Philanthropy & Communications Coordinator

Job Opportunity:

Philanthropy & Communications Coordinator

Full-time (40 hours per week)

JA South Western Ontario is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, JA empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Since 1963, schools in South Western Ontario have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in an ever-changing global economy. JA South Western Ontario is responsible for the geographic area including the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara.

The Philanthropy & Communications Coordinator is a unique role that links fundraising and marketing, playing a key part in advancing JA’s mission. This role reports directly to the Director, Philanthropy, and is accountable to the Director, Marketing and Communications.

This position is ideal for a highly motivated professional who thrives in a collaborative, dynamic environment and is eager to contribute to many aspects of philanthropy. The coordinator will work closely with senior leadership, support fundraising initiatives, and help communicate the impact of JA’s programs to the community. This is an opportunity to grow your skills, take ownership of meaningful projects, and make a tangible difference.

Under the Philanthropy portfolio, the Philanthropy & Communications Coordinator contributes to the revenue growth and sustainability of JA South Western Ontario. This role is involved with a variety of initiatives including grant applications, proposals, and reports, support for the organization’s annual fundraising activities, donor recognition and stewardship, and contributes to the events portfolio. The Philanthropy & Communications Coordinator works collaboratively across departments on sponsorship activities while stewarding relationships with new and existing donors, and provides support to the Director, Philanthropy.

Primary Responsibilities – Philanthropy (60%)

Contribute meaningfully to overall revenue goals through proactive fundraising support:

• Research, identify and qualify funding opportunities across government, foundations, corporations, service clubs and individual donor segments.
• Create and prepare compelling grant proposals and applications, solicitation packages, letters of inquiry, and impact reports that effectively convey JASWO’s mission and impact.
• Monitor the lifecycle of grants and proposals from conceptualization through reporting to ensure timely deliverables and strong funder relationships.
• Collaborate closely with Director, Philanthropy, to track and evaluate fund development activities, anticipate challenges and ensure commitments are met as proposed.
• Take lead on the grant calendar, preparing and submitting grants up to $10,000, balancing competing deadlines and priorities to meet deadlines and team goals.
• Assist with signature fundraising events, by helping to build meaningful engagement with donors, sponsors, and community supporters.
• Develop and steward a portfolio of third‑party and cause marketing events, strengthening partnerships and expanding visibility.
• Cultivate strong internal and external relationships by communicating clearly, listening actively, and representing the organization with professionalism and integrity.

Administrative & Donor Support:

• Maintain accurate records in Customer Relationship database (SalesForce) in accordance with organizational standards and best practices.
• Maintain and update donor database records, mailing lists, special announcements, and event invitations to ensure accurate and timely communications with donors and stakeholders.
• Attend and represent JA at community events as required, using discretion to identify opportunities for networking, relationship-building, and raising the organization’s profile.

Additional duties and responsibilities:

• Represent JA in the community with professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to the organization’s mission.
• Support JA-organized events and activities contributing to their success and positive impact. Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a collaborative team approach.

Under the Marketing and Communications portfolio, the Philanthropy & Communications Coordinator supports the development and execution of marketing and communications initiatives that advance fundraising, donor stewardship, campaigns, and program awareness. As the connector between philanthropy and marketing initiatives, this role helps ensure consistent, engaging, and impact-driven messaging across channels.

Primary Responsibilities - Marketing & Communications (40%)

• Create and schedule social media content across multiple platforms to support campaigns, events, donor recognition, and program storytelling to build meaningful relationships and strengthen long-term engagement.
• Develop content for digital and print channels, including the website, e-newsletters, email campaigns, and donor communications
• Create and adapt marketing templates and materials for fundraising initiatives, events, and stewardship activities, in alignment with brand standards
• Assist in the creation of presentations and materials that effectively communicate the organization’s mission, programs, and impact.
• Gather and organize stories, testimonials, and photos that highlight the impact of JA programs
• Maintain organized records of marketing and communications content
• Update and maintain mailing and distribution lists as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Community Outreach

• Support outreach initiatives for key stakeholder groups, including donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support outreach and promotional needs as requested

Who We’re Looking For:

• A motivated, curious, and adaptable professional with a passion for fundraising and communications.
• A relationship-builder who thrives on connecting with people and representing the organization in the community.
• Someone who is proactive, organized, and ready to take ownership of designated projects while learning from experienced leaders.
• A creative thinker who uses attention to detail and operational excellence to achieve results.
• Someone inspired by impact, seeing their work translate into real benefits for the community and the youth JA serves.
• Relevant post-secondary education and/or experience is required with priority given to background in Non-Profit, Business, Communications or Marketing.
• 1-3 years of relevant experience and demonstrated track record of achievement
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with customer relationship management systems such as Raiser’s Edge or SalesForce, or equivalent
• Experience with marketing automation programs such as MailChimp
• Knowledge of WordPress an asset
• Knowledge of Canva or the Adobe Creative Suite an asset.
• Social Media experience in a professional setting is an asset.
• Current driver’s license and access to a vehicle required, as some regional travel is expected
• Excellent organizational skills and proficient in time management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and basic design experience required.
• Knowledge of South Western Ontario and charitable sector is an asset
• The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and flexible to work within a team and independent work environment

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a dynamic team and contribute directly to the growth and visibility of JA’s programs.
• Work in a role that bridges fundraising and marketing, offering broad exposure and skill development.
• Make a tangible difference by supporting initiatives that empower youth and strengthen the community.
• Learn, grow, and take ownership in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

This position will work primarily from a home office during regular business hours and some evenings/ weekends anywhere in the JA South Western Ontario region; however, regular attendance at our office location in London is required. Some regional travel is also required. The successful candidate must have a suitable quiet environment from which to work, with a desk and reliable and secure internet access. A laptop will be provided.

The salary range for this position is $55,0000 - $65,000 (commensurate with experience). The successful candidate must undergo a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.

JA South Western Ontario is an equal opportunity employer. JA South Western Ontario will not discriminate based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, age (18 and over), record of offenses for which a pardon has been granted, marital status (including same sex partners), family status, or any other grounds prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Are you ready to contribute to JA’s mission of inspiring and preparing youth to succeed in a global economy? Please submit your cover letter and resume by email to bgardiner@jaswo.org by January 26, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.