Director of Fund Development

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through a unique combination of integrated and tailored services in mental health, social support, and housing. We are committed to creating welcoming and safer spaces uniquely designed to help build community, emotional well-being, and confidence. 

We distinguish ourselves by delivering an integrated transitional housing model to support youth towards independent living, impactful counselling modalities and therapeutical groups, social activities and practical supports that address multiple aspects of a youth’s life (e.g., health, education, employment). 

Our services and programs are informed by 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, grounded in evidence and research, and led and facilitated by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Our staff reflects the diversity of the youth we serve and are skilled in supporting youth towards independence and well-being. Ultimately, we want to help create a Canada where all 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are validated, included, and empowered to lead healthier lives. 

The Opportunity

We are currently looking for an interim Director of Fund Development and Marketing (18-month parental leave). Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Development and Marketing will manage and administer the full cycle of grants and Corporate and Foundation gifts, aligned with Friends of Ruby’s strategic mission and direction, including but not limited to prospect research, proposal development, manage planning and execution, regular communications with stakeholders to understand funding needs and expectations, writing reports, etc.

The successful candidate will work closely with and report to the Executive Director as part of a small but excellent team of staff and volunteers and will be the driving force behind the fundraising efforts of Friends of Ruby.  

The current Development and Marketing team includes a Development Manager, Development Coordinator, and a Communications Officer. The Director also has access to a highly engaged Executive Director and Board.

Job Duties

Development and Planning

Collaborate with the Executive Director and team to create a fund development plan that supports the strategic direction of the organization
Gather competitive information and identify potential opportunities and challenges in government funding, private foundations and corporate community/corporate foundations and adapt fundraising strategies as needed
Establish and execute formal Planned Giving/Legacy Program
Establish and execute formal Annual Giving Program for mid-level donors
Assist in planning and executing donor related stewardship events

Evaluation and Measurement

Monitor and evaluate all fundraising activities to ensure that the fundraising goals are being achieved
Maintain a database of current and potential funders, donors, government, and corporate partners 

Fund Management

Develop a fund development framework to include appropriate annual fund goals which are aligned with the strategic plan 
Work with the Executive Director and the management team on annual marketing opportunities to include a variety of channels including, digital online campaigns, social media, event management and direct contact with major donors
Develop an annual income and expenditure budget for the fund development program
Develop and implement initiatives (campaigns, fundraisings, etc) to bring funds to the organization
Oversee or Process gifts (which includes Issue acknowledgement and tax receipts through donor database and track moves management through donor database

Digital Marketing and Donor Engagement

Develop and manage communication initiatives to promote the work of Friends of Ruby to donors and prospects
Develop and manage donor acquisition strategy to grow donor base
Oversee and write corporate stewardship reports for corporate sponsors and philanthropic donors for event and project-based funders
Conduct new prospect research and analysis, develop briefing notes, presentations and grant proposals
Develop a marketing strategy to support the development funds and to further promote the brand profile within the sector
Write and compile applications, proposals, and solicitation letters for Government grants and Foundations for a broad range of programs and initiatives
Plan and execute all donor stewardship activities associated with fundraising and communications events

Stakeholder Engagement

Interact with the Board fund development committee and identify the mechanisms for Board engagement
Attend networking events to develop relationships with community-based organizations, government bodies and foundations that support Friends of Ruby’s priority areas
Represent Friends of Ruby at events and on relevant committees
Maintain regular communications with assigned stakeholders, address any concern, inquiry from stakeholders

Staff Management

Determine appropriate staffing requirements for your functional areas
Foster a positive, healthy and safe work environment
Manage and support staff through regular performance reviews, coaching and mentoring, identifying training needs, and providing opportunities for staff competencies development and professional growth within Friends of Ruby
Facilitate regular staff meetings on organizational updates and functional area specific matters and coordinates staff participation in meetings
Oversee the direct and indirect deliverables of your teams, proving support to the staff as needed

Risk Management and Internal Controls 

Select vendors and business partners who will always serve Friends of Ruby’s best interests
Act internally and externally as a public representative of Friends of Ruby’s values, ensuring that communication is accurate, fair, and compliant with all legal requirements, as well as, protective and consistent of our reputation and brand
Ensure direct reports perform their work in full compliance with all applicable health, safety and environmental laws and regulations, as well as Friends of Ruby’s internal policies
Follow all processes and controls designed to ensure the accuracy of Friends of Ruby’s assessment and reporting of its financial results.

Skills and Experiences

Bachelor`s degree in communications, political science, business administration, marketing or equivalent
Advanced degree is an asset
Strategic thinker with a project management mindset
3-5 years of institutional full cycle fundraising experience, with a focus on grant writing, prospect research, stewardship and donor relationship
Ability to deal with conflicts and organized to create and/or refine processes
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with successful track record in crafting effective and compelling proposals, reports and budgets to meet specified guidelines
Maintain and build upon relationships with existing donors, prospects, and stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to build long-term relationships with donors, using skill, tact, discretion, and compassion
Excellent negotiations skills with the ability to influence decisions to achieve objectives while maintaining policy
Ability to be a great people manager and to be successful in risk management
Proven ability to multi-task in a busy environment, to work well under pressure, and to prioritize tasks appropriately while meeting time-sensitive demands
Sector experience working in not-for-profit
Knowledge / lived experience with the diverse experiences and identities of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities is an asset

Additional Requirements 

Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check Program 
Must be qualified to legally work in Canada 
Willing to work onsite at our location in downtown Toronto 
Willing to work on a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the organization, working evenings on occasions 

Ability to travel to other community-based settings as needed 

COVID-19 Protocol

Friends of Ruby believes that immunization against COVID-19 is an individual and societal responsibility and that we must do everything possible to protect our clients, families, employees, students, volunteers and contractors against the spread of COVID-19. As a condition of employment, proof of full vaccination or exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code must be submitted to Human Resources seven (7) calendar days prior to start date.