Director, Development and Community Relations
Catholic Social Services
Salary: $99,500 - $106,000
The Organization
Catholic Social Services and Catholic Charities (The “Agency”) is a not-for-profit agency with over 60 years of commitment to its mission, which states:
“As a Catholic social services agency, we are guided by faith to care for and bring hope to people in need with humility, compassion, and respect.”
The Agency is one of the largest social services agencies in Canada, with over 1800 employees who identify and respond to community needs by serving over 20,000 people each year through a variety of services and programs. CSS employs and serves people of all religious traditions or no tradition at all.
The Agency operates with a combination of public and private (“Sign of Hope”) funding and has an annual operating budget of more than $105 million. The Agency operates many residential programs and manages a portfolio of more than 120 leased or owned properties throughout Edmonton, Red Deer, and central Alberta.
For further information, please visit: https://www.cssalberta.ca/
Mandate
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director, Development and Community Relations (DCR) assists and supports the CAO in the areas of strategic resource development and corporate communications for Catholic Social Services (CSS), Catholic Charities (CC), and the Sign of Hope (SOH).
With the support of skilled and experienced team members, this position oversees all fundraising and resource development activities. In addition, the incumbent develops and implements a broad range of public relations activities and communication plans that promote, enhance, and protect the Agency’s mission, reputation, and identity. The Director, DCR oversees varied and integrated communications products to ensure clear and concise messaging that is consistent with the Agency’s mission, core values, and corporate identity.
Key Accountabilities
Collaboration
Understands, supports, promotes, and aligns with the Agency’s vision, mission, values, and organizational ethics, and treat all persons with humility, compassion, and respect
Possesses an understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and a strong ability to articulate it
Presents as a positive and professional role model and ambassador for the Agency in interactions with internal and external stakeholders. Maintains respectful personal boundaries
Communicates effectively and respectfully in a professional and confidential manner with all employees and external stakeholders; both verbally and in writing
Establishes and maintains respectful, collaborative working relationships with employees and external stakeholders, as applicable
Strategy
Provides strategic management and oversight of the department, and any other assigned function, which includes development, delivery, and evaluation as well as fiscal and knowledge management
Establishes and directs department-level short and long term strategic and business planning to achieve Agency goals
Develops and executes their department’s strategy for the Agency, and partners with executive leadership team to execute the mission and strategy
Promotes and implements the Agency’s strategic objectives and provides input to future strategic plans
Collaborates with other members of senior leadership team to promote the Agency’s mission by identifying, developing, and expanding programs/services to meet changing community needs
Creates strategic alliances with key stakeholders to better meet emerging and future Agency needs and enhance the Agency and/or sector’s long term strategy
Maintains awareness of external and internal social service, political, economic and religious landscapes that may impact the Agency
Team Leadership
Provides excellent leadership to team through effective resource allocations and timely recruitment, development and coaching, performance evaluation and feedback, health and wellness, safety, and succession planning; leads by example to build a high-performance team and a positive work environment
Attracts, develops, coaches, mentors, engages, and retains high-performance team members, empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility and performance to accomplish Agency goals and strategies
Establishes and maintains strong relationships with team members; supports direct reports and team members, identifying team member and/or department needs, and seeking timely solutions for problems
Manages and approves employee schedules, timesheets, and leave requests while ensuring adequate employee coverage. Ensures all employee documentation is current and accurate and submitted in a timely manner
Focuses on relationship building and collaboration with the ability to work with cross-functional teams, providing expertise, support, coaching, mentoring, encouragement, and direction
Ensures quality and responsive services within the department to support the Agency’s mission
Attends and actively participates in scheduled meetings including identifying problems and suggesting solutions to support team/Agency initiatives. Leads, monitors, and/or follows-up on agreed-upon actions
Strategic Resource Development
Establishes and implements organizational infrastructure needed to support a multimillion dollar budget through the solicitation of major gifts, grants, special events, corporate, and foundation support. This infrastructure advances the Agency’s position with existing contributors; as well as develops new supporters by creating a broad awareness of Agency services throughout the community
Leads an integrated and strategic communication plan and approach to assist the CEO in advancing CSS’ mission, values, and identity while broadening awareness of its services and strategic priorities. This approach systematically and effectively strengthens the Agency’s overall fundraising and marketing capacity, and increases the visibility of its services throughout the communities in which it serves
