Development Officer, Major Gifts & Grants

 Position Summary

 Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Officer, Major Gifts & Grants is responsible for securing philanthropic support through major gifts, planned giving, and foundation grants that advance the priorities of Niagara Health Foundation. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of donors, prospects, and foundation funders; develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies; prepare grant applications and reports; and contribute to the achievement of annual fundraising goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major gift, planned giving, and foundation prospects through all stages of the donor cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that advance donor relationships and achieve fundraising goals.
• Conduct donor visits, presentations, and solicitation meetings to secure philanthropic support.
• Prepare proposals, gift agreements, briefing materials, impact reports, and other donor-facing communications.
• Collaborate with Foundation leadership, volunteers, physicians, and hospital leaders to maximize fundraising opportunities and donor engagement.
• Respond in a timely, professional, and donor-centred manner to donor and funder inquiries.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with private foundations, family foundations, and grant-making organizations.
• Collaborate with Foundation staff and stakeholders to identify and pursue funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Develop, write, and submit compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, applications, and supporting documentation.
• Gather information, define funding priorities, and coordinate grant submissions with Foundation and Niagara Health leaders.
• Manage grant timelines and ensure all application, reporting, and stewardship requirements are met.
• Prepare timely and accurate reports that demonstrate project outcomes, impact, and accountability to funders.
• Maintain ongoing stewardship activities that strengthen funder relationships and support future funding opportunities.
• Ensure donors and funders receive meaningful recognition and stewardship in accordance with Foundation policies and donor intent.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor, prospect, gift, and grant activity within Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Support the development of fundraising materials, donor communications, case for support documents, stewardship reports, and engagement initiatives.
• Participate in Foundation events, donor engagement activities, and strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Foundation policies, ethical fundraising standards, and donor confidentiality requirements.
• Contribute to a collaborative, professional, and high-performing team culture.

Qualifications & Experience

• University degree or college diploma in fundraising, communications, business, public relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success securing major gifts and/or grant funding.
• Proven experience developing and managing donor relationships and securing philanthropic investments.
• Demonstrated success in grant writing, proposal development, and stewardship reporting.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and donor database systems, preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor-centred philanthropy, and relationship management principles.
• CFRE designation, or progress toward achieving CFRE designation, is considered an asset.
• Experience in healthcare philanthropy is considered an asset.

Key Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Achievement of annual major gift and grant revenue goals.
• Effective management and advancement of an active donor and foundation portfolio.
• Completion of donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and grant activities that support fundraising objectives.
• Timely and accurate donor, grant, and fundraising documentation and reporting.
• Contribution to Foundation fundraising priorities, campaigns, and strategic initiatives.

All interested applicants please submit your resume and cover letter to annette.bennitz@niagarahealth.on.ca