Fundraising and Communications Manager

Toronto Cat Rescue (TCR)

Full-time permanent | 37.5 hours per week | Hybrid

Reports to the Executive Director

About Toronto Cat Rescue

Toronto Cat Rescue (TCR) is a volunteer-driven registered charity that rescues more than 2,500 cats each year through the efforts of over 1,000 dedicated volunteers. TCR is not a traditional shelter; we operate through an extensive network of foster homes across the Greater Toronto Area and Waterloo Region. We also operate two facilities where cats may be housed temporarily for triage and assessment before being placed in foster care. Cats are socialized and cared for in foster homes until they are ready for adoption, with eligible cats placed in pet-store adoption centres to increase their visibility and help them find permanent homes.

The Opportunity

Toronto Cat Rescue is seeking an experienced Fundraising and Communications Manager to lead fundraising growth, strengthen donor and partner relationships, and oversee communications that build support for our mission. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager will develop an integrated fundraising and communications strategy and take responsibility for its execution, financial results and continuous improvement.

This is a senior, hands‑on role in a lean, volunteer‑driven organization. The Manager will personally cultivate donors, make direct asks, write proposals and fundraising appeals, deliver campaigns, build donor and partner relationships, and manage communications that inspire giving. They will build and lead the volunteer and contractor support needed to deliver the work, with clear priorities, responsibilities and accountability.





The successful candidate will combine a record of fundraising results with excellent judgment, robust writing and relationship skills, and exceptional organizational abilities and follow-through. They will work closely with the Executive Director, Finance and Program colleagues, and support Board members when needed.

Key Responsibilities

Development Strategy and Revenue Leadership

- Develop and lead a multi‑year development strategy and annual fundraising and communications plan aligned with TCR priorities, in partnership with the Executive Director.
- Set agreed revenue targets, budgets, campaign plans and activity measures; manage the fundraising calendar and allocate effort to the strongest opportunities.
- Maintain realistic revenue forecasts and a documented prospect pipeline; provide timely reports on results, risks, opportunities and corrective actions.
- Evaluate net revenue, fundraising costs, donor retention and campaign performance; use evidence to improve results and build sustainable, diversified support.
- Recruit, train, delegate to and support development and communications volunteers; oversee assigned contractors and manage any assigned staff with clear expectations and regular feedback.

Major Gifts and Capital Fundraising

- Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, taking relationships from identification and qualification through cultivation,



solicitation and stewardship.
- Personally make direct asks and secure gifts; develop tailored proposals and compelling cases for support linked to program, operating and facility needs.
- Lead the execution of capital fundraising initiatives with the Executive Director, including prospect research, campaign materials, solicitation plans and tracking pledges and commitments.
- Prepare and support the Executive Director, Board members and volunteers for introductions, donor meetings and solicitations; document next steps and ensure follow‑through.

Corporate Partnerships and Foundation Giving

- Grow corporate support through philanthropic gifts, sponsorships, matching campaigns and appropriate employee‑engagement opportunities.
- Manage partner cultivation, proposals, agreements, recognition and renewals, ensuring commitments are practical and delivered consistently.
- Build a foundation prospect pipeline and grant calendar covering applications, reporting deadlines and renewals.
- Write tailored funding applications and impact reports with program and finance input; track restrictions, commitments and reporting requirements.

Planned Giving and Estates

- Grow the legacy giving program through donor education, individual cultivation, stewardship and recognition of confirmed intentions.
- Build respectful relationships with legacy donors, families, executors and professional advisors, maintaining confidential records and consistent follow‑up.
- Coordinate estate correspondence, documentation and follow‑up with the Executive Director, finance team and legal counsel as appropriate

Annual Giving and Fundraising Campaigns

- Lead ann

📌 Fundraising and Communications Manager (Toronto)
🏢 Toronto Cat Rescue
📍 Toronto