With the need for mental health care greater than ever, the reimagined Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health is growing and transitioning to a fundraising Board of Directors. Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is a public teaching hospital providing a range of specialized assessment and treatment services to those living with complex and serious mental illness. Exemplary patient care is delivered through safe and evidence-based approaches where successful outcomes are achieved using best clinical practices and the latest advances in research. The Foundation is searching for a Senior Development Officer (Major Gifts).
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Manage and grow a personal portfolio of up to 125 prospects and donors, conducting face-to-face meetings with the goal of presenting at least 100 proposals and closing a minimum of 20 major gifts per year
- Develop and implement an integrated, comprehensive plan for long-term growth, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, both existing and new; execute various types of donor/gift agreements, including grants, bequests and multi-year pledge commitments
- Maintain accurate constituent records and timely contact reports in Raiser’s Edge, utilizing the database and a moves management system to analyze donor activity and track performance indicators
- In collaboration with the Director, Campaign & Donor Experience, develop tailored stewardship and recognition plans to ensure donors are appropriately and meaningfully acknowledged, and understand and appreciate the true impact of their philanthropy
- Curate and prepare donor communications materials including case for support documents, customized proposals, briefing notes, presentation decks, gift agreements, and gratitude and impact reports aligned with hospital priorities
- Conduct prospect research to identify and qualify potential donors and produce reports as required
- Develop and track agreed-upon fundraising metrics, including revenue and expense budgets, and prepare regular results and projection reports and analysis
- Provide professional volunteer management for fundraising volunteer leaders such as the Campaign Cabinet, Fundraising Advisory Committee and Foundation Board of Directors, including meeting support, conducting prospect review meetings, coaching and partnering on solicitation strategies and prospect clearance
- Actively seek out and participate in strategic community events and engagement opportunities to cultivate relationships and elevate the Ontario Shores’ brand
- Build strong and meaningful relationships with Ontario Shores staff, physicians and leadership, garnering knowledge and expertise about Ontario Shores and mental health care needs and treatment in general
- Participate as an active, positive member of the Foundation and Hospital team, and, by extension, become an advocate and ambassador for both the Foundation and Hospital; which means supporting and attending all signature events and providing team support as necessary at the discretion of the CEO
- Minimum 5 years of fundraising experience with at least 3 years in a major gifts capacity with proven ability to initiate new relationships and successfully solicit and close significant high 5-6-figure gifts
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship management skills with high EQ and demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate a wide variety of audiences
- A solid understanding of fundraising best practices including CRA guidelines, and experience with major gift giving vehicles such as planned giving, gifts of securities and other gifts in kind
- Strong knowledge and operational experience with Raiser’s Edge or equivalent fundraising CRM database, including ability to maintain data accuracy and integrity in accordance with the Foundation’s policies and procedures
- Meticulous attention to detail with superior written and verbal communications skills
- Collaborative mindset and flexible learner who strives to work effectively with cross functional teams and understands the benefits
- Desire to thrive as part of a growing, collaborative, high performing team with demonstrated passion for mental health and/or healthcare fundraising
- Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite; digital, social, email and web platform experience also an asset
- Mature, professional presence with excellent judgement and diplomacy; discretion and tact in handling confidential information
- Degree or diploma in a related field (e.g., Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, or other relevant discipline) or the equivalent experience.
- Assets: Planned Giving and Corporate Sponsorship experience; Knowledge of/residence in Durham Region; Achievement of or working towards CFRE designation is a definite asset
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Competitive base compensation of $80,000 – $95,000, commensurate with experience
- Vacation – 4 weeks
- HOOPP benefits begin on first day of employment
- Health, vision and dental
- The Foundation offers a flexible environment with a combination of primarily in-office and occasional remote work as well as substantial time in the community and with stakeholders
APPLICATION PROCESS
crawfordconnect has been retained by the Ontario Shores Foundation for this recruitment. If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Liz Latimer at liz@crawfordconnect.com / 416.690.5377.
Email your resume and cover letter immediately to liz@crawfordconnect.com
In your cover letter, please respond to the following: As major gifts is the emphasis of this portfolio, please inform us of recent major gifts that you have personally secured in the $100,000+ range.
Although the deadline for applications is June 22, 2026, early applications are encouraged. We thank all applicants for applying; however, only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
If someone you know may be interested in this position, feel free to forward this information – we’d be pleased to connect with them.
