Manager, Communications & Fund Development

Reporting directly to the Executive Director (‘ED’), the Manager.Communications & Fund Development (‘Manager’) plays a key role on our small and energetic team. As we expand our service delivery and consider future growth options, the importance of a strong public profile and community relations becomes more important.  Alignment with our 3 strategic pillars:

• Expand services for End-of life care and bereavement
• Strengthen community connections and increase awareness about VHS
• Optimize organizational effectiveness

The Manager’s first and primary focus will be to develop and oversee the strategic planning, implementation, and execution of internal and external communications and initiatives to support the fulfillment of our vision.  Building from the ground up, initial responsibilities will include an assessment of current capabilities, exploration of potential areas for development, and preparation of a roadmap for achievement of strategic objectives. Initial work will also include development of metrics and associated targets to measure success.

Together with the ED, the Manager will play a vital role in coordinating and expanding our marketing and public relations efforts, identifying key audiences, and plans to best reach and educate those key audiences.  In addition, as the hospice continues to grow, the Manager will help to cultivate, solicit, and steward donor relationships based upon our core values and health care sector fundraising best practices.

MANAGER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications and Marketing (80% of time)

The Manager will coordinate the Society’s communications activities, providing ongoing proactive tools and messaging to position the Society as the leading provider of compassionate end-of-life services in Vancouver. The focus is to align the Society’s services and needs to our ideal audiences, and executing a plan to reach them in the most effective and efficient way possible. Communications vehicles may include social media, conventional print and journalism, media releases, and crisis communications management.

The Manager will work with the ED to shape the program and expectations.  Specific activities may include but not be limited to:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement an annual communications strategy plan to convey VHS vision, goals, and programs/services.
• Direct efforts to raise public awareness and influence of the Society in the general public, including online and social media presence, messaging, marketing, and communications.
• Create promotional and marketing materials as needed.
• Develop and manage the creation and update of web content, social media, Annual Report, and newsletters.
• Create and manage a social media and website presence and leverage online opportunities to provide greater engagement for our work.
• Identify, build, and manage relationships with print, radio, television, online reporters, and bloggers.
• Respond to media inquiries as required, and identify opportunities for proactive media engagement.
• Solicit opportunities to share stories with media through press releases and advertising.
• Prepare press releases, manage media list and queries for communications, and maintain media archives.
• Represent VHS at events and speak on behalf of VHS as required.

Fundraising (20% of time)

Over time, as the hospice continues to grow and funding needs increase, the Manager will work with the ED to develop, plan and execute proactive fund development programs for the Society, which may include but are not limited to: building an annual giving program; growing and cultivating a pipeline of major gift prospects; developing a legacy giving program; managing online giving, mail, and e-solicitations.

The Manager will collaborate with key staff and volunteers to highlight the impact of donor philanthropy and support the growth of a culture of philanthropy.

In addition, the Manager will ideally plan to:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement annual fundraising strategies in collaboration with staff and volunteers, as appropriate.
• Lead and manage the identification, development, and solicitation of corporate, community, and individual prospects for the organization’s fundraising portfolio.
• Plan and implement a planned giving program to identify and cultivate new expectancies.
• Work with the ED to set and achieve annual fundraising goals and revenue targets and evaluate portfolio progress on an ongoing basis.
• Develop implement and manage a donor recognition and stewardship program.
• Develop strong relationships with volunteers and staff alike; recognize and include HOB volunteers in fundraising activities and promotions as appropriate; engage Board volunteers in the fundraising cycle.
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising activities to ensure fundraising goals are being met.
• Ensure integrity of record-keeping in accordance with relevant Canadian legislation and law.
• Ensure all support systems for receiving, recording, and acknowledging all contributions and pledges are in place.
• Ensure organization policies and procedures reflect fundraising principles and practices.
• Assist in the planning and execution of VHS’s fundraising and friendraising events, such as the Hike for Hospice.

Organizational Leadership

• Participate in the new volunteer training/orientation to provide an overview of role and inspire new volunteers.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to educate volunteers and Board members on fundraising needs and practices.
• Manage the departmental budget in collaboration with the Accounts Manager and ED.

QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong verbal and written communications skills that can be applied in a variety of ways for specific and diverse audiences.
• Experience managing social media accounts, newsletters, and curating print materials an asset.
• In-depth experience with digital marketing (social media, website content management, video production) and skills in using WordPress and Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (including Premiere Pro and Photoshop) would be a strong asset.
• Broad generalist fundraising experience including annual and/or planned giving, as well as an aptitude for budgeting, forecasting, and ongoing fundraising analysis, is an asset.
• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and sustain relationships with individuals and groups with diverse abilities and backgrounds.
• Strong leadership qualities to quickly establish trust, respect, and buy-in amongst stakeholders, donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Demonstrated project and time management skills along with strong attention to detail.
• Relevant computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and fundraising database experience.
• Ability to work independently and within a team and deliver confidently under pressure.
• Demonstrated high degree of emotional intelligence including self-awareness, self regulation, motivation, empathy, integrity, compassion, respect, polished social skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or an equivalent level of training and experience.
• Relevant professional certification, like CFRE or CMP, would be an asset.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Due to the nature of the work, some occasional evenings or weekends at special events may be required.

How to Apply

Please send application to director@vancouverhospice.org