& External Relations

Executive Profile Presented By

Together, we’re building community.

Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCS) helps to create healthy, connected, and diverse
communities where everyone has the opportunity to grow, develop and lead meaningful lives - at
every age and stage of life.

Established in 1978, SSCS is the largest community services organization in the Sea to Sky
Corridor: Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton. SSCS continues to grow and innovate to enhance
the lives of thousands of people every year — through 40 vital programs no one else offers. From
prenatal programs to child care, youth and adult services to assistance for seniors, SSCS helps
clients develop crucial life skills, build confidence and self-worth, and enhance their lives.

The Director of Development & External Relations (Director) will support SSCS achieve its vision
and mission with accountability for establishing a fully integrated fund development program
(annual, major, gift planning as well as grants and sponsorships) and administration pertaining to
development work (database, proposals, correspondence, fund management) as well as leading all
communications, marketing, and public relations work on behalf of the organization. This role is
responsible for a select portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects.

SSCS is in the midst of a period of intense campaign work designed to help fund the Harrow Road
project. SSCS’s campaign will build and fund a Community Services Hub and the development of
affordable housing in Pemberton, one of Canada's fastest-growing communities. This Harrow Road
project will meet Pemberton’s critical need for expanded health and social service support and the
Director will play a crucial role in supporting this campaign.

This is a great opportunity for an enthusiastic fundraiser to:

Play an essential role in supporting the Sea to Sky Corridor’s most important social services;
Support and enable fundraising for the Harrow Road capital campaign;
Carry a portfolio of high-capacity, high-inclination prospects with personal accountability for
securing gifts of $50,000+;
Be a part of a high-performing and passionate team.

SSCS is also hiring additional members of their fundraising team. Please reach out if you have an interest
beyond the Director role.

At Sea to Sky Community Services Society, we live and work on the unceded ancestral lands of
the Skwxwú7mesh Nation People and the Southern Stl’atl’imx Nations of Lí̓ lwat, Samahquam,
Skatin, Xa’xtsa, and N’Quatqua.

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Information for Candidates

Sea to Sky Community Services has partnered with The Discovery Group
in support of building their team.

To apply or learn more, please contact Christoph Clodius at [email protected] or
Laura Heikkila at [email protected]. If you’re interested or curious, or know someone
who is, please be in touch.

Application Timing and Process:
Candidates will be evaluated on an ongoing basis, so we are encouraging early and/or immediate
applications and enquiries. We welcome questions and enquiries prior to applications, as well as
from anyone who may not be at the Director level yet but is keen to contribute.

Compensation & Benefits:
The successful Director can expect a starting salary between $93,966 - $97,752, depending on
experience. Once hired, the Director will have the opportunity for their salary to increase over
time up to the maximum of the pay band, currently $107,926.

Benefits include generous holidays, 100% employer-paid premiums, extended benefits, MSP
premium coverage, a comprehensive suite of extended medical and dental insurance coverage, and
a Municipal Pension Plan with employer match.

Other Perks include casual dress, on-site parking, and more!

Location:
Sea to Sky Community Services’s head office is located in Squamish, BC, and we are pleased to
offer flexible conditions; this is a hybrid role with a goal of at least two days in-office attendance
per week.

Some travel will be required for in-person meetings, workshops, events, and staff gatherings at our
facilities throughout the sea to sky corridor.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
At SSCS, we are committed to supporting Truth and Reconciliation recommendations through
intentional and meaningful partnerships and program delivery.

We recognize the systemic barriers, biases, and unequal access to services that continue to limit
the rights and opportunities of individuals and communities. SSCSS is committed to ongoing
learning and unlearning, offering opportunities for education, professional and personal
development, and accountability.

Our strategic plan is guided by four aspirations that shape how we serve the Sea to Sky region.
From hiring practices to community engagement, we strive to be inclusive of every individual.
These are called “aspirations” to acknowledge that while we are not free of prejudice and bias, we
are working with intention every day toward a more inclusive and equitable environment.

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About Sea to Sky Community Services

With compassion, respect, and care, SSCS provides high-quality programs throughout our region
to enhance the lives of residents at every age and stage of life. Our staff work with the deep
conviction that many of the organization’s programs and services can improve the health and
wellness of individuals and families going forward.

