Development Officer

SOS Children’s Villages Canada is committed to making a difference in the lives of children without parental care.  We seek a passionate and experienced Development Officer to join our International Programs & Partnerships Team.

You will strategize, collaborate, and execute comprehensive fundraising initiatives.  Your expertise will drive our mission forward by engaging donors, raising awareness, and generating vital funds to support our cause. If you have a passion for philanthropy and the skills to drive major corporate gifts, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we serve.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong track record in fundraising, event management and possesses excellent communication skills. A passion for the organization’s mission is essential. A deep understanding of philanthropy and donor motivations are vital for the role.  A knack for storytelling that resonates with donors’ values sets you apart.

About us

Founded in 1969, SOS Children’s Villages Canada is a member of the world’s largest charitable federation focused on supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it. Protecting children and advancing their rights is our priority in over 130 countries and territories.  We believe that children deserve more than just survival. They have a right to grow up in a safe and caring family environment, giving them the best chance of a secure future. Using a holistic approach, we work to empower vulnerable children, families, and communities to ensure children’s rights are met. Through programs focused on child protection, education, health, nutrition, women’s economic empowerment, and humanitarian responses, SOS Children’s Villages serves nearly 3 million people annually.  

About the role

Reporting to the Corporate Partnerships Manager, the Development Officer plays a collaborative role in developing and implementing strategies to secure significant financial support from mid-size donors (corporate, community-based groups, foundations and events). This position requires a dynamic and results-oriented individual who can build and maintain strong relationships with donors. You will develop and implement strategies to cultivate and engage with donors who have the potential to make four – five figure gift contributions. You possess a proven track record in fundraising and event planning, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. Success in this role means you will not only meet financial targets but also ensure that donors feel valued and informed about the impact of their contributions.

Core Responsibilities:

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit medium-size gifts from prospects (corporate, community-based groups, and foundations) ensuring personalized and meaningful engagement.
• Manage existing fundraising relationships with current donors and provide regular updates and stewardship
• Arrange virtual and in-person meetings with prospects and donors
• Prepare compelling communications and marketing materials for prospecting and stewardship presentations 
• Collaborate with the Development Team in prospecting and research activities
• Respond to incoming inquiries from community partners related to fundraising initiatives
• Plan and execute donor events and recognition programs
• Develop plans, budgets and critical paths for select fundraising events across Canada
• Prospect and secure event sponsorship and in-kind contributions
• Co-ordinate event logistics: venue selection, guest lists, vendor agreements
• Engage with communications team to develop and implement event marketing strategies, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence. 
• Ensure consistent messaging that SOS Children’s Villages Canada is viewed as a trusted leader, and recognized authority within Canada’s international development and humanitarian sector. 
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in donor fundraising

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated track record of corporate, community and foundation fundraising success, event planning and implementation
• A passion for, and knowledge of, child-focused international development and humanitarian assistance programming.  
• High-energy, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to build strong relationships
• Adept at effectively managing multiple projects simultaneously and establishing priorities in a busy environment with varying workload demands
• Self-directed, able to independently resolve issues that arise
• Highly collaborative and service driven working style; experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• A creative thinker with strong organizational and project management skills
• A sincere commitment to work collaboratively with colleagues and key stakeholders, including board members and volunteers
• Sound understanding of fundraising principles (CFRE designation is an asset)
• Ability to travel frequently in and outside of Ontario for meetings and events
• A degree/diploma in marketing, communications, international studies and/or equivalent related experience is an asset.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants for this position: please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are suitable for this role to [email protected] by January 31st, 2025.  Please include the title of Development Officer and your name in the subject line of your email.

SOS Children’s Village Canada is committed to the creation of a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

We are committed to safeguarding children and adults in the communities where we work from deliberate and unintentional harm or abuse caused by SOS Children’s Villages staff. We have zero tolerance towards any behavior violating our Code of Conduct, including workplace violence, harassment and sexual harassment, any form of exploitation and abuse, corruption, and fraud. Offers of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory results of professional reference checks and provision of a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.