DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT
JOB POSTING
ABOUT YWCA SASKATOON:
The YWCA Saskatoon is a dynamic team dedicated to positively impacting the lives of women, their families, and the community. YWCA Saskatoon is a vibrant organization providing inclusive community services on Treaty Six territory and the homeland of the Métis peoples since 1910. We look forward to the possibility of you joining our team.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION STATEMENT:
At the YWCA Saskatoon, we believe in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are dedicated to creating and cultivating an inclusive workspace and workforce that represents the communities we serve. We acknowledge that certain groups have been historically disadvantaged and continue to face barriers in the workforce. In collaboration with the Canadian Employment Equity Act, we have identified the following groups, which have experienced historical and/or current obstacles, as part of our equity priority group:
These include:
- Indigenous peoples
- Persons of colour
- Persons with disabilities
- Women
- 2SLGBTQ+ community
- Newcomers to Saskatchewan
We base our selection process on merit and encourage all diverse groups to participate fully. We acknowledge the barriers that affect equity groups, and we’re committed to addressing, mitigating and accommodating these barriers to strive for equity in the workplace.
If at any time during the application and selection process you require accommodation, please email Areesha Kansi at [email protected].
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POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director, Development and Engagement is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the mission of YWCA Saskatoon through strategic philanthropy, community partnerships, and stakeholder relations to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability and impact. The role is accountable for generating the philanthropic revenue required to sustain the organization, leading strategies that raise funds to support the annual operating budget through major gifts, annual giving, grants, events, sponsorships, and community partnerships.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director contributes to organizational strategy, policy, risk management and organizational effectiveness while providing direct strategic leadership for all fundraising activities, establishing and executing plans to achieve annual revenue goals while fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization. The Director builds and strengthens meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, community partners, volunteers, and other stakeholders to deepen engagement and inspire support for the YWCA Saskatoon. The Director also leads and supports a high-performing Fund Development team, ensuring excellence across fundraising, communications, marketing, and community engagement.
POSITION REPORTING:
This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and oversees all Fund Development staff.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Rewarding work; contribute to meaningful change for clients and our community
- An inclusive and supportive team
- Fitness membership at Fitness on 25th and a discounted rate on eligible programs
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and more
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership
- As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the YWCA Saskatoon's strategic plan and organizational priorities.
- Provide strategic leadership for fund development, engagement, marketing, communications, grants, and community relations ensuring organizational strategy is integrated into clear departmental priorities, objectives, plans, performance measures, and resource requirements.
- Participate in organizational resource allocation, risk management, and operational planning.
- Monitor trends in philanthropy, government funding, communications, marketing, community engagement, and the broader non-profit sector and assess their implications for the organization.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators and other measures to assess the effectiveness of development, engagement, communications, and marketing activities.
- Ensure the portfolio operates within approved budgets, policies, procedures, and applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Fund Development & Engagement Team.
Fund Development
- Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate a comprehensive multi-year Fund Development Strategy and annual Fund Development Plan aligned with organizational priorities.
- Contribute to revenue diversification strategies that strengthen the organization's long-term financial sustainability.
- Provide leadership across annual giving, major gifts, planned and legacy giving, sponsorships, grants, campaigns, events, corporate partnerships, and other appropriate revenue opportunities.
- Assess fundraising performance and make strategic recommendations regarding opportunities, priorities, investment, and resource allocation.
- Participate in capital campaign planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting, working with the CEO, Leadership Team, Board of Directors, appropriate Board committees as applicable.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, government representatives, foundations, corporations, and other institutional partners.
- Provide oversight and direction for the development, submission and reporting functions of grant and funding applications.
Donor and Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide strategic leadership for the development and stewardship of relationships with major donors, prospective donors, funders, sponsors, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders.
- Personally manage and cultivate relationships with donors, prospects, funders, and community partners as appropriate to the role.
- Provide leadership for donor recognition and stewardship programs.
- Coordinate donor naming approvals through established processes and ensure appropriate oversight of naming opportunities and recognition.
- Ensure donor commitments and stewardship obligations are appropriately documented, tracked, and fulfilled.
Communications & Marketing
- In collaboration with the Marketing & Communications Coordinator, provide strategic direction for marketing, communications, and brand initiatives, including media relations, digital communications, storytelling, publications, crisis communications strategies, and public engagement.
- Develop and oversee an integrated internal and external communications strategy aligned with the strategic plan, organizational priorities, brand, and values.
- Support the CEO and Leadership Team with communications related to organizational priorities.
- Provide strategic oversight of external communications with donors, funders, partners, community stakeholders, media, and the broader public.
- Provide oversight of media relations and opportunities to increase the YWCA Saskatoon's reach.
- Ensure consistent application of the YWCA Saskatoon brand across communications, marketing materials, campaigns, events, digital platforms, and external-facing activities.
- Oversee the preparation of Annual Report and other major impact and accountability communications.
Community Engagement
- Serve as an ambassador and representative of the YWCA Saskatoon within the community.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships and identify opportunities with community organizations, businesses, government representatives, funders, donors, media, and other stakeholders.
- Provide strategic oversight for major fundraising, engagement, and community events, including Women of Distinction and other events as determined by the organization.
- Evaluate event performance and make recommendations regarding future investment, direction, and sustainability.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s level degree in Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Fundraising, Non-profit Management, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education, professional training, and progressive leadership experience will also be considered.
- Minimum of 5 – 8 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, philanthropy, or the charitable sector.
- Demonstrated success leading fundraising programs with responsibility for significant annual revenue targets.
- Proven success securing major gifts and developing strategic partnerships.
- Experience working collaboratively with Boards of Directors, volunteers, donors, community leaders, and external stakeholders.
- A valid Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search is required.
- CFRE designation is considered an asset
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Applications in the form of a resume and cover letter will be accepted until September 17th, 2026 through the Career Centre website. For any questions regarding this posting, you can reach us via email through [email protected].