Development Officer

The Stop•Toronto, ON

About The Position

The Stop Community Food Centre's mission is to increase access to healthy food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds community and challenges inequality. The Stop began 40 years ago as one of North America’s first food banks, and has since grown into a vibrant community centre that uses food as a gateway to addressing many issues, including poverty, the environment, social isolation, and health in one of Toronto’s lowest-income neighbourhoods.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of demonstrated effectiveness in fundraising.
Demonstrated effectiveness in building philanthropic relationships.
Excellent writing skills, ability to employ effective language, dignified storytelling and convey The Stop’s impact in a compelling manner.
Ability to develop and collaborate on content, and meet application and reporting deadlines.
Strong organizational skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills to develop strong working relationships with internal and external partners and managing through influence.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Detail-oriented to support the review and editing of proposals and written communications, as well as to maintain accurate records.
Knowledge of the principles and ethics of fundraising and the emerging trends within the fund development profession.
Ability to apply judgment and make sound decisions that are accountable, justifiable, and in adherence to organizational policies.
Ability to work within tight deadlines and time pressures.
Knowledge of and commitment to anti-racism/anti-oppression and community-centric fundraising.
Ability to work with volunteers at board or other levels.

Responsibilities

Support the development of a systematic foundation grant solicitation program consistent with The Stop’s strategic priorities and aligned with the organization’s annual operating plan.
Maintain and manage a portfolio of foundations through all stages of the development process to meet specific funding goals.
Develop and manage a stewardship program for foundation contributors, including meetings, site visits, program updates and reports.
Support and conduct foundation prospect research on a routine basis.
Maintain knowledge of the donor landscape and sector trends (e.g. new funding modalities) to enhance portfolio positioning for new business opportunities.
Work collaboratively with program teams to gain a comprehensive understanding of The Stop’s work and develop strong working relationships with program staff.
Create compelling proposals, cultivate new prospects, and steward existing donors.
Compose, edit, and/or coordinate written materials, including proposals and budgets, in support of grant solicitations.
Track and ensure deadlines for the submission of proposals and reports are met, and the relevant internal partners are updated on progress.
Maintain knowledge of The Stop’s priorities, initiatives, and recent awards to advance proposal/program development.
Work with Finance to log and track grant awards. This work will entail regular updating of Raiser’s Edge, pipeline reports, and contributing to other departmental and organizational reporting mechanisms as needed.
Maintain relevant donor records to ensure fundraising moves are appropriately and timely documented.
Managing peer to peer events, stewarding key corporate relationships.