Director of Development & Communications National Program Deployment Centre, Waterloo, ON, CA

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1047

Salary Range: $90,000.00 To $100,000.00 Annually

An opportunity to build the next chapter of fund development at Strong Start

Strong Start® is a Canadian charity changing children's lives through literacy. For over 25 years, we have been helping young learners build the skills and confidence they need to become lifelong readers. Our programs are grounded in research, aligned with curricula, and delivered through powerful community partnerships with schools, educators, community hubs, families, and thousands of trained volunteers.

The Prospect

Strong Start is looking for an accomplished fundraising leader to help shape the next chapter of our development work.

The Director of Development & Communications will join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the development of a sustainable fundraising strategy that strengthens existing relationships, creates new opportunities for support, diversifies revenue, and builds the capacity Strong Start needs to increase its impact.

This is an opportunity for someone who is energized not simply by managing an established development program, but by building. You will start with a compelling mission, proven programs, established community partnerships, and existing donor and funder relationships. From that foundation, you will have the opportunity to strengthen our approach to fund development, deepen relationships, open new doors, and help shape what development at Strong Start can become.

What You Will Lead

As Director of Development & Communications, you will:





Enhance and lead a focused fund development strategy aligned with Strong Start's organizational goals.

Grow and diversify revenue through individual, corporate, foundation, grant, sponsorship and other funding opportunities.

Cultivate, solicit and steward meaningful relationships with donors, funders, corporations, foundations and community partners.

Strengthen the systems, practices and approaches that support sustainable fundraising and excellent donor stewardship.

Work alongside the CEO, Board of Directors and organizational leaders to identify and advance development opportunities.

Provide strategic leadership for marketing and communications so that Strong Start's story, evidence and impact strengthen awareness, engagement and fundraising.

An Opportunity to Build

Strong Start is committed to building its development capacity as the organization grows.

Initially, the Director will provide leadership across both Development and Communications, recognizing the important role communications plays in building awareness, strengthening relationships, demonstrating impact and inspiring support.

Over time, we see an chance for this position to become increasingly focused on fund development leadership, supported by dedicated internal and/or external communications expertise.

This is an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and help prepare Strong Start for the future,



combining leadership with a willingness to do the work. You know what great development looks like, understand the role communications can play in achieving it, and are excited by the opportunity to build the capacity around both.

Who We Are Looking For

You are first and foremost an experienced fundraiser and relationship builder.

You combine strategic thinking with a willingness to personally move opportunities and relationships forward. You know that sustainable fundraising is built through trust, credibility, thoughtful stewardship and a compelling case for support.

You bring:

Significant progressive experience in fund development and donor relations.

Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors and funders.

Experience across several areas of fundraising, which may include individual and major giving, corporate partnerships, foundations, grants, sponsorships, events, and public funding.

The ability to develop strategy while remaining actively engaged in relationship development and fundraising.

Experience establishing or strengthening fundraising systems, pipelines and stewardship practices.

Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to translate fundraising data into insights that inform strategy, track progress toward revenue goals and strengthen donor engagement.

Strong leadership, relationship-building and communication skills.

Experience working effectively with senior leaders and Boards.

An understanding of how marketing, communications and storytelling can support development and organizational objectives.

Sound judgment, initiative and enthusiasm for working in an organiz

📌 Director of Development (Winnipeg)
🏢 Strong start
📍 Winnipeg