Fund Development Specialist (Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking an Excluded Full-Time Fund Development Specialist for our Communications and Development team. This position may be based in either Vancouver or Port Coquitlam, BC. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible. This position is excluded from BCGEU membership.

The Fund Development Specialist plans and implements fundraising strategies to sustain PLEA’s programs, expand and extend existing services, and develop new services. They prepare grants, appeals and other fundraising asks to secure fundraising revenue; draft thank you letters, newsletters, eblasts, stewardship reports and other donor-related correspondence; cultivate relationships with donors and donor prospects; and track fundraising and program-related metrics to produce impact reports.

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, based on 37.5 working hours per week. Occasional evenings and/or weekends may be required to attend events.

Closing date for Internal Applications: The deadline for internal applications has now passed and we are welcoming applications from external candidates.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in a professional fundraising role, including:
  • Experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting, securing, and stewarding gifts.
  • Experience designing fund development strategies, setting goals, creating and implementing action plans, and evaluating the process and results.
  • Experience preparing fundraising proposals, budgets, grants, letters, appeals and stewardship materials.
  • Experience conducting presentations to small and large audiences.
  • Experience creating and implementing new and unique ways of fundraising.
  • Experience supervising employees and volunteers.
  • Experience using fundraising databases.
  • Experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
  • Experience working in not-for-profit and/or community organizations.
• CFRE designation is considered an asset.
• Experience with major gifts and legacy giving is considered an asset.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual’s diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and implement strategic and annual fund development and communication plans that achieve annual fundraising targets.
• Develop and manage a prospect pool based on fundraising priorities and projects. Identify and execute prospective strategies for solicitation of donors at the $5-50k level.
• Research, build, and steward philanthropic relations with individuals, foundations and corporations to secure contributions and achieve fundraising targets.
• Strategize, coordinate, and execute plans to move donors through the various stages of gift consideration and towards a contribution of significant support.
• Develop sponsorship packages, identify and secure sponsors for sponsorship opportunities, and ensure fulfillment of sponsorship agreements.
• Support the successful delivery of fundraising and donor appreciation events.
• Draft case statements, call plans, presentations, briefing notes, marketing materials, budgets, and funding proposals for use in fund development strategy, gift cultivation and solicitation, and awareness activities.
• Assist employees to prepare for donor visits. Support and train employees to develop their own relationships with donors. Champion fundraising and a culture of philanthropy across the wider agency.
• Make presentations to community groups, corporations, individuals, and other community partners to promote the organization, build relationships, and inspire giving.
• Maintain an awareness of the societal issues and trends that relate to and/or that affect the agency’s fundraised programs. Ensure this knowledge is embedded in the materials used to promote and raise funds for these programs.
• Maintain records, reports, and documentation pertaining to fund development activities that are accurate, complete, and in compliance with PLEA’s policies and procedures. Prepare and present written and oral reports to the Communications & Development Director, CEO, and Board of Directors.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the agency’s fundraising needs in order to match the interests and needs of prospective donors with the fundraising needs of a particular program and/or the wider agency.
• Ensure fundraising and communication efforts are integrated and streamlined with those of the wider agency. Ensure opportunities are pursued in a manner that results in maximum impact for the agency.
• Participate in strategic planning and budget setting for the function and for those programs reliant on fundraising to operate. Implement resulting plans, policies, procedures, and systems for areas of responsibility. Support and supervise program staff to do the same. Monitor effectiveness and make any changes required.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Demonstrated ability to initiate and develop productive relationships and interact effectively with a wide variety of individuals.
• Strong attention to detail, including the ability to spot errors and missing details.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to craft succinct and compelling fundraising proposals and materials.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, including the ability to deliver engaging presentations to small and large audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions, and be held accountable for results.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty, and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues and trends related to the department.
• Knowledge of Canada Revenue Agency's regulations, Imagine Canada standards and BC Gaming Commission regulations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, database systems and web-base conferencing tools.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

PLEA offers a comprehensive set of benefits and perks! These include:

• Four (4) weeks of vacation annually.
• Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits (effective on your first day!)
• Enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan (effective on your first day!)
• Annual physical activity fund (for fitness-related items or activities).
• Annual education fund to take part in career-related courses or training events.
• Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): counselling support services and wellness resources for employees and immediate family members.
• Discounted gym membership at Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.
• Perkopolis membership: an exclusive discount program for a variety of products and services (clothes, furniture, dining, auto, events, etc.)
• Agency-sponsored social events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).
• Eight (8) paid sick days per calendar year.

Minimum Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 or 7N B.C. Driver's License and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally authorized to work on an ongoing basis in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicants' credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.