Director of Development

Job Title: Director of Development

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Oakville, Ontario (Hybrid work environment)

Position Type: Full-time, 2 year contract

About Lighthouse for Grieving Children

Lighthouse for Grieving Children provides free peer support programs for children, youth, and their families grieving the death of a parent or sibling. Our mission is to provide a safe, compassionate
community where grieving families can connect, share, and heal together.

As we continue to grow in impact and reach, Lighthouse is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven
Director of Development to lead and expand our fundraising and donor engagement efforts, ensuring
sustainable resources for our vital programs.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating Lighthouse’s
comprehensive communications and fundraising strategy. This includes cultivating individual,
corporate, and foundation donors; overseeing events and campaigns; and ensuring strong donor
stewardship practices. The Director will also bring demonstrated experience leading and
collaborating with fundraising and/or marketing teams, providing strategic direction, mentorship,
and accountability to achieve shared goals.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising and
relationship management, who is inspired by our mission and can translate that passion into
meaningful partnerships, effective team leadership, and sustainable financial support.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan aligned with Lighthouse’s strategic
  priorities.
• Lead all aspects of revenue generation, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate
  partnerships, grants, and special events.
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities to diversify revenue streams.
• Establish and monitor fundraising targets, budgets, and metrics for success.
• Provide regular reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on fundraising progress
  and opportunities.
• Build and promote the brand through strategic communications

Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Implement a donor stewardship strategy that fosters engagement, retention, and
  recognition.
• Oversee the donor database (CRM) to ensure accurate records and data-driven
  decision-making.
• Ensure timely and meaningful donor communications, including impact reports, acknowledgments, and campaign updates.

Grant Development & Reporting

• Alongside Executive Director and Director of Services, research, write, and submit compelling
  grant proposals and funding applications.
• Maintain accurate grant records and ensure timely reporting and compliance with funder requirements.

Events & Campaigns

• Oversee external organizational communication including event/fundraising promotion.
• Leverage special events and community partnerships to raise awareness and funds for Lighthouse programs.
• Lead events marketing team ensuring signature fundraising events and campaigns are effective and meet fundraising targets.

Team & Collaboration

• Supervise fundraising/marketing staff, volunteers, and/or contractors as assigned.
• Collaborate closely with program and administrative teams to ensure alignment and storytelling
  consistency.
• Engage Board members and volunteers in fundraising initiatives and donor outreach.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in fundraising and communications.
• Proven track record of achieving fundraising targets and cultivating donor relationships.
• Experience with donor databases/CRMs (e.g., DonorPerfect, Raiser’s Edge, or similar).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a gift for storytelling and inspiring generosity.
• Demonstrated ability to plan strategically and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience securing major gifts and/or managing capital or annual campaigns is a strong asset.
• Post-secondary degree in a related field (Fundraising, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or Business) preferred.
• CFRE designation or willingness to pursue is an asset.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about the mission and values of Lighthouse for Grieving Children and families.
• Highly relational, with strong emotional intelligence and integrity.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and adaptable.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a small, dynamic environment.
• Sensitive to the needs of grieving families and the confidentiality required in this work.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary range between $90,000 and $105,000
• Health care spending account
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Paid vacation and personal days.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Lighthouse is an inclusive, affirming, and accessible organization. We apply a culturally humble and trauma-informed approach to our work and honour the unique lived experiences of our clients, staff, and volunteers. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring a fair process for all applicants.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications to:
jdockeray@lighthousegriefsupport.org before February 27, 2026 (applications will be reviewed on a
rolling basis until the position is filled).

Learn More

https://lighthousegriefsupport.org/

Location: Lighthouse is based in Oakville, ON. Some in-person work is expected.