Development Officer, Fund Development

Development Officer, Fund Development

Phoenix Youth Programs, Central / Halifax area.

Term: 18‑month term from mid/late July 2026, covering a parental leave.

As an integral member of the Fund Development team, the Development Officer (DO) is responsible for developing tailored strategies to deepen current and build new major gift and planned giving relationships. Phoenix does not define a major gift based solely on a dollar amount but on the relationship and level of engagement desired by the donor.

The DO will primarily focus on:

• Major gift donors looking for a one‑on‑one or more personalized relationship through effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Contributing to the ongoing management, implementation, and evaluation of the annual fundraising plan to meet strategic growth and support the financial needs of our programs.
• Leading stewardship strategy through an annual plan and customizable matrix of activity.

Annual salary range: $65,000 - $70,000 (prorated for the term). Includes a comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, 3% Employer‑paid RRSP contribution, 3 weeks vacation in the first year and 4 weeks vacation in the second year, generous sick leave, paid holiday schedule, in‑house trainings, and professional development opportunities.

Reports to:

Director of Development.

40 hours per week, generally Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Based out of the Administration Office at 5880 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS. Some remote work flexibility may be offered.

• Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of major gift and planned giving fundraising activities.
• Identify, build, and sustain relationships with donors and partners.
• Prepare and deliver high quality proposals, presentations and other communications materials for prospects, donors, and partners.
• Engage and mobilize senior staff and volunteers to support fundraising initiatives.
• Provide donor stewardship through impact reporting, tours, and hosting meetings, in addition to fulfilling stewardship plans.
• Oversee an annual stewardship strategy (matrix and annual calendar) working with the Stewardship Coordinator on activation.
• Support the agency’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through learning opportunities, critical self‑reflection, and professional development.
• Work in accordance with Phoenix’s policies, procedures and framework of practice.

• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written skills.
• Resourceful and flexible with an ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Comfortable with networking and has a natural ability to build meaningful relationships; confident and eager to engage donors and prospects in a meaningful way.
• Excellent understanding of confidentiality issues and a high level of integrity.
• Experience with The Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM databases.
• Understanding of youth social justice issues.
• Dedication and openness to continuous learning.
• Ability to travel within HRM and beyond.

• A combination of education and experience in non‑profit fundraising.
• A minimum of 2‑3 years of major gift or mid‑level fundraising experience, with demonstrated success.
• Experience handling bequests and gifts of stock/securities, and knowledge in other planned giving methodologies is an asset.

Phoenix is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every candidate feels respected and supported. Phoenix will provide accommodation to the best of its ability to ensure equitable access throughout the hiring process.

Phoenix embraces equal opportunity in its recruitment and selection process and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including individuals from historically underrepresented groups.