Chief Development Officer

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Chief Development Officer

REPORTS TO : Executive Director

Reena is a non-profit organization that promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values.

Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a practical alternative to institutions. Since that time Reena has grown to provide support for 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities, people with physical disabilities and people with mental health challenges, and their families. Reena offers a variety of services including: residential support, respite programs, counselling, therapy and advocacy. These services are offered in 32 Group Homes, 2 intentional communities and over 60 Supported Independent Living Apartments across the Greater Toronto Area.

Reena Foundation raises funds in support of Reena’s greatest needs.

A. NATURE AND SCOPE

The Chief Development Officer is a senior leadership role within the Reena Foundation team, responsible for securing high-impact philanthropic gifts ranging from five to seven figures. This individual will manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, designing personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that inspire transformational giving. A strategic thinker and relationship builder, the successful candidate will have a proven record in major and principal gift fundraising and will play a key role in advancing a culture of philanthropy within the Foundation and the wider organization.

B. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Solicitation & Donor Strategy

- Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a personal portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects.

- Secure high-impact philanthropic gifts ranging from five to seven figures.

- Develop and present customized proposals aligned with donor interests and organizational priorities.

Prospecting & Pipeline Development

- Proactively identify, research, and qualify new major gift prospects.

- Engage prospective donors independently and in collaboration with senior leadership and volunteers.

- Expand the Foundation’s donor base through strategic outreach and relationship-building.

Stewardship & Donor Relations

- Maintain meaningful, long-term relationships with existing donors through personalized stewardship and ongoing engagement.

Internal Collaboration & Team Engagement

- Collaborate with internal teams to support donor strategies.

- Foster cross-functional teamwork to advance donor cultivation and campaign success.

Strategic Writing & Communications

- Craft compelling donor communications including proposals, cases for support, briefing notes, and impact reports.

- Tailor messaging to reflect individual donor motivations and philanthropic priorities.

Networking & External Representation

- Represent Reena Foundation at cultivation events, donor meetings, and community networking opportunities.

- Expand brand recognition and strengthen relationships within Toronto’s philanthropic and business communities.

Leadership & Organizational Engagement

- Serve as a strategic thought partner within the Foundation team and across Reena.

- Contribute to departmental planning, campaign design, and broader organizational growth strategies.

- Work with Lay leaders to ensure alignment between financial oversight and fundraising strategy.

C. Experience / Qualifications

· Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in the non-profit or higher education sector.

· Proven success in securing gifts at the five to seven figure level, including complex and multi-year gifts.

· Strong understanding of donor lifecycle management and philanthropic engagement best practices.

· Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and relationship-building skills.

· Outstanding written communication skills with experience in proposal development and strategic donor messaging.

· Collaborative leadership style with experience mentoring and coaching team members.

· Experience working with volunteer leadership, boards, and senior executives.

· Familiarity with donor databases and prospect management systems (e.g., Donor Perfect)

· CFRE certification and/or relevant post-secondary education is an asset.

Interested applicants should forward resumes, with covering letter, to: Rick Chad