CharityVillage

Who We Are:  At Animal Alliance of Canada our long-term goal is a renewed relationship between humans and animals: one based on respect and empathy, not exploitation, dominance and violence.

Founded in 1990, Animal Alliance is a not-for-profit organization fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, political action, rescue and education. As a not-for-profit, we strive to raise the status of all animals and actively engage with elected representatives to encourage them to pass sound animal and environmental protection laws.

In 2005, Animal Alliance of Canada created the Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada (now the Animal Protection Party of Canada) – a federally registered political party and North America’s first political party focused exclusively on environmental and animal protection.  We have the knowledge, experience and expertise to give progressive environmental and animal protection policies political relevance at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government.

Opportunity:  Animal Alliance is seeking a new team member who is equally dedicated to the animals.  Reporting to the CEO, a Director of Development & Communication's purpose is to support our team through the strategic leadership and direction of the Animal Alliance and affiliates brand advancement, development, marketing, and communications programs.

Position Type: Full-Time Permanent, 37.5 hours per week

Location:  This role requires team collaboration; as such, working daily in the main Toronto office is preferred, with a possibility for some hybrid days.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Lead the development and implementation of a brand advancement strategy to drive public awareness of the AAC Group’s members, missions, and work.
2. Lead the creation and execution of a bold annual and multi-year fund acquisition and development plan for the AAC Group across diverse revenue streams, including integrated direct mail, online, major gifts, foundations, and planned giving, and track whether goals are being met. Continue to develop a strong and diverse revenue base through the development of additional fundraising channels or opportunities.
3. Research individuals, foundations, and corporations that are interested in gift giving and write grant applications, fundraising proposals, and perform other outreach and cultivation as appropriate, such as small in-person events. Establish and maintain relationships with donors for the goal of generating income through major gifts and legacy giving.
4. Supervision of donor relations, communications, and marketing staff and consultants to establish a positive working environment that supports excellence, impact, accountability, and professional growth. 
5. Ensure all fundraising, communication, and marketing strategies align with the AAC Group’s programs, values, brand, legal remits, and best practices for the administration, processing, and management of donations and donor privacy. Work collaboratively with the leadership team on the development of all strategic communications including website, press releases, and social media content, donor communications, and direct marketing efforts. 
6. Prepare and present regular fundraising, communications, and marketing reports and analysis to the CEO. Assist in determination of budgetary and staffing needs to support organizational growth and impact.
7. Keep abreast of achievements, victories, and other developments across the AAC Group to ensure the ability to provide donors and prospects with full, accurate, and specific information. 
8. Keep abreast of trends relevant to best practices and Canadian legal requirements relevant to fundraising by the AAC Group. 
9. Perform other duties, as assigned.

Education and work experience requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, marketing, public relations, fundraising, or related field; certificate, diploma, or similar qualification in fundraising; or equivalent experience.
2. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in fundraising and a proven track record for securing five- and six-figure contributions.
3. Broad network of contacts within the Canadian philanthropic community.

Necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Candidates should possess a strong commitment to the AAC Group’s missions and values, as well as:

1. Proven staff management skills. 
2. Strong relationship builder who can work collaboratively at all levels across the organization, including the Board of Directors and external partnerships.
3. Ability to communicate effectively, passionately, and with integrity to a wide variety of internal and external audiences. Proficiency in English and French (spoken and written) is strongly preferred.
4. Ability to coordinate brand advancement, including media relations, digital marketing, and fundraising via direct mail, major gift solicitation, and other channels.
5. Skilled at translating organizational priorities into a compelling brand and inspiring case for support. 
6. Strong decision-maker; guided by analyzing and interpreting data, making comparative analysis, and forecasting future impacts of strategic fundraising initiatives.
7. A creative thinker, proven ability to bring ideas and strategies to fruition.
8. Strong knowledge of fundraising and other information systems, data management, and procedures. 
9. Strong understanding of Canadian charity regulations and obligations of a non-profit organization.
10. Passion, integrity, results-oriented, and self-directed.
11. Proficient in digital marketing software and social media platforms.
12. Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, including ability and willingness to travel, and being “on call” after hours and on weekends and holidays, if required.
13. Knowledge of the Canadian animal protection landscape.

Working conditions:  The AAC Group is committed to employment equity and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The noise level in the main office working environment is usually moderately quiet.  The office is home to a resident cat (and other animals, from time to time) and is an open concept space with work stations. Volunteers are in the office regularly.

Why Join Our Team?

• Be part of an innovative team environment with others who share your passion for animal protection
• Competitive compensation package including medical and dental benefits and paid sick time
• Flexible work opportunities.  Generous vacation and personal days allowance.