Philanthropy Manager (Mid-Level & Monthly Giving)

Philanthropy Manager (Mid-Level & Monthly Giving)

Seva Canada, a global health organization focused on restoring sight and preventing blindness in low- and middle-income countries, is seeking a Philanthropy Manager to join our small and collaborative team.

Seva Canada has built exceptional strength at the top of its giving pyramid through deep relationships with major donors, foundations, and institutional partners. The next phase of growth is an opportunity to strengthen and expand our mid-level and monthly giving programs, building a more diversified and sustainable base of support.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building meaningful relationships with donors while also thinking programmatically about how to grow and strengthen a community of supporters over time. The Philanthropy Manager will be primarily focused on stewarding and growing Seva Canada’s mid-level donors ($500–$5,000 annually), while also leading the continued development of our monthly giving program.

The Philanthropy Manager reports to the Director of Philanthropy and will contribute to the growth, engagement, and long-term value of these donor groups.

Seva Canada has a dog friend office and offers a hybrid work environment and a supportive, close-knit team where curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn are valued.

Core Accountabilities

Mid-Level Donor Stewardship & Growth (Primary Focus)

• Under the direction of the Philanthropy Director, build and manage relationships with a portfolio of 50-70 mid-level donors through thoughtful, personalized outreach (email, phone, direct mail, and in-person meetings);
• Develop and implement stewardship plans that deepen engagement, increase retention, and inspire donors to grow their support;
• Identify donors with the potential to transition into major giving, develop those relationships through strategic cultivation, and ensure a seamless handoff to the most appropriate relationship manager at the right moment;
• Provides support to a volunteer Philanthropy Committee comprised of members of the Board of Directors and of the Seva Canada community; meets with committee members identify potential new prospects for Seva Canada from their networks;
• Works with Donor Relations & Operations Manager to reconcile and designate mid-level gifts, balancing existing commitments with the wishes of the donor and seeking the advice of, and in collaboration with, the Philanthropy Director and Program Director Operations where necessary.

Monthly Giving Program (Secondary Focus)

• Under the direction of the Philanthropy Director, build and manage relationships with monthly donors through thoughtful interactions and communications, building a strong and committed base of recurring supporters;
• Collaborate with Manager, Operations and Philanthropy Director on refining and/or developing administrative workflows supporting monthly giving, which may be implemented by other members of the Seva Canada team;
• Identify opportunities to strengthen long-term donor value, donor communications & engagement;
• Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team & fundraising agency to develop segmented campaigns and donor journeys aimed at acquisition, onboarding, retention, upgrading and reactivation strategies.

Donor Communications & Engagement

• Develop compelling, donor-centered communications for mid-level and monthly audiences, including updates and impact stories;
• Represent Seva Canada to donors, ensuring donors feel valued, informed, and connected to the people and communities Seva serves.

Data, Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate donor records and track activity in the CRM;
• Pull and prepare lists, reports, and insights to support decision-making;
• Monitor key metrics (retention, upgrades, monthly growth) and identify opportunities for improvement.

Collaboration & Team Support

• Work collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Marketing teams on integrated campaigns and initiatives;
• Work collaboratively with operations and administration teams on workflows aimed at growing support;
• Coordinate with external agency partners on direct response strategy, campaign execution, and donor data management;
• Attend biweekly team meetings;
• Collaborate with the team to prepare and host organization-wide events, ensuring excellent experiences for Seva donors;
• Meets weekly with the Philanthropy Director to review donor interactions from the past week and plan for the week ahead; makes recommendations for alterations to existing marketing and communications programs and strategies for portfolio, and suggests new ideas for engaging mid-level and monthly donors;
• Presents on Mid-level and monthly giving at Board meetings, including what activities or events were held since the prior Board meeting and what the outcomes of these activities were; requests assistance of Board members if necessary;
• Assists other team members when needed;
• Other duties as required.

Decision Making Authority

• Independently manages the budget for mid-level and monthly giving as approved by the Philanthropy Director;
• Establishes and executes annual mid-level and monthly giving plans aligned with organizational strategic priorities, in consultation with the Philanthropy Director;
• This position does not have signing authority.

Supervision

• Direct reports include: N/A;
• Indirect reports include: Donor Relations and Marketing Coordinator (for monthly giving tasks).

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related field;
• Experience stewarding donors or managing donor relationships;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tell compelling stories;
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs;
• Comfortable working with data and CRM systems;
• A self-starter who takes initiative and enjoys working both independently and as part of a team;
• Interest in international development and a desire to contribute to Seva’s mission;
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, ethics, and industry trends;
• Ability to travel within Canada on donor cultivation trips, and help lead donor trips to the places where Seva Canada works internationally;
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends on occasion.

Assets:

• Experience with monthly giving or recurring donor programs;
• Experience with Virtuous or similar CRM system;
• Experience in the nonprofit sector.

Compensation

• Salary range: $66,000-$89,000
• Hybrid work environment
• Competitive medical benefits after 3-month probation
• 3 weeks’ annual vacation to start
• Wellness and sick days
• Opportunity for professional development and learning
• Opportunity to travel internationally (where applicable)