Society for Autism Support and Services specializes in meeting the diverse needs of people on the autism spectrum and supporting their families. We are a multidisciplinary team who tailor every program to meet the unique needs of those we serve. We are passionate about our goal to enhance lives across the spectrum.

About the Role

The Manager of Fund Development will be instrumental in assisting SASS to achieve their mission by enhancing fundraising capabilties. This role focuses on cultivating relationships within the community, including individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations by developing and implementing strategies to secure funding to support SASS’ strategic priorities. In close collaboration with the Ecevutive Director and Board of Directors, the Manager of Fund Development will oversee donor relations and implement SASS’ fund development plan. This position requires a creative, strategic thinker with strong analytical skills, a background in non-profit fundraising, and a proven track record in successful grant writing, relationship building, and project management.

This position reports to SASS’ Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Working in close collaboration with the Executive Director, SASS Leadership Team, Communications and Government Relations Consultant, Board of Directors and volunteers.
• Ensuring the realization of annual financial objectives by organizing fundraising activities within a specified timetable and budget.
• Engaging in extensive outreach to donors and prospects, developing and managing a robust portfolio to secure donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Collaborating with the SASS Leadership Team and external consultants (if appropriate) to develop marketing strategies to support fund development efforts.
• Collaborating with the SASS Leadership Team and external consultants (if appropriate) to develop and maintain specific marketing materials, including leaflets, brochures, letters, the agency website, press releases, annual reports, etc.
• Planning and executing fundraising events or collaborating with third parties to do so, including recruiting, training, scheduling and supervising volunteers.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of marketing strategies and fund development activities.
• Dedicating daily efforts to researching and evaluating potential donors, developing strategies to approach potential donors and maintaining close and ongoing communication with existing donors to secure and increase donations.
• Preparing grant applications, proposals and solicitation materials for Executive Director review to support SASS’s fund development efforts.
• Collaborating with the Controller on file and record management, monitoring donations, communicating with donors, and ensuring compliance with the donor agreement and Canada Revenue policies.
• Maintaining professional relationships with volunteers, SASS staff, as well as with representatives of outside organizations to link donors to the organization’s goals for its financing.
• Performing any other necessary duties to ensure the proper functioning and success of SASS’ Fund Development efforts.
• Developing policies and metrics for the Executive Director review to support SASS’s fund development efforts.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• University degree in communications, public relations or another related field, or relevant experience
• 3 to 5 years of experience in the non-profit fund development field
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to ensure relationships with donors are established and maintained
• Experience planning and facilitating fundraising events
• Proficiency with MS Office Applications and Data Management Systems
• Ability to work independently, manage and prioritize multiple projects and work within an established budget
• Given the population that SASS serves, candidates should be prepared to produce a clean criminal record check, which includes vulnerable sector screening

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work model
• Competitive benefits package       
• Supportive team environment
• Flexibility is required based on deadlines and requirements. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required

SASS is strongly committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible, and rewarding work environment, which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our organization’s success. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our communities, in which we live and serve.

The application deadline is January 31, 2025. Please submit your resume and cover letter stating your interest and salary expectations to:

Kimberley Ward –  Executive Director

Society for Autism Support and Services

Email: wardk@autism.ca

We thank all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.