Our Vision: A thriving community where everyone belongs.

Our Mission: To enhance the quality of community life and well-being by providing compassionate
support services and critical programming to individuals and families at every age and stage of life.

Our Values:
Respect:



We believe in a shared responsibility to treat others with openness, dignity and
respect.
Inclusive: We foster a community of equal opportunity that is free from discrimination and
other impediments to full and effective participation for all.
Compassion: We provide caring, non-judgmental support.
Collaboration: We work creatively with our partners and community to enhance people’s lives.
Reconciliation: We build authentic relationships based on mutual respect, shared values and a
willingness to learn.

History:
Sea to Sky Community Services Society began as a registered society in 1978. The society was
born out of a need in the community to provide programming at a grassroots, local level.

Our work began with a directory of services for children, youth, families and adults, followed by a
program for children who were at risk of being removed from their homes or were already
involved in the social welfare system. We then secured a contract to support children with
additional needs.

Since then, we have grown tremendously, and this year, we celebrate 40 years of servicing the Sea
to Sky Corridor:

In our first decade, we expanded to offer intervention programs to strengthen and improve
behaviour in the home, parenting programs, daycare and employment/training programs.
In the 1990s, we opened offices in Pemberton and Whistler. We continued to grow, adding
programs and services in community living (helping people with developmental disabilities),
adult mental health and alcohol and drug intervention and prevention.
In the 2000s, we opened childcare centres in Pemberton and Squamish and a youth centre in
Squamish and began managing subsidized and supported housing complexes.

Learn more about SSCS’s history:
https://www.sscs.ca/wp-content/uploads/40-years-of-history.pdf

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Strategic Plan:

SSCS’s dedication to strategic organizational planning and program development has positioned it
as a leader in social services among both our indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

Programs
Learn more about the 40 programs SSCS offers: https://www.sscs.ca/programs/

Community Impact
SSCS has wide-ranging and significant community impact through its 40 programs and services
that help children, youth, adults, seniors and families:
https://www.sscs.ca/about-us/communityimpact/

Fundraising
SSCS is funded by the province of British Columbia and through donations, grants, sponsorships
and other partnerships. The successful candidate will lead the Development Office and ensure that
the ongoing annual support of SSCS continues throughout and after the capital campaign.

Learn more about SSCS’s funding: https://www.sscs.ca/funding/

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About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Director and working with the Board, the Director of Development &
External Relations is a senior-level leader who will provide inspirational leadership to a high-
performing team. This is the central staff position for implementing all fund development and
external relations activities at SSCS.

The Director will support SSCS in achieving its vision and mission with accountability for
establishing a fully integrated fund development program (annual, major, gift planning, as well as
grants and sponsorships) and administration pertaining to development work (database, proposals,
correspondence, fund management). This role is responsible for a select portfolio of high-net-
worth donors and prospects. As well, the Director will lead all communications, marketing, and
public relations work on behalf of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Development & External Relations is responsible for all aspects of SSCS's fund
development and external relations activities. This includes planning, implementing, monitoring,
evaluating, reporting, and adjusting as appropriate.

Grow SSCS Resources:

Support the Executive Director and Board in the planning and execution of donor and external
relations, including objectives, targets, and building a culture of donor-centred philanthropy and
engagement at SSCS.
Carry a portfolio of high-capacity, high-inclination prospects with personal accountability for
securing gifts of $50,000+.
Identify, engage, and solicit prospective individual donors, corporations, and foundations for
donations.
Create and implement, in concert with the Executive Director and Director of Finance, a
creative and comprehensive income growth strategy to ensure SSCS can meet the increasing
needs of its growing communities.
Evaluate and make recommendations to the Executive Director regarding human resources
strategies for the Development & External Relations team, including, but not limited to,
recruiting, orientation, ongoing training, and professional development.

Build Relationships:
Determine the most effective communications, events, and donor relations/stewardship
strategies to deliver on the vision and mission of SSCS.
Cultivate long-lasting and deep relationships, as well as coaching these skills in others.
Negotiate and mediate gifts to achieve the best outcome for SSCS and the donor.
Identify personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship tactics with the support of the
SSCS Board and staff.




Work with the ED and Board members on Director’s giving as well as potential donor
identification and solicitation.

