Organization Overview

The Mel Jr. & Marty Zajac Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, located in Vancouver, BC, whose mandate is to support children, seniors and those with special needs through innovative community projects focused on developing lifelong skills and independence. The current major focus is Zajac Ranch for Children, a camp in Mission, BC, for children with chronic, life-threatening and/or debilitating conditions

Reports To

Director, Operations

Job Type/Schedule

• Full-time, on-site (potential option for a hybrid working model is possible based on the candidate)
• Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM *weekends and evenings sometimes required for meetings/events

Location

• #300 – 2006 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC 

Opportunity:

The Zajac Foundation is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic, and results-driven Senior Development Officer (SDO) to join our team. This individual will be responsible for planning, implementing, and managing fundraising initiatives to support the organization’s strategic goals. This role involves cultivating donor relationships, securing major gifts, and identifying new funding opportunities. The Senior Development Officer will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to enhance philanthropic support, ensure sustainable growth, and will play a critical role in advancing our mission by securing funding.

Are You…

• A strategic thinker with a passion for fundraising and donor engagement?
• Skilled at building and nurturing relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners?
• An excellent communicator with the ability to craft compelling proposals and presentations?
• A results-driven professional with a proven track record of meeting and exceeding fundraising targets?
• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple fundraising initiatives simultaneously?
• Motivated by a mission-driven organization and eager to make a lasting impact?

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising Strategy & Planning
   • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports the organization’s goals and objectives.
   • Identify new funding opportunities, including grants, corporate sponsorships, individual giving, and events.
   • Set annual fundraising goals and monitor progress against established targets.
   • Responsible for fundraising & major gifts ranging from $9,000 – $100,000.
2. Donor Relations & Stewardship
   • Build and maintain relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
   • Cultivate and engage new and existing donors to increase contributions and enhance donor loyalty.
   • Oversee the donor acknowledgment process and ensure timely recognition and appreciation of contributions.
3. Grant Writing & Reporting
   • Research and identify potential new grant opportunities, write compelling proposals, and manage the grant application process in collaboration with the Philanthropy and Communications Officer.
   • Ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements and deadlines.
4. Event Planning & Execution
   • Lead the planning and execution of fundraising events, including gala dinners, auctions, and community engagement initiatives.
   • Coordinate logistics, vendor relations, marketing, and volunteer involvement to ensure successful events.
5. Team Collaboration & Leadership
   • Collaborate with the development team, senior leadership, and board members to ensure alignment of fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
   • Provide guidance and support to junior development staff or volunteers involved in fundraising efforts.
6. Budget Management & Reporting
   • Manage the fundraising budget and ensure that resources are effectively allocated to achieve fundraising goals.
   • Regularly report on fundraising performance, providing analysis, insights, and recommendations for future strategy.
7. Marketing and Communications
   • Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create compelling messaging and materials that support fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
   • Work alongside our development and marketing team in donor communications, including newsletters, annual reports, and digital campaigns.

Qualifications:

• We are looking for the right fit for our team – someone who is comfortable taking the reins, meeting new people, and never afraid to ask for a donation.
• Demonstrated success organizing fundraising events and individual giving campaigns.
• Knowledge of local philanthropic landscape and potential funding sources.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development.
• Proven success in cultivating donor relationships, securing large gifts, and achieving fundraising targets.
• Experience with fundraising software and donor management systems (i.e., Raiser’s Edge – Blackbaud, preferred).
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and inspire stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional organizational, administrative, time management, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Compensation

• $75,000 – 80,000 annually (depending on experience)

Benefits

• Dental care & extended health care
• On-site parking
• 2 weeks annual vacation