Director of Development

The Director of Development is responsible for leading all communications and strategic fund development activities, including stewardship of individual and monthly donors, overseeing agreements, and building relationships with key supports. The Director will accomplish this through direct fundraising, refined public speaking skills, communication strategies and marketing efforts.

The Director will lead fundraising, marketing and communications to advance the organizations strategic priorities through innovative fundraising initiatives. Leveraging data insights, industry trends, and sector best practices, the Director will design and implement strategies and operational plans that drive sustainable growth. Key responsibilities include developing, monitoring, and achieving annual fundraising targets, strengthening existing donor relationships, and building a robust pipeline of major gift prospects.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director will represent SUMS the organization at public events and strategic meetings.

• Partner with the EO to design and execute fundraising programs and campaigns informed by data, local community needs, and sector best practices, ensuring alignment with the organizations strategic plan.
• Drive growth and sustainability by setting ambitious, measurable fundraising targets for the organization and leading staff and volunteers to meet and exceed them through evidence‑based strategies.
• Oversee development and execution of strategies to expand gifts, monthly giving, and planned to give pipelines, using prospect research and community insights to identify and steward high‑potential donors.
• Collaborate with programs, operations and frontline teams to ensure organizational buy‑in and integration of data‑informed approaches into departmental plans and service delivery.
• Champion an integrated fundraising culture that leverages all channels – community appeals, civic partnerships, workplace giving, direct mail, online giving, and special events – supported by clear performance metrics and trend analysis.
• Representing SUMS on local, regional, and sector committees and networks, sharing insights grounded in benchmarking and best practices to advance collaborative impact.

• Directly support and oversee a small team, providing leadership and guidance to staff through direct supervision related to growth and professional development.
• Lead and motivate the staff team, ensuring effective training, management, coaching, evaluation and support for professional development.
• In accordance with SUMS policy and procedures, keep personnel records current, provide annual performance evaluations of directly supervised staff, and provide volunteer and student placement reports as required.
• Provides direction, recognition, mentorship and leadership to staff and oversee the direct supervision of staff and students.

• Assist in the development of the annual budget and control designated expenditures in accordance with the approved budget and in consultation with the Executive Officer, Controller or designate.
• Assists in the overall budgetary planning for the organization.

• Represents SUMS to the homelessness services sector/community and the broader community at large.
• Liaises or develops mechanisms for communicating with relevant professional, government, business, community agencies and individuals.

• Fulfills other duties as required.
• Actively participates as a member of the SUMS leadership team.

• University graduate in a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• A minimum of 5 years combined experience in leadership and fundraising management.
• Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Class 5 (unrestricted) drivers license with an acceptable drivers abstract.

• Considerable knowledge of current social issues facing homelessness populations and the impact on operations for social housing societies, including homelessness, mental illness, substance use, domestic violence, aging and more.
• Ability…