Broadens the Agency’s donor base through strategies that allow the Agency’s leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporations; as well as with the media and other community leaders
Operational Management
Oversees all activities of the Agency’s DCR functions including, but not limited to, budgeting, strategic planning, and production of print (annual report, etc.) and electronic communications (website and social media)
Plays a critical role in assisting and supporting the CEO with all major fundraising initiatives
Monitors and regularly reports on the progress of all DCR functions, including prioritizing media opportunities and supporting the preparation of talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed
Serves as Agency spokesperson and lead-point person on media interactions as requested by the CEO
Identifies critical issues and risks to be mitigated in order to achieve effective implementation of programs, policies, processes, and practices
Ensures department’s activities comply with organizational requirements for quality management, legal compliance, and mission fidelity
Develops key metrics and monitors performance for department
Provides guidance and direction to streamline the development of systems, processes, protocols, and tools to better support the facilitation, collection, and sharing of knowledge through continuous improvement and optimization of technology solutions
General Responsibilities
Develops key metrics and monitors performance for area of responsibility
Identifies critical issues and risks to be mitigated in order to achieve effective implementation of programs, policies, processes, and practices
Ensures department’s activities comply with organizational requirements for quality management, legal compliance, and mission fidelity
Ensures appropriate and confidential handling and storage of client/Agency/supplier/vendor/contractor information and documentation in accordance to Agency policies, procedures, and standards
Provides guidance and direction to streamline the development of systems, processes, protocols, and tools to better support the facilitation, collection, and sharing of program knowledge through continuous improvement and optimization of technology solutions
Completes and submits regular and ad hoc reports and documentation as per standard procedures on or before assigned due dates
Reports incidents to manager or designate in a timely manner
Assists in training and supporting new employees and colleagues
Follows health and safety protocols while adhering to Agency policies and procedures
Maintains a pleasant and safe work environment, ensuring high levels of cleanliness, comfort, and safety
Performs other related duties as required
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will have the following:
Education:
Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in business, communications, marketing, or equivalent from a recognized educational institution.
Master’s Degree in business, communications, marketing, or equivalent is preferred.
Additional relevant certifications or designations considered an asset.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Experience:
Minimum seven (7) years’ of progressive leadership in similar-type role.
Proven experience in direct sales, marketing, communications, strategic planning, resource development, and leadership of teams is required.
Previous experience working in a Catholic organization is considered a strong asset.
Advanced knowledge of applicable Microsoft (MS) suite programs, especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher
Advanced skills in working with electronic donor tracking systems; Raiser’s Edge preferred
Proficient in use of other Agency-assigned computer applications, systems, and databases
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
To be effective, this individual is an affable, engaging motivator who understands the importance of relationships in all aspects of professional life and is able to reach people on a personal level while focusing on organizational goals
A deep knowledge of, and appreciation for, the structure and social mission of the Catholic Church, and a commitment to its teachings and worldview
The successful candidate will be a dynamic and optimistic presence, who is inspired by a passion to serve. As an authentic individual who values transparency, resilience and compassion, the incumbent will engage and motivate others with passion for the mission, core values and guiding principles of the Agency
Strategic thinker with ability to analyze internal and external environmental factors to identify current and future opportunities, challenges and risks, and ensure ongoing service excellence
Financial and business acumen in the development, monitoring, and control of functional and project budgets
Strong relationship, networking, and customer-relation skills, client-service attitude, and commitment to providing exceptional service and quality results with empathy and compassion
Emotional intelligence; empathy and understanding of different priorities and viewpoints; awareness of and sensitivity towards individuals with diverse needs
Ability and willingness to work in and contribute to a diverse and inclusive team environment that may include a wide range of beliefs, lifestyles, languages, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds
Demonstrated maturity, self-awareness and insightfulness, and possesses high ethical standards and an uncompromising sense of integrity
Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills within a diverse employee group who represent a wide range of beliefs, lifestyles, and cultures
