As a key member of the leadership team for the Jesuits of Canada, the Director of Advancement and Communications will develop a new Advancement and Communications Strategy that will innovate the Jesuits’ approach to fundraising and strengthen relationships with donors, benefactors, and the wider public, while promoting the mission and values of the Jesuits across the country. This role is responsible for developing and growing fundraising and stewardship programs and initiatives, and leading effective communication strategies. The ideal candidate has strategic insight, proven fundraising experience, and exceptional communication skills, alongside a deep respect for the Ignatian spiritual tradition and Catholic identity.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Management
- Develop and implement an innovative comprehensive Advancement and Communications Strategy and Implementation Plan aligned with the Jesuits’ mission that will double income over the next 3-5 years to realize strategic priorities.
- Lead and mentor a well-established and experienced team based in Toronto and Montreal responsible for fundraising, donor relations, digital presence, publications, and media relations.
- Support the implementation of the new Advancement and Communications Strategy by guiding and coaching the team on new initiatives and responsibilities.
- Oversee the continued integration of Anglophone and Francophone fundraising operations, including the ongoing integration and consolidation of donor CRM platforms.
- Serve as a key advisor to the Provincial (leader of the Jesuits in Canada) and leadership team on matters related to Communications and Advancement.
Advancement and Fundraising
- Conduct a review of current fundraising programs as part of the development of a new Advancement Strategy.
- Guide and support the planning and execution of all philanthropic initiatives, including Annual Appeals, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Donor Stewardship, and Campaigns Management.
- Build and maintain a strong portfolio of current and prospective Major Gift donors and Foundations.
- Move donors through the pipeline and convert them into Major Gift donors by building and maintaining relationships through ongoing stewardship.
- Develop individual strategies for high-capacity donors and prospects to renew and upgrade gifts.
- Oversee stewardship and donor recognition to ensure timely gift acknowledgement and recognition and meaningful communication of impact to donors.
- Develop a broad awareness of Jesuits’ programs and initiatives and identify areas for support.
- Partner with Jesuit works and affiliated organizations to support coordinated Advancement efforts.
Communications and Public Engagement
- Conduct a review of existing print and digital publications as part of the innovation of the Communications Strategy.
- Direct the production and distribution of print and digital publications (newsletters, magazines, annual reports).
- Guide the development of messaging that reflects Jesuit values and priorities and ensure brand consistency across platforms.
- Manage the organization’s media relations, communications, and online presence, including website and social media channels.
Qualifications and attributes
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Advanced degree, preferred.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in Advancement, Development, or Communications roles, preferably in a faith-based or non-profit setting.
- Supervisory experience required.
- Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to redesign fundraising programs and grow revenues.
- Proven success in achieving results, developing solicitation strategies and a track record of success cultivating, soliciting, and closing Major Gifts.
- Fluency in spoken and written French and English are essential.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, ministry-based environment and religious organizational context.
- Understanding of, and commitment to, the mission of the Catholic Church and the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
- Inspirational and mission-driven leader with strong team management skills.
- Highly collaborative and relational in approach with an ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience with Blackbaud donor management, and familiarity with CRM systems, such as Salesforce and HubSpot, and digital marketing and communications tools.
- Discreet and trustworthy, with a high degree of professional integrity.
Advantages and benefits
- Permanent, full-time position.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- On-site parking.
- Hybrid work arrangements are available.
This position is based in either Montreal or Toronto, with regular travel between the two cities and occasional travel to other locations across Canada.
Apply now by sending your CV and cover letter to bonnie@philanthropica.ca by July 31, 2025. We thank you for your interest in this position, but only those with the desired profile will be contacted.
