Fund Development Specialist

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking an Excluded Full-Time Fund Development Specialist for our Communications and Development team. This position may be based in either Vancouver or Port Coquitlam, BC. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible. This position is excluded from BCGEU membership.

The Fund Development Specialist plans and implements fundraising strategies to sustain PLEA’s programs, expand and extend existing services, and develop new services. They prepare grants, appeals and other fundraising asks to secure fundraising revenue; draft thank you letters, newsletters, eblasts, stewardship reports and other donor-related correspondence; cultivate relationships with donors and donor prospects; and track fundraising and program-related metrics to produce impact reports.

The usual hours of work in this position are Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, based on 37.5 working hours per week. Occasional evenings and/or weekends may be required to attend events.

The deadline for internal applications has now passed and we are welcoming applications from external candidates.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in a professional fundraising role, including:
  • Experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting, securing, and stewarding gifts.
  • Experience designing fund development strategies, setting goals, creating and implementing action plans, and evaluating the process and results.
  • Experience preparing fundraising proposals, budgets, grants, letters, appeals and stewardship materials.
  • Experience conducting presentations to small and large audiences.
  • Experience creating and implementing new and unique ways of fundraising.
  • Experience supervising employees and volunteers.
  • Experience using fundraising databases.
  • Experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
  • Experience working in not-for-profit and/or community organizations.
• CFRE designation is considered an asset.
• Experience with major gifts and legacy giving is considered an asset.

PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual’s diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

• Develop and implement strategic and annual fund development and communication plans that achieve annual fundraising targets.
• Develop and manage a prospect pool based on fundraising priorities and projects. Identify and execute prospective strategies for solicitation of donors at the $5-50k level.
• Research, build, and steward philanthropic relations with individuals, foundations and corporations to secure contributions and achieve fundraising targets.
• Strategize, coordinate, and execute plans to move donors through the various stages of gift consideration and towards a contribution of significant support.
• Develop sponsorship packages, identify and secure sponsors for sponsorship opportunities, and ensure fulfillment of sponsorship agreements.
• Support the successful delivery of fundraising and donor appreciation events.
• Draft case statements, call plans, presentations, briefing notes, marketing materials, budgets, and funding proposals for use in fund development strategy, gift cultivation and solicitation, and awareness activities.
• Assist employees to prepare for donor visits. Support and train employees to develop their own relationships with donors. Champion fundraising and a culture of philanthropy across the wider agency.
• Make presentations to community groups, corporations, individuals, and other community partners to promote the organization, build relationships, and inspire giving.
• Maintain an awareness of the societal issues and trends that relate to and/or that affect the agency’s fundraised…