Charity fundraising development

Position: Development Officer
Organization: Cycle Toronto
Location: Toronto, Ontario

About Cycle Toronto

Cycle Toronto is a member-supported charity that has been leading the change to help build a healthier, more vibrant cycling city since 2008. We work to create access to cycling, build support for cycling infrastructure, and help foster a culture of cycling in Toronto.

We are a non-partisan organization that engages a diversity of people in our work pursuing evidence-based solutions to make riding a bike a safer, more convenient option for more people.

The Role

The Development Officer will develop and execute fundraising initiatives for a growing charity. This position will champion a charitable mindset, and cultivate and manage relationships with members and donors. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Officer has significant responsibility to achieve funding goals to sustainably grow the organization’s impact and capacity.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Work with the Executive Director to assist in the planning and strategy to achieve fundraising targets as articulated in annual budget and operational plan
• Develop strategic initiatives to drive donor culture and lead delivery of major fundraising appeals
• Undertake annual review of all existing individual giving programs against targets and KPIs, and make recommendations to enhance engagement and revenue
• Continually assess opportunities and develop strategies to effectively engage new and existing supporters in cycling issues

Donor and Member Engagement

• Lead on all individual fundraising programs
• Oversee donor and member stewardship and recognition program in support of targeted retention
• Maintain positive relationships with donors, members, and prospects to enhance support for the organization’s mission
• Leverage technologies and best practices to implement ladder of engagement to increase supporters
• Work closely with Communications Manager on annual and monthly fundraising drives, and lead delivery of fundraising appeals
• Collaborate with Programs Manager on delivery of fundraising events like Big Toronto Bike Ride
• Support the Executive Director on cultivating and recognizing major gift donors and foundation partners

Grants and Foundations Cultivation

• Work with Programs Manager to research and identify government and foundation funding opportunities
• Watch grant and funding trends
• Prepare and write funding proposals and grant applications, and project reports

Fundraising Operations

• Ensure a high level of data quality and data timeliness in CRM database by ensuring customer records are maintained and gifts tracked
• Work with bookkeepers and staff to keep track of monthly reconciliation, including processing and depositing cash and cheques, and support the annual financial audit
• Issue gift and tax receipts and ensure CRA compliance

Qualifications

• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience with an Ontario charity, particularly in individual donor programs and donor stewardship
• Strong knowledge of CRA guidelines which relate to financial and gift-in-kind donations and donor recognition
• Successful track record of grant applications
• Experience working with high net worth individuals/high profile clients an asset
• Comfortable using Google Workspace applications (Mail, Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management databases in general and NationBuilder in particular an asset
• Fluent written and spoken English with adaptable writing styles based on audience and context. Any written and spoken secondary language is an asset
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Positive attitude and self-motivated
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours as necessary
• General awareness of municipal politics and urbanism is an asset

Terms of Employment

• Full time, permanent position
• Start Date: March 3, 2025 or as soon as possible
• Salary: $54,000-$68,000 per year. Commensurate with skills and experience. Paid vacation and health/dental benefits package
• Reports to: Executive Director
• The position is located in Toronto. There is some flexibility to do some work from home depending on activities
• Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM is expected. Occasional work outside these hours may be required based on our events calendar and time in lieu will be provided

Application process

Email your cover letter and resume in one PDF document to work@cycleto.ca with the subject line “Development Officer” by end of day Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

We will aim to hold interviews shortly thereafter. We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Cycle Toronto is committed to equity and inclusion. We seek to develop a diverse and talented staff team that reflects our city's diverse communities. Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, people with disabilities, and people of diverse gender expression are encouraged to apply. Accommodation in the hiring process and during employment will be provided in accordance with Ontario’s Human Rights Code.