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Fundraising Leadership:
Work with the SSCS Executive Director and Board to establish fund development and
community engagement priorities.
In conjunction with the Executive Director, lead and oversee the development of
comprehensive Fund Development and Communications Plans and budgets, as well as design
and implement metrics to analyze the execution and success of each plan.
Partner with Sea to Sky Community Services’s fundraising consultants on the current Capital
Campaign.
Contribute to building a strong culture of trust, collaboration, innovation, and teamwork.
Oversee and provide leadership and counsel with the planning, implementation, and direction
of all development and external relations activities, ensuring consistent and significant
increases to relationships developed, funds generated and community engagement.
In partnership with the Board, Executive Director, and key Development volunteers, build
positive relationships with major donors and solicit gifts.
Direct and prepare gift requests as well as grant and sponsorship proposals to meet specific
funding needs.
Develop, implement, and oversee the SSCS donor recognition and stewardship program, in
accordance with SSCS policies.
Serve as the contact and information source for existing and prospective donors and funders
concerning gifts and funding of SSCS.
Represent SSCS in the community, making presentations and accepting gifts on behalf of SSCS
when so designated.
Ensure that all details relating to special events and projects are handled effectively.
Maintain professional affiliations and enhance skilled growth and development by keeping
abreast of the latest trends in fund development and external relations professions.
Ensure own call and client report information is input into SSCS’s database.
Work with the Finance team to ensure donations are accounted for and that appropriate
systems are in place for record keeping, relationship and prospect management, and donor
database.
Undertake special projects and reports as required by the Executive Director.

Marketing Communications:
Working with the SSCS’s Senior Manager of Communications and Engagement to identify
appropriate opportunities to share SSCS’s story.
Implement, in consultation with the Executive Director and Communications team, the
production of fund development support materials (printed, electronic & other).

Volunteer and Staff Leadership & Management:
Actively set the example for call management, donor cultivation, asks and stewardship work
with donors and donor prospects.
Identify, recruit, train, coordinate, thank and work closely with volunteers working on
development and external relations activities.
Prepare agendas, reports, and materials for the Fund Development Committee. Attend
meetings and be responsible for the minutes.
Prepare monthly reports and attend meetings of the SSCS Board.

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Desired Education and Experience:
Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major philanthropic
gifts.
Significant experience in fund development and external relations work.
Demonstrated success in planning and implementing fund development and external relations
initiatives.
Active participation in AFP and/or CAGP and/or another appropriate professional organization’s
educational offerings.
Work or volunteer experience in a social service-related organization.
An undergraduate degree or equivalent experience and education.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
Knowledge of and proficiency in budget creation, implementation, and reporting.
Knowledge of and proficiency in IDEA and ethics.
Knowledge of and proficiency in the software programs used by SSCS, including Donor
Database and Microsoft Office.
Excellent organizational and relationship-building skills.
Excellent writing skills, including grant writing.
Experience and skill in public speaking.
Knowledge of fundraising resources such as databases, online search systems, directories, and
others.
Knowledge of donor research techniques.
Knowledge of legal and tax matters relative to charitable contributions and fundraising.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise in development legislation.
Entrepreneurial thinking and the drive to build a successful fund development platform.
Knowledge of professional and ethical standards for fundraising executives (e.g., AFP, CAGP,
Imagine Canada, CFRE).

Behavioural Expectations:
Support the mission, vision, and values of SSCS.
Treat others and their ideas with respect and dignity.
Set a good example for others.
Be an active coach for everyone in SSCS.
Maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and communication.
Insist on excellence and be accountable to one another.
Build group cohesiveness and pride through teamwork.
Demonstrate confidence in SSCS, its volunteers and staff.
Value and promote creativity and the change process.
Be a good communicator and listener; be available and visible.
Develop yourself to your highest potential.

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Navigating complex challenges for social profits

The Discovery Group is an international consulting firm dedicated to the social profit
sector. We believe that social profit organizations can change the world. Since 2017 it
has been our mission to help social profits across the globe achieve their vision and
elevate community impact. We work side-by-side with our clients to help them envision
change, determine how to make it happen, and put the necessary tools and skills in place
for success.

www.thediscoverygroup.ca

📌 Director of Development & External Relations (Squamish)
🏢 Sea to Sky Community Services Society
📍 Squamish