Development Officer, Annual Giving

Reports To: Director, Annual Giving

Location: Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent

Position Summary

The Development Officer leads the execution and continuous improvement of Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation (WRHNF) donor-centred fundraising programs supporting the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN), with a primary focus on the Annual Appeals and Tele-fundraising initiatives.

This role is process-driven and execution-focused, ideal for a highly organized, detailed focused professional who excels in managing systems, project management, workflows, and partner relationships that drive donor acquisition, retention, onboarding, and stewardship. Rather than managing a portfolio of individual prospects, the Development Officer ensures scalable, high-quality donor experiences across annual appeals and telefundraising channels.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Appeals Giving Management

• In collaboration with the Director, Annual Giving, plan, execute, and continuously improve the Annual Appeals including, but not limited to, direct mail, e-fundraising, and tele-fundraising.
• Manage any contracted services to support these appeals acting as the primary Foundation contract for execution of these programs.
• Manage donor acquisition, renewal, retention, upgrades, and reactivation strategies.
• Manage the reporting and performance evaluations for annual appeals
• Oversee onboarding and welcome journeys to ensure new donors are acknowledged promptly and meaningfully.
• Monitor program performance and recommend enhancements to increase donor loyalty and lifetime value
• Develop donor journeys to support overall Foundation strategy supporting fundraising events, engagement, mid-level and major gift programs.

Tele-fundraising Appeal Management

• Manage tele-fundraising initiatives, acting as the primary internal lead.
• Coordinate with external fundraising consultants and partners to ensure program alignment, quality control, and compliance.
• Support the development of training materials, marketing materials, messaging, and scripts to ensure positive donor interactions.
• Monitor results, donor feedback, and cancellation trends, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Support Foundation Office support of donor data and customer service related to tele-fundraising activities.

Donor Lifecycle & Stewardship Processes

• Manage and optimize processes related to donor acquisition, retention, welcoming, onboarding, and stewardship.
• Ensure accurate and timely donor acknowledgements and ongoing stewardship touchpoints.
• Collaborate with communications and philanthropy colleagues to deliver consistent, donor-centered messaging.
• Contribute to donor journey mapping and continuous improvement initiatives.

Project Management & Coordination

• Manage multiple fundraising projects simultaneously with strong attention to timelines, quality assurance and deliverables
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, and tracking tools to support appeals and interdependencies within the Foundation operations.
• Coordinate internal approvals, content development, and cross-team collaboration
• Demonstrate exceptional follow-up and follow-through

Reporting, Data & Administration

• Manage program data and reporting in Blackbaud NXT Raiser’s Edge.
• Produce regular reports on monthly giving and face-to-face program results and trends
• Ensure data accuracy, compliance, and adherence to fundraising and privacy best practices.
• Support data-informed decision-making through insights and recommendations.

Collaboration & Internal Engagement

• Work closely with colleagues across development, communications, finance, and operations.
• Participate in planning, budgeting, and evaluation sessions.
• Contribute to broader fundraising initiatives and development operations as required.

Education & Experience

• 3–5+ years of experience in fundraising, annual giving, development operations, or project management.
• Experience managing fundraising appeals including door-to-door and/or tele-fundraising programs is a strong asset.
• Experience working with external fundraising agencies or vendors is preferred.
• Experience in a healthcare, hospital, or nonprofit environment is considered an asset.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage complex processes with consistent follow-through.
• Strong analytical skills with reporting experience interpreting program data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented working style.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency with Blackbaud NXT Raiser’s Edge and Google and Microsoft Office.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends
• Police background check required.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the WRHN Foundation and a passion for improving local healthcare.
• CFRE designation or working towards CFRE is considered an asset.

What We Offer

• Salary Range: $73,950- $86,700 commensurate with experience and success.
• Vacation: 4 weeks’ vacation plus a policy of 4 summer wellness days and additional float days.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, HOOPP defined-benefit pension, computer and mobile device provided.
• Work Culture: We offer a hybrid and flexible work environment, with regular in-person team strategy sessions and a minimum of one day per week in the office to support collaboration and connection.
• A mission-driven team where your voice matters and your professional growth is supported.

The Process

We’re looking for someone who brings heart, hustle, and humility. If that sounds like you - apply in the way that best shows your passion and strengths. Whether that’s a traditional resume and cover letter or something more creative (video, portfolio, or personal story), we’re excited to meet you.

We are committed to barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and encourage applicants to inform us of any accommodation they may require.

Please submit your application by Friday, May 8th at 5:00pm.