POSITION:
Director of Fundraising and Events
LOCATION:
Toronto, Ontario
ORGANIZATION WEBSITE:
www.samaracanada.com
THE ORGANIZATION
Founded in 2009 by Michael MacMillan and Alison Loat, Samara is a charity that is among the
country’s leading organizations dedicated to reconnecting citizens to politics and public life.
With a very small staff and a start-up atmosphere, Samara works to improve political and civic
engagement in Canada and has initiated a variety of research and outreach programs designed to
shine light on Canadian democracy and encourage Canadians’ participation in it.
Samara is an independent charitable organization funded by lead contributions from the
MacMillan Family Foundation, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Aurea Foundation, and
Bennett Jones, as well as individual donors from across Canada. Samara’s work has been widely
profiled in national and local media across Canada.
THE POSITION
The Director of Fundraising and Events is a full-time position, based in Samara’s office in
midtown Toronto.
To date, Samara has not had a staff member dedicated solely to fundraising and events. As such,
the job will build on the existing foundation of experience and skills to cultivate, expand and
diversify Samara’s base of donors and foundations, as well as raise Samara’s profile among
potential supporters through events. To be successful, you must display creativity, high energy,
and an entrepreneurial spirit. You must recognize opportunity, and know how to capitalize on it
with minimal supervision. You must have a sense of urgency, a demonstrated comfort dealing
with ambiguity and the tenacity to work through the unexpected. You should want to be a part
of building something.
As with everyone at Samara, you will also be required to assist with other projects and initiatives
underway, as needed, in an “all for one, and one for all” spirit. You will also be expected to
provide input on the future direction of Samara’s work, communicating its mission and liaising
with Samara’s current network of supporters.
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RESPONSIBILITIES
Specifically, the director of fundraising and events is responsible for:
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Leading the development of a fundraising and development strategy for the organization
by
o Establishing a multi-year plan to meet fundraising targets in terms of value and
diversity, and identifying the resources required to achieve goals;
o Assessing Samara’s current pool of donors and grantors to plan for ongoing
stewardship, retention and recognition;
o Scoping potential fundraising sources, including individual and corporate donors,
as well as grant-making foundations.
Leading the execution of Samara’s fundraising and development strategy by
o Initiating identification, cultivation and solicitation activities;
o Initiating connections with foundations and corporations to develop interest in
Samara’s activities and potential grants;
o Overseeing grant-writing and managing reporting requirements following
successful grant applications;
o Coordinating communications related to fundraising initiatives, such as
correspondence and creation of promotional materials, with the support of the
Samara team;
o Maintaining a donor database;
o Providing fundraising reports to the Samara board on a quarterly basis.
Managing events appropriate to profile building and fundraising, including
o Planning regular Samara donor/funder recognition and cultivation events;
o Indentifying and attending events as Samara’s representative that develops and
nurtures potential donors and/or elevate Samara’s profile.
o Planning one to two high-profile public events a year to widen Samara’s base
o Liaising with relevant Samara staff on other stakeholder events.
o Identifying panels and speaking opportunities for Samara staff and Michael
MacMillan
Success in this job will require:
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Developing, managing and maintaining relationships with Samara’s current and potential
donors involving a range of individuals (including high-profile leaders) as well as
funding organizations (corporations, foundations and select government organizations);
Clearly communicating Samara’s mission, goals and successes in a compelling way;
Working with Samara’s current employees in both the development, execution and
measurement of fundraising activities; and
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Strengthening Samara’s organizational capacity by participating actively in Samara team
meetings and contributing to the strategic evolution of Samara.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
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Six to eight years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, or in sales where it
relates to convincing partners or financers to support an organization’s work. This should
include a minimum of two years working in fundraising with first-hand experience of a
range of fundraising strategies at local and national levels
Demonstrated track record to set targets and meet fundraising goals, while strengthening
an organization’s reputation and reach
Demonstrated track record of successful grant writing
Knowledge of current social media trends and online capabilities in fundraising
Knowledge of Canadian tax and trust laws affecting charitable giving
Experience working in an entrepreneurial or start-up environment in any of the for-profit,
non-profit or charitable sectors
Demonstrated organizational skills and an ability to independently manage multiple
projects and demands, while maintaining relationships with multiple stakeholders
simultaneously.
A history of working collaboratively with others to complete creative or original
campaigns or events, including the ability to plan and coordinate across a number of areas
Exceptional writing, presentation, public speaking and editorial skills
An ability to work and communicate in English and French (preferred but not necessary)
CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS
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A personal commitment to the vision and objectives of Samara
Strong interpersonal effectiveness, including experience and comfort relating to senior
leaders and decision-makers
Accountable with a strong sense of professionalism and integrity
Highly organized and goal-orientated with flexibility needed to shift gears quickly
Self-motivated and not afraid of challenges
Confident and poised in social settings, with a professional and trusted public demeanor
Ability to build trust and engender confidence internally and externally
A strategic thinker able to connect fundraising with Samara’s research and outreach
activities
Strong interpersonal skills, collegial, and a team player
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COMPENSATION
A competitive compensation package that will be commensurate with experience, including
salary, benefits and vacation will be provided.
HOW TO APPLY
Samara is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from
all qualified people from any background.
Please send your applications by e-mail to Kendall.anderson@samaracanada.com. Applications
will be accepted on a rolling basis. Ideally the position will begin work in spring 2014.
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