Major Gift and Special Initiatives Fundraiser - Farm Radio International

Position Title:  Major Gift and Special Initiatives Fundraiser -  Farm Radio International

Position Location:  Ottawa

Reports to:  Manager, Fundraising Department, Farm Radio International

Contract term:  2 years

Compensation level:  Competitive, with good benefits package

Application deadline:  December 18, 2017

BACKGROUND:

Farm Radio International is a Canadian registered charity that is managed by World University Services of Canada.   It is a unique and innovative NGO that partners with African radio stations to develop and broadcast highly effective communication services that lead to improved food security, health and resiliency for smallholder farmers and rural communities.   Over 20 million African farmers benefit directly from our work.

Farm Radio counts on the charitable contributions of thousands of individual Canadians and numerous small foundations.   Our dynamic fundraising team invites Canadians to participate in our work by making direct appeals, organizing fundraising events, and soliciting gifts for specific projects.   We are seeking an energetic, creative, well-organized individual with exceptional communication skills to join our team as a Major Gift and Special Initiatives  Fundraiser.  

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Major Gift and Special Initiatives  Fundraiser plan would grow the number of major givers and income from this group attract new donors through digital campaigns and special events.   Responsibilities include:

Coordinate Major Gift Program

• Maintain and continually update Major Gift Affinity Group, and get to know as much as possible about the individuals within this Group
• Research, maintain and continually update list of current or prospective foundation donors
• Develop annual “moves” and solicitation strategy for each prospective major donor (including foundations) based on giving history, preference and information gathered through research
• Support moves strategy by managing relations with MGA group members (including prospective legacy donors), through calls, letters, invitations to events, contact with executive and board members, special reports etc. Enter information about MGA group in Raisers Edge, including record of contacts and conversations, and handle donor information in a sensitive and ethical manner
• Coordinate and oversee the solicitation of gifts from all prioritized MGA donors to increase overall major gift revenue and hit or exceed annual fundraising targets.
• Solicit grants and donations from identified foundations through a variety of strategies, including, when necessary, the development and submission of proposals.
• Develop relationships with Learning Tour participants before during and after Tours. This may include accompanying Tour participants

Coordinate Special Fundraising Initiatives

• Plan and coordinate the annual African Harvest fundraising event in Ottawa: secure venue and entertainment; solicit sponsors; ticket sales strategy, ensure MGA group members attend … follow-up
• Support 3rd party events – salons, bonspiel
• Develop and implement “calls to action” or “petitions” to harvest emails of prospects for digital fundraising appeals
• Coordinate fundraising volunteers for events and special initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

Specialized studies in fundraising and resource development

Skills and Experience

We are looking for a Major Gift and Special Initiatives  Fundraiser who brings at least three years’ experience in working with a small team to achieve fundraising results for a Canadian charity (including international development NGO).   In particular, the  Fundraiser will offer:

•  A record of successful leadership in the development and implementation of a moves management plan and strategic fundraising initiatives for a Canadian charity.
•  Proven success in securing major gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations.
• Creative approaches to using social media, new partnerships and compelling digital campaigns to raise the organization’s profile.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Oral and written fluency in English is essential, and fluency in French is an asset.
•  Excellent organizational skills – disciplined self-starter (the successful candidate will be working without the benefit of externally imposed deadlines).
• Successful experience preparing grant proposals.

Applications:

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer.   We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.   No telephone calls please.

If you wish to apply for this position, please follow this link to register on WUSC’s candidate database.