Community Engagement Officer

We don’t have a mold for you to fit. We have a mission for you to join!

Most jobs want you to button up and blend in. At Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), we want the opposite. We want the unique perspectives, the diverse talents, and the personal story that make you who you are. Why? Because the youth we serve are not one size fits all, and the people who support them shouldn’t be either!
At YOU, we believe meaningful impact is built collectively, and that every role contributes to something bigger than itself. We value your ability to bring fresh ideas to the table and innovate new ways for young people to thrive. In this role you will help to design and strengthen systems that empower our community, working within a team that walks alongside youth every step of the way!

Reporting to the Director of Community Engagement, the Community Engagement Officer is responsible for leading the development and execution of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) annual and major giving programs. This position is focused on identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors who are committed to supporting YOU’s mission through meaningful philanthropic investments. The role plays a critical part in strengthening relationships with individual donors and community partners, growing annual giving, and building a pipeline for increased major gift support.

The Community Engagement Officer will be critical in advancing YOU’s mission by building strong, lasting relationships with donors and aligning their interests with organizational priorities. The Community Engagement Officer holds a passion for YOU’s mission, vision, and values, and is committed to supporting youth in reaching their full potential.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward annual and major donors.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects through personalized cultivation and solicitation plans.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team, and key volunteers to leverage networks and maximize fundraising opportunities
• Develop compelling proposals and donor communications in collaboration with the Community Engagement Team.
• Lead the Breakfast for YOU sponsorship committee to secure revenue for signature event.
• Establish and grow YOU’s planned giving program, including outreach, cultivation, and stewardship of donors interested in legacy giving.
• Provide donors with personalized guidance and resources to support gift planning.
• Track and report planned gift intentions and forecast long-term revenue.
• Build authentic, long-term relationships with current and prospective donors to deepen engagement and commitment to YOU’s mission.
• Identify opportunities for growth and expansion within existing relationships and potential new partnerships.
• Provide donors with timely and meaningful updates on how their gifts are making impact on YOU clients and the community.
• Working closely with the Director of Community Engagement to create customized stewardship plans and experiences that meaningfully recognize donor contributions and demonstrate impact.
• Coordinate donor visits, tours, and recognition events to strengthen relationships and transparency.
• Represent YOU at various community events and meetings
• Conduct research using internal databases, public records, and third-party tools to identify prospective major donors.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, and giving history.
• Prioritize prospects and implement strategies to move donors through the giving pipeline.
• Participate in health and safety training including WHMIS and apply this knowledge in the workplace
• Report any violations of the Health and Safety Act or the regulations, or the existence of any hazard
• Ensure all workplace incidents are reported in a timely manner in accordance with legislation, and YOU policies and procedures for workplace injuries and incidents.

Qualifications:

• This position requires completion of post-secondary education at a college or university level in Fundraising, Business Administration or related field, or the combined equivalent education and work experience.
• The incumbent must have a minimum of four (4) years experience in a similar role. The Community Engagement Officer must have proven success in annual and major gift fundraising in a charitable setting.
• The incumbent must have strong relationship building skills with the ability to engage, inspire, and motivate donors.
• This position requires knowledge of planned giving principles and donor-centered fundraising best practices.
• The Community Engagement Officer is a highly motivated and results oriented individual with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• This position requires experience with CRM systems and donor databases and proficiency in managing moves management pipelines.

Compensation and Commitment:

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, flexible schedule depending on the needs of YOU. Extended hours and weekend work may be required from time to time

Benefits and Perks: We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your total well being, including extended health and dental care, Group RRSP, a competitive vacation allowance, and professional development opportunities to support your continued growth.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion: YOU is actively building a diverse board and workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, we promote employment equity and encourage candidates from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, women, and other people from communities facing systemic inequities. We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications. We encourage you to apply even if you feel the position would be a stretch.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited is committed to developing inclusive and barrier-free selection and appointment processes as well as work environments, in support of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation 191 11. Should an applicant require accommodation at any point during the recruitment process or as an employee during subsequent employment, they are invited to communicate and discuss their requirements with the YOU contact noted below.