JOB DESCRIPTION.

This Role Has Impact.

The Fundraising & Engagement Specialist is a key player within our growing Development department. You are values-centred, results-driven, and passionate about equitable opportunities for young people. This role has a wide range of cross-functional responsibilities to support revenue generation and donor stewardship, including monthly and annual giving, signature and third party events, and donor portfolios under $5000. This role offers opportunities to shine in your creativity and develop in your fundraising career.

As a player on a small team, you like collaborating with teammates, using your imagination, owning results, and exploring new strategies. You are outgoing, engaging, and influential. You like seeing projects through from start to finish. Above all, you’re always up for learning.

Job Purpose:

Student nutrition initiatives are growing and shifting across Ontario in response to increased need. In Waterloo Region, we believe our ultimate vision for student nutrition in schools should be equitably accessible nourishing meals for all. Your role plays a key part in helping us make this vision a reality, by working with the Manager and CEO to build sustainable funding strategies through authentic and dynamic partnerships with individuals, grant funders, small businesses and corporations, and other key stakeholders. Authentic, reciprocal relationship building is at the core of this role.

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of Nutrition For Learning’s funding priorities and objectives.

• Manage monthly and annual giving stewardship, school fundraising and donors under $5,000.

• Plan and execute signature fundraising events, including creating sponsorship packages, soliciting donors and attendees, coordinating RSVPs, attendance records, etc.

• Support third party fundraising events including school and community fundraising.

• Implement stewardship and recognition strategies.

• Facilitate networking and development of community alliances/partnerships.

• Utilize the administrative systems to support and track the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of Nutrition for Learning donors.

• Co-develop fundraising strategies with your team.

• Be accountable with targets, clear timelines, and planned deliverables.

• Support fundraising communications and story-telling.

• Lead and coordinate event volunteers.

• Qualify new donors through research, prospecting and proposal writing.

• Track and monitor fundraising expenses and revenues.

• Contribute to the department’s monthly results reporting to the CEO.

• As part of a small team, ensure prudent fundraising administration practices such a donation processing, data management, donor thank yous, etc.

• Represent Nutrition for Learning in the community at events, service groups, etc.

• Participate in individual and group professional learning and development.

• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• The ability to work in alignment with Nutrition for Learning’s values and beliefs.

• A commitment to learning about the tremendous importance and positive impacts of universally accessible nutrition programs for all young people in Waterloo Region.

• The ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• A proven track record of flexibility and resiliency in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Student nutrition is always shape-shifting.

• Effective communications and conflict management skills.

• Exceptional organization, project management and administrative skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.

• An enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Adobe and standard office technology.

• Ability to accept and give feedback.

• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.

• Ability and means to travel for meetings; a valid driver’s licence is required.

• Waterloo Region Police Check is required for all employees in order to work from time-to-time within school settings.

Qualifications:

• Post-Secondary degree in a related field or equivalent experience.

• 3-5 years experience in charitable fundraising is mandatory.

• Experience in sales, marketing, and communications is an asset.

• Experience organizing and working with volunteers in a non-profit setting.

• Attention to detail and excellent project management and organization skills.

• Experience with client/donor management systems like Salesforce or Raisers Edge.

• Experience facilitating partnerships.

• Knowledge of cause marketing and sponsorship programs.

• Experience in digital fundraising programs and platforms an asset.

• Creative and resourceful team-player with an ability to support multiple projects simultaneously.

This role offers in-office (Kitchener) and work from home flexibility, and requires some local travel in your own vehicle. This position is salaried commensurate with experience, and offers benefits and mileage reimbursements, an inclusive and progressive working environment, and opportunities to grow and learn.

Application Instructions:

Nutrition for Learning hires based on merit and is committed to equality and diversity, as well as providing a welcoming and inclusive work experience.

• Please send your cover letter and resume in confidence, outlining your qualifications and what interests you in the role to ekapogines@nutritionforlearning.ca by August 15th, 2025.

• Note that resumes without a cover letter will not be reviewed.

• Only qualified respondents will be contacted. Individuals accepted for consideration will be subject to a Vulnerable Sector police check.