Director, Fund Development

Make a lasting impact where it matters most — right here at home.

Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation is seeking a passionate and strategic Director, Fund Development to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of philanthropy across our region of Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County.

As a key member of the Foundation team, you will advance development strategies to grow the Foundation's endowment and operating revenue, engage with donors, and help strengthen relationships with individuals, families, and professional advisors. Your work will directly support local charities and community initiatives that build vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities — now and for generations to come.

About Us:

Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation is a trusted partner in local philanthropy. We help donors build lasting legacies through endowed funds, strategic giving, and community investment. Since our founding in 2004, we've grown assets to over $10.5M, and granted more than $4M to local charities and community initiatives across Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County.

Key Responsibilities:

Fund Development

• Work with the Executive Director to design and implement strategies that will attract and grow new funds and promote giving opportunities with the Foundation.
• Organize fund development efforts including coordinating meetings, preparing reports and proposals, and establishing thoughtful dialogue with established and prospective donors.
• Advance the Foundation's annual giving program through the cultivation and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Conduct research to expand the Foundation’s prospect pipeline across the Foundation’s service region.

Fund Holder Stewardship and Legacy Giving

• Work with the Executive Director to nurture the goals of established funds including donor-advised funds, field of interest funds, designated funds, charitable organization funds, and scholarship funds. Connect people to purpose through meaningful engagement.
• Be a liaison to fund holders providing exceptional customer service when responding to inquiries and executing stewardship activity.
• Advance the Foundation’s Legacy Leaders program by promoting planned giving options and fostering engagement with current Legacy Leaders.
• Collaborate with the Foundation's marketing specialist to promote Planned Giving with the Foundation.

Donor and Community Engagement

• Plan and execute donor recognition and community impact events to showcase the local impact of grant-making from funds held with the Foundation.
• Represent the Foundation at community and partner events, enhancing visibility and relationships, when required.
• Work with the Foundation's marketing specialist to ensure compelling donor materials, reports, and storytelling.

Data, Reporting and Administration

• Prepare all required gift documentation, bank deposits, and process gifts to the Foundation’s data management system.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect records in the Foundation’s data management system.
• Prepare charitable tax receipts, tribute gift acknowledgements, and fund holder stewardship reports.
• Track metrics related to donor engagement, campaign performance, and revenue growth.
• Prepare analytical reports for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Committees, as required.

Sponsorship and Campaign Management

• Identify, solicit, and manage sponsorships for Foundation's initiatives and events.
• Work with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to achieve the financial goals of specialized fundraising campaigns. An operating sustainability campaign is underway.
• Track the fulfillment of sponsor benefits and donor recognition commitments.
• Identify new funding or fee-based opportunities to raise a minimum of 50K annually to support the Foundation’s annual operations.

Core Competencies:

• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication, and effective listener
• Interpersonal skills: Social sensitivity, approachable, ability to build and maintain relationships
• Teamwork: Collaborative mind-set, ask for help, flexible to pitch in
• Open-mindedness: Open to others’ ways of approaching situations
• Accountability: Follow through on responsibilities and commitments, reliable and dependable
• Confidentiality: Maintain details appropriately, safeguard sensitive information
• Creative Thinking: See opportunities for new ways of working, and bring a fresh perspective
• Initiative: Self-starter and take initiative

Qualifications:

• University degree in Business Administration, Philanthropy, Fundraising, or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in development, donor relations, or community development.
• Skilled at developing and managing major gift pipelines with previous success building connection with business and individual donors that resulted in successful commitments. Demonstrated experience managing major gifts and legacy commitments.
• Exceptional donor service orientation demonstrated by the ability to anticipate, understand and respond to the needs and expectation of donors.
• Experience engaging with various stakeholders including sponsors, participants, and key volunteers to support development objectives.
• Superior written communication and presentation skills, including preparing and delivering compelling presentations.
• High level of organizational ability, attention to detail, and skill to manage tight timelines.
• Well-versed with Microsoft 365 and managing relationships within a Client Relationship Management system. Experience with CommunitySuite by Foundant Technologies, an asset.
• CFRE designation or active pursuit of certification considered an asset.
• Knowledge of charitable giving, tax receipting, and CRA regulations is an asset.

Working Conditions:

• This is a full-time position.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
• The Foundation offers a competitive benefit package.
• The Foundation’s service region is Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County, with its head office in Stratford, ON.
• Due to the Foundation's wide geographical region, a valid Driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is required for meetings and events.

Ideal Candidate:

• You share SPCCF’s commitment to community, generosity, and integrity.
• You demonstrate emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and discretion.
• You embrace a role that requires strategic thinking with hands-on implementation.
• You are inspired by philanthropy and have a connection to the Foundation's service region.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your current resume and a covering letter detailing how your qualifications align with this opportunity and SPCCF ‘s mission by Thursday, August 28th, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. We encourage you to apply early as we are motivated to fill this role as soon as possible.

We thank all candidates for their interest in the work of the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone inquiries please.

What to Expect in our Interview Process:

Initial conversation: One of our team members will conduct a 30-minute virtual conversation to discuss your interest in the role and the Foundation.

1st Interview: Executive Director and Board Member will conduct a 1-hour in-person meeting. We will discuss your skills and how they align with our team’s needs. We will also answer any questions you have about the role, our culture, and the impact we strive to make.

2nd Interview: Executive Director and Board Member will conduct a 1-hour in-person meeting, different team members may participate. This interview stage might include presenting your response to pre-assigned questions or a discussion of role-specific scenarios.