Director of Philanthropy and Communications

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Halton Food for Thought

Director of Philanthropy and Communications

Duration: Permanent, Full-Time

Salary Range: $65,000 - $ 80,000 – commensurate with experience and skills

Working Hours: 35 Hours, Monday to Friday (evenings and weekends as required)

Work Location: Hybrid - 5063 North Service Road, Suite 100, Burlington, ON, L7L 5H6

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Summary

The Director of Philanthropy and Communications provides strategic leadership for Halton Food for Thought’s fundraising, communications, and community engagement efforts. Working closely with the Executive Director, this role develops and implements strategies that grow and diversify revenue, strengthen community awareness, and support the organization’s long-term sustainability.

The Director is responsible for advancing fundraising initiatives, overseeing organizational communications, improving reporting and operational processes, and using data and technology to inform decision-making. The successful candidate is a collaborative leader who can build consensus, foster strong relationships, and help move ideas into action.

Fund Development

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies that support annual and long-term revenue goals.
• Grow and diversify funding through individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundations, grants, sponsorships, annual campaigns and community fundraising.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing donors while identifying and cultivating new funding opportunities.
• Develop stewardship strategies that recognize and engage donors and community partners.
• Monitor fundraising performance and recommend opportunities for growth.

Communications & Community Engagement

• Lead the development of communications that increase awareness of Halton Food for Thought’s mission and impact.
• Oversee print, digital, promotional, website, and social media communications to support fundraising, volunteer engagement, and community awareness.
• Support campaigns and community initiatives that strengthen the organization’s profile and encourage participation.
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand standards across all communications.

Strategy, Reporting & Operations

• Develop meaningful reports, dashboards, and performance measures to support organizational planning and decision-making.
• Strengthen and lead reporting processes, documentation, and operational guidelines.
• Ensure fundraising and communications systems are effectively utilized, and data is accurate, current and actionable.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, processes, and technology use across the department.
• Take direction and guidance from ED to support campaigns and initiatives when and where expected.
• Provide regular reporting and strategic recommendations to the Executive Director.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide collaborative leadership that encourages innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Stepping up and taking on support roles with the community development staff, the board and ED when and where needed.
• Build consensus across teams and stakeholders to support organizational priorities. Foster positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, and funders.
• Support and initiate onboarding for corporate volunteers and establish touchpoints with the team.
• Contribute to organizational planning and strategic initiatives.

Communications & Community Engagement

• Lead the annual communications plan and its execution across the organization's channels: website, social media, email, media and press, blogs, and print materials.
• Produce the organization's regular newsletters, including the general, monthly donor, and corporate partner editions, and prepare the annual report.
• Manage the organization's social media presence across its active channels, maintaining a consistent posting cadence and engaging partners and the community.
• Plan and deliver awareness campaigns throughout the year, such as Feeduary, Nutrition Month, and volunteer recognition, in coordination with program staff and community partners.
• Oversee website content and updates, working with external vendors on larger builds.
• Ensure consistent messaging, brand standards, and CASL-compliant email practices across all communications.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Fundraising, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Progressive experience in fundraising (at least 5 years), communications, or non-profit leadership.
• Demonstrated grant writing and reporting experience, including preparing and submitting funding proposals and completing funder reports.
• Demonstrated success in securing and stewarding diverse revenue sources.
• Experience using a donor management system (Panorama or similar CRM), reporting, and digital communications platforms to generate insights, improve workflows, and support strategic decision-making.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, soft skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build consensus, navigate competing priorities, and lead through collaboration.
• Ability to show flexibility and restraint where competing priorities overlap, and teamwork takes precedence.
• CFRE designation, or working toward it, is considered an asset.

Success in this Role

The successful candidate will:

• Grow and diversify philanthropic revenue.
• Strengthen donor, funder, and community relationships.
• Increase awareness and engagement through effective communications.
• Improve reporting, systems, and operational processes.
• Use technology and data to support strategic decision-making.
• Build alignment and consensus while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Application Instructions:

Halton Food for Thought hires based on merit and is committed to equality and diversity, as well as providing welcoming and inclusive work experience. We encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and religion.

• Please send your cover letter and resume in confidence, outlining your qualifications and what interests you in the role, to HR@haltonfoodforthought.com by August 15th, 2026.
• Note that resumes without a cover letter will not be reviewed.
• Only qualified respondents will be contacted. Individuals accepted for consideration will be subject to a Vulnerable Sector Check.