Development Director - Focus on the Family Canada

About Us

Since 1983, Focus on the Family has offered help and encouragement to millions of families as they build their lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ. We work hard to respond to the many real issues families face today by providing sound and practical guidance based on Christian principles. Our vision is to see every family transformed by love, vibrant in faith and enduring in hope. Learn more at www.focusonthefamily.ca

About the Position

The Development department ensures that Focus Canada’s major donors receive the information they need to support their philanthropic interest in the ministry’s mission. Through corporate and personal contact, the team conveys to donors the vision and activities of the ministry and the related financial needs to accomplish them. Managers within this team train, mentor and guide team members to articulate, communicate and explain the orthodox Christian perspective through fundraising activities and relationship development that encourages and supports Focus Canada’s major donors.

The team works with our major donors to raise financial support for the ministry through the establishment and on-going development of strong relationships. We respect the gifting and interests of donors and work to ensure that we match those interests, when we can, with the programs and initiatives of the ministry that require financial and prayer support. Each Director has a primary region where they work to deepen relationships, however, a team approach is applied when appropriate e.g. other team members might work with a donor in another team member’s region when considered beneficial. Together the Development Team sets their annual goals and monitors their performance throughout the year. Everyone shares the responsibility to raise the financial support needed by the ministry, however, each Director is primary responsible for their region.

Managers interact with individuals and groups through various communication methods, and publicly represent Focus Canada at trade, ministry and non-ministry activities and events. They regularly pray privately regarding work-related matters. They pray with their team and may occasionally pray publicly, as opportunities require. They may lead the employees in daily devotions, prayer time and Bible reading.

Job purpose

To establish and build strong relationships with Ministry donors in British Columbia. To effectively communicate about the work and impact of Focus on the Family Canada to current and potential major donors for the purpose of raising funds, expressing gratitude and demonstrating the impact that donations have. To understand the interests and motivation of our donors so the ministry’s needs can be appropriately presented and financial support can be solicited (general fund, special project funds and capital funds, as required).

Key Responsibilities Include

1. Donor Development (primary responsibility - time allocation estimated to be 65-70%)

Establish and build strong relationships with qualified donors in British Columbia through face-to-face meetings, phone calls, video calls and written communication.
Equip donors through communication, resources, participation in ministry activities.
Solicit donations through appropriate conversations for the overall funding of the ministry and for special projects.
Provide appropriate donor recognition for all major gifts received.
Provide timely updates (verbal and written) to donors on how their donations have been used.
Support the President in the execution of the organization’s mission, vision and values through the development of key donors.
Organize and host, with the President, information sessions/luncheons for potential major donors.
Maintain a God-honoring testimony in conduct, attitude and verbal expression of your faith to partners, staff, colleagues, key stakeholders and those we serve as essential to the effectiveness of the role.
Must be willing to travel.

2. Donor Cultivation (time allocation estimated to be 15-20%)

Identify and initiate contact with potential major donors.
Qualify potential donors.
Integrate new donors as they demonstrate a financial partnership with Focus.
Aim to add new donors to your portfolio every year.

3. Donor Management and Administration (time allocation estimated to be 10%)

Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor files. This includes recording any activity that is had with a donor, meeting notes, records of communication or resources sent, event invitations and attendance, etc.
Manage any progress reporting deadlines assigned to the ministry by a donor.
Assist donors with any family-related help they made need from Focus on the Family.
Ensure timely response to donor requests.
Remain aware and up-to-date with Focus on the Family Canada initiatives and communication strategies to be able to persuasively convey our vision and mission to diverse audiences.
Stay apprised of the latest trends in major donor development and communication for the betterment of our team and processes.

4. Accountability (time allocation estimated to be 5%)

Provide regular reports to the Vice President on progress, budgets, receipts and expenditure related to activities managed.
Attend and prepare for team meetings. Update the team on progress or challenges.
Participate in staff prayer and devotions daily.
Participate in all-staff meetings and other organizational initiatives (when able to through video conferencing).
Participate in training as required.

More Job Details:

Contacts:

Donors & potential donors
Constituents
Board members
Influencers and volunteers

Decision Making:

Administer the annual budget applicable to the development activities of the British Columbia region.
Allocation of time and priority to donors dependent on their level of partnership and potential.
Discern the involvement of the President in the relationships being developed.
Coordinate activities with other development personnel to maximize stewardship and effectiveness.
Plan and coordinate President meetings with donors in the region.

Working Conditions:

Regular use of phone, email, video conferencing & computer – a cell phone and laptop computer will be provided by Focus Canada.
Involvement in fund-raising campaigns that can have urgency and annual budgets/goals that require planning and execution and coordination with the entire department and organization.
Regular travel to and throughout the region.
Connection with donors at events, in restaurants, through activities (e.g. golf) etc.

About You

Skills and experience:

1. Professional Experience:

Significant experience in fundraising or “soft-touch” sales.
Proven experience in public relations, communications or marketing, or one-on-one ministry would be considered an asset.
At least 3 - 5 years of non-profit organization experience would be preferred.
Proven experience in customer relations is required.

2. Education and Training:

Post-secondary education or professional training in non-profits, fundraising, sales or marketing. (As an equivalent, at least ten years of relevant experience would be considered.)
A broad understanding of faith, family, culture, and current affairs is beneficial.
An on-going personal commitment to learning is required.
CFRE designation is considered an asset.

3. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Excellent oral and written communication skills are critical.
Highly relational and finds pleasure in connecting with people and organizations. An ability to relate well to others with a sincerity and compassion for the personal lives of the donors and partners.
A broad experience in business or ministry that provides a basis for connection and relevance to the donors and partners.
An enthusiastic passion for the ministry and mission of Focus on the Family Canada that can be expressed clearly to donors and partners.
Willing to work a flexible schedule and travel out of town approximately 40 percent of the time.
Ability to be self-directed, self-motivated and work independently on a day-to-day basis.
Strong ability to deliver on goals and responsibilities.
Ability to use: MS Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel; fundraising database software.
A high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

4. Personal Characteristics:

Planning: Able to plan activities to connect with donors effectively and efficiently according to their availability and in conjunction with the funding needs of the ministry.
Organize: Diligently and in a timely way, keep track of activities, conversations, details of donor interactions in the systems and with the tools provided by the organization.
Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
Foster Teamwork: pleasant and engaging personality that strives to work well with team members and staff members across the organization.
Stewardship: maintain activities within operating budgets and organizational values and policies.
Above all, you must be a consistent witness for Jesus Christ, and have a desire to reflect your Christian faith in professional and personal activities. You must maintain a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people and adhere to our Christian Foundations and Standards agreement.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume below or by email to hr@fotf.ca.