Application deadline – July 31, 2024

Job Description:

Senior Communications & Fundraising Officer

IGBC is on an exciting trajectory forward, and we are looking for someone who loves supporting the growth of others, has a knack for logistics, and wants to make a positive difference for Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Senior Communications & Fundraising Officer will drive the development, implementation, and coordination (with both internal departments and external stakeholders) of various awareness and fundraising campaigns, as well as other initiatives, ensuring consistent and aligned messaging for a variety of audiences. The Senior Communications & Fundraising Officer will develop and lead a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising communications plan. This plan will encompass various essential elements, such as major gifts, annual giving and membership, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government grants, in-kind support and planned giving.

The successful candidate will be a key contributor to organization’s development and implementation of corporate communications and media relations strategies, positioning IGBC

as Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. 

Duties

• Write and edit engaging copy for a wide range of communication channels and products, including web, digital advertising, social media, traditional media, and more.
• Support the development and execution of media relations, fundraising, and corporate communications strategies.
• Lead the execution of communications and fundraising campaigns (ie. coordinate with creative/marketing agencies, manage relationships with influencers and other talent, create work back schedules, ensure consistency in messaging across channels by working internally with the Communications team and other departments, etc.).
• Support with the development and design of pitch decks and funding proposals (including grant writing).
• Guide and manage external vendors and agencies to ensure that projects are in alignment with IGBC’s brand strategy and business objectives.
• Work closely with others on the Communications team to research, manage and create content for IGBC’s digital platforms including:
  • Newsletters (monthly and quarterly)
  • Website content and blog posts (as required)
  • Statement, letters, and op-eds
  • Social media (as required – ie. campaign content or days of significance posts)
  • Other digital assets like posters, postcards, etc.
• Support internal communications (memos, newsletters etc.)
• Draft content (ie. press releases) for mass media or website
• Organize initiatives and plan events or press conferences.
• Liaise with media and handle requests for interviews, statements etc. (including writing talking points for internal spokespeople)
• Foster relationships with community advocates, organizations, donors, partners, and other key persons.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders to produce copy for advertisements, and/or news articles.
• Support  the Executive Director with crisis communications as needed.
• Manage relationships with external vendors as needed (print, translation, agency, etc.).
• Develop and implement effective strategies to nurture and sustain long-term donor relationships
• Undertake prospect research to identify new potential funders through various sources
• Grow cause marketing partnerships to complement the annual campaigns
• Research and assess funding opportunities, e.g. grants, partnerships, foundations, etc.
• Oversee, produce, and submit funding proposals, applications, etc.
• Update all the information into CRM database to make reports and proposals, as well as track prospect and funding leads
• Support consulting projects including research, document preparation, and client support as needed
• Regularly evaluate programs & components to measure successes that can be effectively communicated to donors, and other constituents
• Stakeholder building and relationship management including school districts, government liaisons, foundations, community organizations and corporate funders
• Support the launch of our programs with day-to-day tasks, including coordinating schedules, managing the program calendar, and traveling across the country to deliver programs
• Assist in the communication of strategies or messages from senior leadership.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

• Familiarity and experience with the Canadian charitable, NFP, and philanthropic sector
• Experience working in a not-for-profit, 2SLGBTQ+ community and/or social justice environment preferred
• A strong understanding of, and familiarity with 2SLGBTQ+ communities is required
• Expertise and/or lived experience around 2SLGBTQ+ equity and inclusion
• Knowledge of Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression frameworks
• Understanding of Canadian charitable CRA regulations
• Demonstrated awareness of and experience with the donor/client relationship cycle (identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship)
• Excellent communication and written skills
• Experience using CRM systems
• Knowledge of advocacy work, program development, and/or program evaluation
• Structured problem solving and strategic thinking
• A compassionate and empathetic approach to working with all those around you, including young people in our network, coworkers, and other stakeholders 

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in communications, English, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field. A suitable combination of other education combined with relevant work experience will be considered.

•  2+ years of professional experience in the communications and/or nonprofit sector

Position Type: Full Time 37.5 hours per week

Salary: $69,000 – $75,000 annually

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Remote, with occasional travel to Toronto locations required

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package (including gender affirming coverage), a diverse and inclusive work environment, paid personal days, 3 weeks vacation, remote work option, flexible schedule, and the potential for further advancement within the organization.

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “Senior Communications & Fundraising Officer”.

About IGBC

It Gets Better Canada is a national registered charity committed to helping 2SLGBTQ+ youth build a better future by connecting them to positive stories, practical tools and a community of supportive peers, adults and organizations.

It Gets Better Canada is an official member of the It Gets Better International Affiliate Network.