content that reflects resident engagement and community vibrancy.
• Support referral relationship development.

Website & Digital Infrastructure

• Manage website updates (WordPress or comparable CMS).
• Improve donation and inquiry pathways.
• Integrate CRM and donation platforms.
• Monitor analytics and recommend improvements.

Brand & Communications

• Ensure cohesive messaging aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic plan.
• Develop email campaigns, newsletters, digital fundraising materials, and impact storytelling.

Fundraising Event Support

• Partner with the Activity & Volunteer Coordinator to plan and organize fundraising events.
• Support sponsorship outreach and donor engagement tied to events.
• Assist with promotional materials and digital marketing.
• Attend select events onsite.
• Report to the Activity Coordinator for event-related logistics and coordination.

Contract Structure

This is a one-year contract at $35 per hour (64 hours per month).

Upon successful completion of the contract term and demonstrated fundraising growth aligned with organizational goals, the contract may be renewed at an adjusted rate.

Qualifications

• 5+ years nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising.
• Knowledge of legacy and planned giving best practices.
• Strong technical proficiency in:
  • WordPress or similar CMS
  • CRM systems
  • Email marketing platforms
  • SEO and analytics tools
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a contract environment.
• Experience in seniors services, housing, or healthcare considered an asset.