Job Description

Sunnybrook Foundation inspires lasting support for Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of Canada's largest and most dynamic health science centres impacting the lives of the more than 1.3 million patients it sees each year. Sunnybrook has ranked #2 in Canada, and #30 worldwide, in Newsweek's annual World's Best Hospitals 2024 list.


Together with our donor community, Sunnybrook Foundation raises critical funds for Sunnybrook's world class academic health sciences centre to achieve our shared vision to invent the future of health care. With ambitious goals ahead, the Foundation is committed to continuing to grow our results and impact as we help Sunnybrook to raise sights, uncover new possibilities, develop talent, and deliver exceptional care.


We are one team in pursuit of a common purpose - to inspire lasting support for Sunnybrook - and we are guided by our values: Build Connectedness, Act with Integrity, Meaningful Collaboration and Strive for Excellence.

Position Overview

The Stewardship, Donor Relations & Donor Communications department provides services and experiences that deepen donor engagement with Sunnybrook. The Manager, Donor Communications, under the leadership of the Executive Director, Donor Experience, will manage the Donor Communications team and oversee the creation of written content for the organization's high quality donor communications, including managing work flow, editing content and providing approvals on all work.

A professional writer and editor, the incumbent is a passionate storyteller who can craft language to spark connection and build relationships between Sunnybrook and those with a desire to give. Working closely with the Executive Director, Philanthropy and Sr. Manager, Stewardship, the Manager will create donor communications that demonstrate impact and encourage donor engagement and investment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Understand the Sunnybrook brand, the strategic direction of the Foundation and hospital priorities. Acquire and maintain sound knowledge and understanding of the organization and all fundraising priority projects and programs. Manage, hire, develop and mentor direct reports through effective performance management, coaching and fostering staff growth and development. Oversee, allocate resources and manage the workflow and deliverables for the team. Recommend and manage engagement of freelance communication support, as required. Define, create, review and implement processes to support an efficient Donor Communications team. Develop and collaborate on content sharing designed for reuse across the Foundation and with Hospital Strategic Communications. Work in collaboration with the Executive Director to contribute to annual business and operational plans. Provide writing and editing support for all donor communication materials. Provide expert advice and coaching for Communication team to conduct interviews, research, compile and write cases, proposals and stewardship reports, as needed. Oversee all donor communications materials for brand, style and Sunnybrook Strategic Communication compliance. Use desktop publishing and page layout designing software (i.e. InDesign) to design donor communications layouts as needed. Provide strategic direction on all team activites utilizing data and analysis to inform continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Competencies

Post-secondary education in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience Minimum of 5 years of writing experience in the health-care sector, preferably in a hospital or other complex organization; Non-profit experience is considered an asset. Proficient in writing and editing a range of donor communications with emphasis on proposals, impact reports and overviews. High attention to detail, specifically with grammar, spelling, syntax and punctuation. Strong interviewing and research skills with ability to extract meaningful and relevant information and convert complex information into clear, concise and compelling communications. Competency and oversight of creative and multimedia storytelling enhancements, including document layout, video storyboarding and graphics Experience applying EDI principles in communication (e.g. inclusive language, accessibility standards, culturally respectful story telling) Ability to deal with confidential matters with tact, diplomacy and sensitivity. Effective time manager with the proven ability to manage multiple projects over varying timelines, demonstrating excellence in prioritization, delegation, resourcefulness and problem-solving. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with demonstrated ability to maintain a positive, flexible and responsive attitude while managing competing interests and multiple stakeholders. Experienced people leader with demonstrated ability to manage, coach, empower, train and motivate staff. Proficient in MS Office including Word, PowerPoint; layout capability in InDesign and project management software (e.g. Wrike) Possess intellectual curiosity and the ability to monitor industry trends (including Artifical Intelligence for non-profits) and bring them back to their work.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter in a single file.


We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Total Rewards Package

The hiring range for this position is $98,000 to $108,000 per year. The salary will be determined based on the successful candidate's years of experience, qualifications and competencies that are relevant to this position.


In addition to a competitive salary, our total rewards package includes comprehensive health and dental benefits, participation in HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan), flexible work arrangements with a minimum of two (2) days in office, and learning and growth opportunities.


We know that everyone's career journey looks a bit different and experience comes in many forms. If you're unsure whether your experience matches all of the requirements but still think this would be a great fit, we encourage you to apply.


Sunnybrook Foundation values equity, diversity and inclusion within the workplace and is committed to fostering a work environment where employees can bring their whole selves to work, are valued for their diversity, and feel a sense of belonging.

Sunnybrook Foundation is committed to providing accessible employment practices. If you require accommodations during any stage of the recruitment process, please advise us when submitting your application and email FoundationHR@sunnybrook.ca.