Director of Development & Communications

Director of Development & Communications

About Connected Canadians

Connected Canadians is Canada's leading digital inclusion charity, serving thousands of seniors across Canada through free technology training and support. Working alongside senior-serving organizations and major partners like Adobe Canada, Amazon Canada, Chartwell, RBC, TD, Desjardins and the National Gallery of Canada we empower older adults with digital skills while creating meaningful volunteer opportunities for skilled newcomers. We're committed to ensuring every senior in Canada has access to free technology training by 2030. Learn more at www.connectedcanadians.ca.

The Role

Position Title: Director of Development & Communications

Location: Remote, based in Ottawa, ON

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Reports To: CEO

Connected Canadians is seeking an experienced Director of Development & Communications to lead our fundraising and organizational communications efforts. You'll develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, lead corporate partnership initiatives, oversee our communications team, and cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.

This role is critical to our 2026 strategic goal of generating $300K in direct revenue through major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation partnerships.

What You'll Be Doing

Primary Focus: Fundraising & Revenue Generation

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy focused on major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants to achieve $300K in direct revenue for 2026
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors and corporate sponsors to build sustainable funding partnerships
• Build and maintain a strategic pipeline of prospects; track progress against fundraising goals and ROI metrics
• Manage and improve the organization's donor database and CRM; track fundraising metrics, donor engagement, and campaign performance
• Design and execute multi-channel fundraising campaigns (direct mail, email, events, corporate outreach)
• Collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors on fundraising priorities, strategy, and major donor cultivation
• Serve as the primary point of contact for major donors and corporate sponsors; ensure strong stewardship and relationship management
• Research and pursue foundation and grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities

Secondary Focus: Communications & Team Leadership

• Lead and ensure successful execution of the communications activities at Connected Canadians
• Develop and implement a donor-centred communications strategy aligned with fundraising and organizational goals
• Manage all donor-facing communications, including newsletters, donor reports, impact statements, giving campaign messaging, and donor recognition
• Oversee organizational communications across multiple channels: website, social media, annual reports, partnership announcements, and community outreach
• Ensure brand consistency and message clarity across all fundraising and communications initiatives
• Foster a collaborative communications culture where team members align with organizational mission and goals

Secondary Focus: Strategic Planning & Operations

• Develop annual fundraising plans and budgets; monitor spending against targets in collaboration with the General Manager and CEO/COO
• Set clear KPIs and track performance metrics including funds raised, cost-per-dollar-raised, donor retention, and pipeline velocity
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports on fundraising performance, donor trends, and communications effectiveness
• Work cross-functionally with General Manager, Volunteer Engagement Manager, and operations team to support organizational priorities

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of progressive fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector, with demonstrated success in major gifts and/or corporate sponsorship development
• Proven track record of generating revenue and building donor/sponsor relationships; ability to show specific campaigns and results
• Experience managing and leading fundraising or communications team members
• Strongly written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to craft compelling donor communications, fundraising appeals, and impact messaging
• Strategic thinking and planning capabilities; experience developing multi-year fundraising plans and executing against revenue goals
• Proficiency with donor database management and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Constant Contact, Hubspot, Donor Perfect, or similar)
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; able to build trust and partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups
• Self-starter mentality; able to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating effectively with team members
• Commitment to Connected Canadians' mission of digital inclusion and reducing social isolation among older adults

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in education, healthcare, or senior-serving charitable organizations
• Demonstrated experience managing a communications team or independent consultant
• Bilingual fluency (English/French)
• Grant writing and foundation relations experience
• Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising best practices and industry standards
• Experience designing and executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns
• Knowledge of nonprofit CMS platforms and marketing automation tools
• Experience with volunteer management or community engagement initiatives
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, or demonstrated commitment to pursuing CFRE certification within two years of hire

What We Offer

• Flexible remote work arrangement, work from home with occasional in-person collaboration
• Collaborative culture with a mission-driven team
• Meaningful work that directly impacts thousands of seniors across Canada
• Salary range $75,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience
• PTO: A minimum of four weeks time off during company shutdowns

How to Apply

Please submit the following to jobs@connectedcanadians.ca

• Cover Letter (500 words max) addressing why you're interested in this role and how your experience aligns with the position
• Resume/CV
• Two minute video introduction (linked via YouTube, unlisted video, link included in cover letter)
• Optional: Portfolio or examples of fundraising campaigns, donor communications, or marketing materials you've led

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Target interview dates: February 2026

Target start date: Q2 2026

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Connected Canadians is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including people of colour, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups. We provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and employment process. Please let us know if you require any accommodations.

Connected Canadians

Canada's Leading Digital Inclusion Charity

www.connectedcanadians.ca