Job Summary

The Sarah Tapley Foundation supports families navigating critical childhood illness. Carrying on Sarah's legacy, we provide transformational, high-impact support to families facing their most challenging moments. Working closely with social workers at leading hospitals including SickKids and McMaster Children's Hospital, we come alongside families with both practical resources and genuine care during times of crisis.

We are entering a season of significant growth, with strong hospital partnerships generating more family referrals than our current funding can meet. This role is central to closing that gap.

Position Summary

We are seeking an assertive, relational, and results-driven Senior Development Officer to lead the Foundation's fundraising and partnership growth. This is a builder's role for someone who can open doors, cultivate donors and grants, and develop the funding infrastructure that will allow the Foundation to significantly expand its impact. The successful candidate will bring energy, competence, and initiative, translating the Foundation's remarkable hospital favour into sustainable financial support for the families we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Revenue Development (50–60% of role)

- Research, identify, and write grant applications from foundations, corporations, and

government sources

- Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors and prospective funders
- Develop and execute corporate partnership and sponsorship opportunities (e.g., corporate giving programs, payroll giving, fund-matching, event sponsorships)
- Identify and pursue community fundraising opportunities and campaigns
- Establish and track fundraising goals and key performance indicators developed collaboratively with the board
- Build a diversified, sustainable funding pipeline beyond event-based revenue

Hospital & Partnership Relations (15–20% of role)





- Steward and grow relationships with hospital foundations and leadership (SickKids,

McMaster / Hamilton Health Sciences, and others) Represent the Foundation professionally to institutional partners and prospective collaborators

- Pursue formal endorsements, resource listings, and referral pathways with partner hospitals
- Identify and cultivate connections with like-minded organizations for collaborative opportunities

Operations & Administration (15–20% of role)

- Oversee day-to-day operational functions, coordinating with the Finance Clerk and Board Treasurer
- Support program delivery in coordination with the Family Care Liaison
- Maintain organizational records, reporting, and compliance alongside relevant staff
- Provide regular reporting to the President and Board of Directors

Communications Support (5–10% of role)

- Support storytelling and donor-facing communications that advance fundraising goals
- Coordinate with staff and volunteers on campaign and event messaging

Required Qualifications

- 2+ years of experience in fundraising, development, nonprofit management, or a related field
- Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, grant writing, or partnership development
- Strong relationship-building skills with the confidence to initiate and lead conversations with donors, corporate partners, and institutional leaders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational, planning, and self-management abilities
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive results with minimal supervision




- Alignment with and passion for the Foundation's mission

Preferred Qualifications

- CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential, or willingness to pursue certification
- Knowledge of the Canadian charitable and grant funding landscape
- Experience with corporate sponsorship and community partnership development
- Familiarity with CRA charity requirements
- Experience in healthcare, family services, or faith-based nonprofit environments

Personal Attributes

Self-starting "go-getter" — assertive and driven, but relational and warm, not aggressive

- Strong ethical standards and integrity
- Compassionate and sensitive when representing families in crisis
- Collaborative and adaptable in a small, growing organization
- Problem-solving mindset with a willingness to learn what they don't yet know
- Passionate about the Foundation's mission and legacy

Working Conditions

- Part-time, 20 hours per week
- Adaptable scheduling, primarily remote
- Occasional in-person meetings, events, and hospital or partner visits in the Niagara /Greater Toronto area
- Occasional evening or weekend work during events or campaigns

Growth Opportunity

This role is positioned for growth. As the Foundation's funding capacity expands, there is genuine potential for the role — and the Foundation's programs and team — to grow alongside demonstrated results.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the Foundation's mission and your relevant development experience to [email protected].

Include "Senior Development Officer Application" in the subject line.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Pay: $32,500.00-$40,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Grimsby, ON L3M 1Y8

📌 Senior Development Officer (Grimsby)
🏢 Sarah Tapley Foundation
📍 Grimsby