Proven ability to assemble a team with the right mix of skills, delegate responsibility, and promote a positive team culture, even under changing or uncertain conditions
Ability to motivate team members, set achievable objectives, maintain a positive outlook, and provide constructive feedback
Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills to facilitate working effectively with wide range and number of people, including clients, employees, external stakeholders, media, and community resources
As a voice/advocate for CSS, is a persuasive, credible, and polished communicator and facilitator with ability to effectively plan, organize, and present ideas and concepts to groups, deliver presentations, and facilitate effective workshops and meetings that motivate and inspire audiences about the Agency’s mission and services
Superior English-language communication skills, both verbal and written, to communicate using active listening, to understand, comprehend, comply with all job requirements, and achieve desired objectives
Solid negotiation, persuasion, conflict management, and listening skills to facilitate working effectively with wide range and number of people including internal and external stakeholders
Strong knowledge of and effective collaboration with diverse groups of people including internal and external stakeholders, community resources, and media
Collaborative skills: willingness to work as a team member, consulting and sharing information with colleagues and community partners, and contributing to the development and evaluation of programs
Up-to-date knowledge of Agency policies, procedures, and standards; as well as relevant legislation, regulations, practice standards and practice guidelines
High level of professionalism, confidentiality and diplomacy; with ability to manage sensitive and confidential information and comply with all regulatory requirements and Agency Privacy and Confidentiality policies and procedures
Attentiveness to details and ability to manage a diverse workload within a fast-paced environment with changing multiple priorities and frequent interruptions
Strong problem solving, analytical/critical thinking, and appropriate judgment skills with ability to visualize and deliver creative solutions
Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team as well as independently with minimal supervision
High degree of resourcefulness and flexibility to adapt to changing needs of donors, circumstances, and Agency
Strong time management, planning, organizing, and execution skills to meet deadlines
Ability to multi-task, establish priorities and action plans, be highly motivated, and take initiative
Advanced knowledge of applicable Microsoft (MS) suite programs, especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher
Advanced skills in working with electronic donor tracking systems; Raiser’s Edge preferred
Proficient in use of other Agency-assigned computer applications, systems, and databases
Ability and willingness to work outside of regular business hours as required to meet client and/or Agency needs. Advance notice will be provided when possible
Ability and willingness to travel, as required, to different offices, facilities, and other sites to work, attend and/or conduct meetings, presentations, and/or training
Core Competencies:
Strategic Thinking: Analyzes and interprets the strategic direction of the organization, has a clear and firm understanding of the vision, mission, values and objectives of the workplace, uses that information to develop responsibilities, tasks, goals and initiatives that align with long term plans and growth. Reflects on past experience, organizational practices and processes in order to determine the correct course of action. Analyzes the internal and external environment in order to identify current and future opportunities, challenges and risks.
Communication: Expresses and transmits information with consistency and clarity. Uses active listening techniques in order to effectively understand and provide feedback. Summarizes information according to the audience in order to promote engagement and increase understanding.
Networking and Relationship Building: Effectively builds constructive, friendly, professional relationships and networks of key contacts with people and colleagues, maintains partnerships that can provide information, assistance and support.
Leadership: Maintains professional and positive manner even under changing or uncertain conditions. Works well with a wide range of individuals to provide support, coaching, encouragement and direction. Engages others in order to accomplish Agency goals and strategies.
Critical Thinking: Analyzes and interprets data and information gathered from observation, investigations, formal and informal communication, reports, legislation and others in order to develop conclusions. Reflects on past experience, organizational practices and processes in order to determine the correct course of action. Analyzes the internal and external environment in order to identify current and future opportunities, challenges and risks.
Result Orientation: Possesses the ability to focus on desired outcomes, and the means by which they are achieved, by meeting and/or exceeding standards based on past performance, goals and objectives, as well as the performance and/or achievements of others.
The Compensation
An excellent compensation package awaits the successful candidate.
Equal Opportunity
Catholic Social Services is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence. Catholic Social Services welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, members of racialized communities, indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity to confidentially self-identify at time of application. In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Gallagher and Catholic Social Services throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.