Job Posting

Development and Community Engagement Manager

Full-Time Position | 30–37.5 Hours per Week | Stratford, Ontario

Make a difference in the lives of young people in our community.

Do you want to be part of an organization that supports Perth County youth aged 14–24 who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness?

Are you passionate about fundraising, building community relationships and securing the resources necessary to make meaningful change?

Are you a motivated, resourceful and relationship-oriented professional who can turn opportunities into sustainable funding and community support?

If so, Shelterlink may have the opportunity you are looking for!

About Shelterlink

With a history dating back to 1989, Shelterlink is a nonprofit organization providing prevention, advocacy, shelter and community connection services to youth aged 14–24 in Perth County who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

Our outreach program provides prevention, diversion, trusteeship, family mediation and reunification services. Our shelter program is Housing First for Youth focused and provides temporary emergency accommodation, case management, diversion and basic needs support.

Shelterlink operates 15 temporary emergency shelter beds and works collaboratively with community partners to help young people achieve stability, independence and lasting connections.

About the Role The Development and Community Engagement Manager is an integral leadership position within Shelterlink, responsible for generating the financial resources and community support necessary to sustain and grow our programs and services.

Fundraising and revenue development are a critical focus of this position. The successful candidate will play a key role in securing grants, cultivating donors, developing funding opportunities and implementing fundraising initiatives that contribute to the organization's financial sustainability.

Working closely with the Executive Director, this position will lead and coordinate fundraising and development activities while strengthening Shelterlink's presence, relationships and awareness throughout the community.

This is an opportunity for someone who is both strategic and hands-on, and who can identify opportunities, develop relationships, take initiative and translate ideas into tangible fundraising results.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Revenue Development

- Develop, implement and monitor fundraising strategies and initiatives to achieve annual revenue targets.
- Identify, research and pursue new funding opportunities from government, foundations, corporations, community organizations and individual donors.
- Lead grant development, including researching funding opportunities, preparing compelling applications, developing budgets, meeting submission deadlines and completing funder reports.
- Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, businesses, foundations and community partners.
- Develop opportunities for corporate sponsorships, major gifts, monthly giving, annual campaigns and other sustainable revenue streams.
- Coordinate fundraising campaigns, special initiatives and community fundraising activities.
- Monitor fundraising performance, maintain accurate records and provide regular updates on revenue development and progress toward established goals.

Grant Management and Funding Relationships

- Maintain a comprehensive grant and funding calendar, ensuring applications, reporting requirements and deadlines are met.




- Develop and maintain relationships with existing funders and identify opportunities to expand funding partnerships.
- Prepare funding proposals, impact statements, budgets and supporting documentation.
- Ensure funder requirements, recognition commitments and reporting obligations are fulfilled.
- Maintain an organized system for tracking applications, funding commitments, donor information and outcomes.

Community Engagement and Communications

- Increase awareness of Shelterlink's mission, programs, services and community impact.
- Develop and implement communication and outreach strategies that strengthen community awareness and support.
- Prepare professional written materials, presentations, newsletters, reports and promotional content.
- Manage and maintain social media platforms, website content and other communication channels.
- Represent Shelterlink at community events, networking opportunities, presentations and partnership meetings.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with community organizations, businesses, service providers and other stakeholders.

Donor Stewardship and Events

- Develop and implement donor recognition, engagement and stewardship activities.
- Coordinate fundraising events and community initiatives, including planning, promotion, sponsorship development and follow-up.
- Ensure donors and supporters receive meaningful communication and recognition regarding the impact of their contributions.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen donor retention and develop long-term relationships.

Organizational Collaboration

- Work collaboratively with the Executive Director to establish fundraising priorities, annual development plans and financial targets.
- Collaborate with staff to gather program information, stories and outcomes that support funding applications and demonstrate community impact.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical fundraising and donor stewardship practices.

What You Would Bring to the Role

- Demonstrated experience in fundraising, fund development, grant writing or a related field.
- Proven ability to research, develop and write successful grant applications and funding proposals.
- Demonstrated success in generating revenue, meeting fundraising targets and developing funding relationships.
- Strong understanding of fundraising strategies, donor cultivation, stewardship and relationship development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling proposals, presentations and promotional materials.
- Strong financial and budget management skills, including the ability to develop project budgets and funding proposals.
- Experience coordinating fundraising campaigns, events, sponsorships and community initiatives.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience with donor management databases (such as Keela), website management, social media and graphic design tools.
- Excellent organizational, time management and administrative skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and meet deadlines.

A post-secondary education in fundraising, communications, public relations, marketing,



business or a related field is considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education, training and relevant professional experience will also be considered. How You Would Know You Are a Good Fit

- You are motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
- You understand that successful fundraising requires relationship building, persistence, creativity and the ability to turn opportunities into results.
- You are comfortable approaching donors, businesses, foundations and community members to build support for an important cause.
- You are a strong writer who can communicate organizational needs, demonstrate impact and develop compelling funding proposals.
- You are proactive and resourceful, able to identify opportunities and take initiative with minimal direction.
- You are comfortable balancing strategic planning with hands-on implementation.
- You demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability and alignment with Shelterlink's values of excellence, respect, kindness and responsibility.
- You are adaptable and comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced nonprofit workplace.

What We Offer

- An opportunity to contribute to an established community organization making a meaningful difference in the lives of local youth.
- A collaborative and supportive working environment.
- A competitive compensation package based on qualifications, experience and demonstrated fundraising expertise.

Hours: This position offers flexibility between 30 and 37.5 hours per week, depending on the successful candidate's qualifications, experience and availability. The anticipated schedule will be discussed during the recruitment process. Compensation: The anticipated hourly wage is $34.25–$36.25, depending on qualifications and experience. Flexibility in compensation may be considered for candidates bringing significant relevant experience and demonstrated success in grant development and revenue generation.

The position is primarily weekday-based. Some flexibility is required to accommodate occasional evening and weekend events and community engagement opportunities.

This is an in-person position based in Stratford, Ontario.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Shelterlink is committed to reflecting the community we serve and creating an inclusive work environment. We welcome applicants from all faiths, ages, races, ethnic origins, abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations.

We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. Upon individual request, accommodations will be made for applicants requiring support during the hiring process.

How to Apply

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by email to:

Cate Trudeau, Executive [email protected]

References will be requested at the interview stage for selected candidates. Employment is conditional upon a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check.

The anticipated start date is as soon as possible.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place throughout the recruitment period until the position is filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Shelterlink is an equal opportunity employer committed to a kind, respectful, accessible and inclusive workplace.

Pay: $34.25-$36.25 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 37.5 per week

Benefits

- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Work Location: In person

📌 Development and Community Engagement Manager (Stratford)
🏢 Shelterlink Youth Services
📍 Stratford