Position Summary
The Community Engagement team is responsible for securing the financial resources and food donations needed to fulfill the mission of the Calgary Food Bank. As Director, Community Engagement, you will lead the strategy and execution of fund development, donated food sourcing, donor relations, and community partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will provide vision and leadership for all community engagement activities, fostering strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, and stakeholders. You will also be responsible for developing strategies that align with the Food Bank’s mission to Make Food Accessible to Everyone in Our City, supported by our three pillars: Client-Centered, Community-Focused, and Committed to Excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Community Engagement
- Develop and execute a comprehensive community engagement strategy to increase food and financial contributions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community organizations.
- Represent the Calgary Food Bank at public engagements, media opportunities, and sector events.
- Identify emerging trends and opportunities in philanthropy and food security to enhance community partnerships.
Fund & Food Resource Development
- Lead the fundraising, grants, and donor stewardship strategies to ensure sustainable revenue growth.
- Oversee the development and execution of campaigns, events, direct asks, and giving programs.
- Manage food sourcing strategies to balance donations and purchasing to meet program needs.
- Ensure the effective use of donor and food distribution data to inform strategies and decision-making.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and support the Community Engagement team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
- Work cross-functionally with other departments to ensure alignment in food procurement, fundraising, and client services.
- Champion a culture of servant leadership and collaborative decision-making within the team.
Operational Oversight & Reporting
- Oversee the use of fundraising and donor management systems, ensuring efficient tracking and reporting.
- Analyze and report on fundraising, food sourcing, and donor engagement metrics, providing insights to the CEO and Board.
- Develop and manage the Community Engagement budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic goals.
Decision-Making & Leadership Capabilities
- Develop and implement long-term fund development and food sourcing strategies.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to reputation, donor stewardship, and community relationships.
- Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and industry best practices.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Fund Development, Communications, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in fund development, donor relations, or community engagement.
- CFRE certification or demonstrated progress toward a relevant professional designation is an asset.
- Strong track record of developing and executing successful fundraising and donor engagement strategies.
Skills & Capabilities
- Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with donors, corporations, and community partners.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills with experience leading cross-functional teams.
- Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.
- Proficiency in fundraising software, CRM systems, and data analytics tools.
Working Conditions
- Work is primarily conducted in an office environment with regular external meetings and events.
- Some evening and weekend work may be required for fundraising events and donor engagements.
- Occasional travel within Calgary and surrounding areas to engage with donors and partners.
