Development Officer, Individual Giving

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WHO WE ARE

Are you a Development Officer looking to make an impact in your community? Do you have endless optimism, ready to move and create Development opportunities? Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of everyone, Bissell Centre’s work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our community comes from all walks of life and so do we.

Through our programs we work to empower people from meeting their own basic daily needs to having sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, and feeling hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Currently, Bissell Centre is looking for an individual wanting to join an Resource Development team and help to the next level. Are you ready to be our Development Officer, Individual Giving and make an impact in our community?

Role Summary

The Development Officer, Individual Giving, plays a key role in advancing Bissell Centre’s mission by managing and growing our annual giving program. This role focuses on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors — particularly those giving under $500 — to deepen engagement and strengthen long-term relationships.

Working under the guidance of the Manager of Community Engagement, the Development Officer will execute strategies that enhance donor retention, inspire new gifts, and drive revenue growth through multi-channel campaigns, special initiatives and personalized stewardship, all while managing budgets and tracking return on investment.

Key Responsibilities

Annual Fund Strategy and Execution

• Develop and implement an annual giving plan incorporating direct mail, digital campaigns, and donor engagement initiatives within the approved strategy and budget
• Maintain and support complementary annual giving programs and channels that align with the core annual giving plan, ensuring they are monitored, stewarded, and adjusted as needed while keeping primary focus on core campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Community Engagement to establish and achieve annual revenue and retention goals.
• Coordinate direct response campaigns with external partners using the organization’s project management tools.
• Manage segmented donor communications to maximize engagement across channels (email, social media, direct mail, and phone).
• Prepare creative briefs and coordinate content with Marketing and Communications.
• Ensure compliance with FIPPA, CRA, and other relevant legislation.

Donor Stewardship and Cultivation

• Build authentic relationships with donors through thoughtful, personalized communication (emails, phone calls, thank-you notes, and videos).
• Implement stewardship strategies to retain and upgrade donors, including appreciation events and recognition initiatives.

· Support the execution of donor appreciation initiatives to enhance long-term engagement.

Data, Reporting, and Budget Management

• Ensure accuracy and integrity of donor records in collaboration with data entry staff.
• Analyze donor trends and provide regular reports on campaign performance, donor retention, revenue, and ROI.
• Use data insights to inform strategy, optimize segmentation, and identify growth opportunities.
• Monitor and manage campaign budgets to ensure financial accountability.

Collaboration and Special Projects

• Partner with other Development Officers to align fundraising initiatives across teams.
• Work with program staff to uncover compelling stories that bring donor impact to life.
• Support special projects and organization-wide fundraising initiatives as needed.

General and Administrative

• Stay informed on emerging fundraising trends and technologies.
• Represent Bissell Centre at internal and external events.
• Lead or participate in campaign meetings, team sessions, and donor tours.
• Participate in safety walks around Bissell Centre’s downtown buildings.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• University/college degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Minimum of two (2) to four (4) years’ experience in a similar fundraising, development, or coordination role, preferably in a non-profit environment.
• Industry-recognized certification, such as CFRE, is considered an asset.
• Proven ability managing donor segmentation, direct mail, and digital fundraising efforts.
• Strong communication skills with a focus on or deep understanding of donor-centered storytelling.
• Proficiency with donor databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge) and data analysis is an asset.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy when handling confidential information.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Donor Relations: Builds trust and engagement through thoughtful, strategic communication.
• Fundraising Strategy: Understands best practices in annual giving, segmentation, and donor retention.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses data to guide strategy and improve performance.
• Budget Management: Plans and manages budgets effectively, assessing ROI to ensure efficiency.
• Collaboration: Works seamlessly across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple priorities.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid role with both remote work and on-site presence at Bissell Centre’s East building, where individuals experiencing complex life situations are present.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for events and stewardship activities.

Expectations and Accountability

• Responsibilities may evolve to align with departmental goals and strategic priorities.
• The role requires creativity, initiative, and problem-solving to meet the demands of a dynamic fundraising environment.
• The Development Officer’s contributions are essential to Bissell Centre’s success in raising philanthropic funds that fuel our mission.

Schedule

• Standard Monday–Friday schedule, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work

· Some flexibility in work hours

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to:

Michelle Reid

Email: mreid@bissellcentre.org

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, Bissell Centre continues to take action to protect person served and staff. Strategies related to Bissell Centre’s response to COVID-19 are driven by the guiding principle of taking all reasonable precautions and measures to protect the health and safety of both persons served and staff. In keeping with this intentional purpose, COVID-19 full vaccination is a condition of employment for new hires, except due to legitimate, established exceptions.

Bissell Centre is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversity within our community and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability. Bissell Centre is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, in accordance with provincially and federally legislated protected grounds.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $58,718.40 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person