Communications & Donor Relations Director

at  Mennonite Central Committee

QUALIFICATIONS

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

• Bachelor degree and/or certification in a related field or equivalent combinations of training and experience. CFRE designation considered an asset.
• 5+ years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, marketing, sales, public relations, communications and/or other promotional activities
• 3+ years of experience in leadership, project management, supervision and team management
• Awareness of best principles and practices in the donor relations field as well as the ability to work with a variety of donor relations methods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting in front of large groups, and creating strong oral and written presentations
• Proven ability to effectively express ideas and information verbally using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience
• High capacity in use of database and project management
• Proficiency in Office 365, ability to embrace current software and platforms, required
• Proven ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with current and potential donors
• Proven ability to effectively plan and problem-solve utilizing analytical skills
• Proven ability to adapt and generate new ideas
• Proven ability to build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, accountability, equity and mutual regard.
• Understanding of and commitment to the vision, purpose, beliefs, values and activities of MCC. Ability and willingness to learn about MCC’s domestic and international programs
• Familiarity with the MCC constituency an asset
• Satisfactory criminal record check
• Valid driver’s licence.

LOCATION DESCRIPTION

Saskatchewan has approximately 1.2 million people. Saskatoon, with 270,000 people, is the province’s largest city, and a major service and distribution center supporting the surrounding area with commercial, technical, agricultural, transportation, health, educational, and other public services. The city is named after the saskatoon berry, which is native to the region and is itself derived from the Cree misâskwatômina. Saskatoon is a vibrant hub that includes strong Indigenous presence as well as many newcomer communities.
The MCCS office is located in the northwest industrial area of Saskatoon. The building accommodates MCC staff, a Material Resources Centre, a gathering place, and the offices of several related organizations. MCCS is also represented by six Thrift shops across the province, from Rosthern to Swift Current. The MCCS constituency includes 96 churches, most belonging to Mennonite Church Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, as well as Rosthern Junior College, a Mennonite high school.
The position would be located at the MCCS Office (600 45th St W., Saskatoon) with hybrid work options available.

Strategic Planning:

• As a member of the MCCS Management Team, the CDR Director will play a key role in the designing, developing, implementing, and monitoring of MCCS five-year strategic plans. These plans, which are board approved, provide the parametres for all MCCS activity.
• The CDR Director will bring communications and donor relations expertise, including understanding of communication and donor relations trends and best practices, to long-term planning and risk management.
• The CDR Director represents MCCS in the MCCs in Canada CDR Network which shapes shared annual fundraising priorities, targets, and tools, including quarterly appeals, giving catalogues, communication calendars. Implement and deliver national fundraising campaigns in Saskatchewan.
• Lead, in collaboration with the national CDR network, an increased focus on organizational “culture of philanthropy” through increasing level of board and senior management awareness, comfort with and importance of strategic fundraising.

Management:

• Actively participate as a member of the Management Team. Assist with identifying organization wide issues needing to be addressed along with developing and implementing appropriate responses. Assist with the development of organizational policy and procedures including programs, revenue development, risk and general operational management.
• Attend Board meetings as a resource to the Executive Director and prepare reports and recommendations on issues related to areas of responsibility.
• Provide leadership and supervision to a dynamic and effective Communications and Donor Relations Team. Lead and support team members in the development of annual work plans and budgets that support the MCCS strategic plan and overall budget. Monitor progress towards and report on identified outcomes. Conduct monthly staff check-ins and annual performance appraisal processes.
• Contribute to the shaping of a healthy workplace culture based on MCC’s mission and values.
• Together with the Director of Finance, ensure gift-in-kind and donor receipting practices are in line with current CRA guidelines.
• All MCC managers are expected to work collaboratively to create and maintain an organizational culture that prevents and responds to situations of abuse of power. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support, promote, and develop systems that maintain this environment. In collaboration with the HR Director, keep an ongoing focus on an organizational culture that ensures a safe, diverse, inclusive and professionally rewarding environment.

Strategic Relationships:

• Relationships with Donors
• Provide oversight to the development, implementation, and evaluation of all aspects of a well-diversified fundraising strategy for MCCS, including annual, monthly, major, and legacy giving.
• Develop rolling 3-year donation revenue targets in support of the MCCS strategic plan and overall funding.
• Ensure the development and implementation of stewardship activities including impact reporting, donor engagement, and donor relationships.
• Nurture existing and develop new relationships with donors in SK, including individuals, businesses, and foundations, inside and beyond MCC’s constituency.
• Ensure best practices are followed in the management of donor information through the data base (Donor Perfect Online). Through reports and analysis, monitor performance of fundraising strategies and activities. Adjust and realign as required.
• Ensure adherence to ethical practices related to fundraising.
• Ensure annual fundraising events, like the Relief Sale Festival, are well organized and supported.
• Engagement with Churches
• Provide oversight to the development, implementation, and evaluation of the MCCS church engagement strategy, nurturing relationships with constituent churches and churches beyond the constituency that resonate with MCC mission and values.
• Partnership with Canadian Foodgrains Bank
• Liaise with Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) on behalf of MCCS and encourage donors to support the MCC account at CFGB.
• Actively support the Grow Hope project alongside the ecumenical members in the project. Negotiate MCC administrative support for Grow Hope.

Marketing and Communications:

• Provide oversight to the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective marketing and communication strategy for MCCS for the purpose of connecting to and engaging the multiple audiences of MCC in Saskatchewan, including individuals, churches, donors, volunteers, alumni, and the general public. Ensure alignment with the MCCS strategic plan.
• Develop and implement an annual marketing and communications calendar to guide marketing and communications activities for all MCCS departments.
• Provide overall direction and oversight of organizational messaging for external and internal audiences, including media.
• Coordinate with thrift to increase awareness and knowledge of MCC programs and activities local and global, to increase funds for MCC from MCCS.
• Collaborate with the MCCs in Canada on marketing and communications planning and development.
• Maintain the integrity of MCC’s brand.

General:

• Ensure employees adhere to organizational policies and legal regulations, including compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations by actively monitoring workplace conditions, safety protocols, and participating in training to employees.
• Participate in MCCS orientations, annual meeting, staff retreat.
• Ensure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is exemplified in the performance of all job responsibilities and through personal example.
• Model nonviolent peacemaking through daily interactions with staff and the public.
• Participate in staff meetings and occasionally provide meditations at staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.