Job Description

Vice President of Development and Communications

Leadership

Kitchener, Ontario

Department

: Leadership

Employment Type

: Full-time, hybrid (in-office and remote) role

Minimum Experience

: Executive level



Job Purpose


Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Development and Communications plays a key role in advancing The Food Bank of Waterloo Region's mission through strategic leadership in fundraising, marketing, and communications. As a key member of the senior leadership team, this role guides the organization's efforts to build meaningful partnerships, strengthen donor and community engagement, and enhance visibility across the region. The Vice President of Development and Communications leads an integrated and aligned approach to development and communications, driving strategies that grow revenue, elevate the brand, and foster lasting relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.


The Vice President of Development and Communications manages a team of 15 staff, including the following direct reports: the Development Manager, the Marketing and Communications Manager, the Community Events Manager, the Development Officer - Grants and Foundations, and the Major Gifts Officer.



Responsibilities and Duties


EXAMPLES OF THE ROLE'S RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:



1. Driving a comprehensive, relationship-based approach to fundraising and partnerships that advances community impact and supports organizational growth:

Developing and executing multi-channel fundraising strategies to secure revenue from individual donors, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. Leading major gift cultivation and stewardship initiatives, including prospect identification, personalized engagement, and recognition activities. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners. Overseeing grant development, including proposal writing, reporting, and partnership management to maximize funding opportunities. Collaborating with the Finance team to ensure accurate forecasting, tracking, and reporting of fundraising results. Monitoring emerging trends and best practices in philanthropy to continuously enhance fundraising strategies.


2. Guiding a cohesive, mission-driven communications strategy that elevates the organization's visibility, storytelling, and public image:

Directing the development and implementation of an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with fundraising priorities. Ensuring brand consistency and message alignment across all internal and external communications. Overseeing the creation of compelling content for digital platforms, media, publications, and campaigns that inspire engagement and giving. Building media and public relations opportunities that highlight the organization's leadership and impact. Supporting a culture of storytelling that connects donors, volunteers, and partners to the organization's mission and community impact.


3. Collaborating as part of the senior leadership team to shape organizational priorities, foster innovation, and ensure long-term sustainability:

Partnering with the CEO to develop and execute strategic initiatives and organizational goals. Providing leadership across departments to ensure operational alignment in the absence of the CEO. Contributing to organizational planning and decision-making through data-driven insights and collaborative problem-solving. Championing a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and excellence across all teams and initiatives. Representing the Development and Communications portfolio in strategic discussions, Board meetings, and cross-functional projects.


4. Leading a high-performing team that delivers excellence through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose:

Coaching, mentoring, and supporting a diverse team of managers and staff across fundraising, communications, and events. Setting clear expectations, performance goals, and annual work plans to drive individual and team success. Promoting professional growth through continuous learning, feedback, and development opportunities. Encouraging collaboration and information sharing across all functions of the department.
Celebrating achievements and fostering a positive, mission-driven team culture.



5. Assisting with other tasks as needed to support team and organizational goals.

Specific examples may vary from year to year as priorities of The Food Bank change.



Location and Hours

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is located at 50 Alpine Court in Kitchener, Ontario. The role combines in-office and remote work (hybrid work arrangement begins once the incumbent's probationary period is complete). Hours of work are generally between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, for 40 hours per week (inclusive of 1 hour paid lunch each day). However, to meet the objectives of The Food Bank and commitments to our volunteers, members, and community, some irregular hours may be required. This would include no more than two evenings a week and/or two weekends a month.

Reporting Structure and Working Relationships

The Vice President of Development and Communications reports to the Chief Executive Officer. This role is an integral part of our Leadership team. A significant amount of time in this role is spent working with members of the Leadership team, as well as the Development, Marketing and Communications, and Events teams.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, business development, or communications, preferably within a not-for-profit organization, foundation, or higher education institution. Post-secondary education in business, communications, marketing, or a related field (master's degree or CFRE designation considered an asset). Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with fundraising including Donor Bill of Rights and Fundraising Code of Ethics. Proven success in developing and executing strategic fundraising and marketing plans that drive revenue growth, engagement, and brand visibility. Demonstrated experience leading operational and administrative functions, including staff and financial management, budgeting, planning, and performance evaluation. Understanding of digital engagement tools, online giving platforms, and analytics, with the ability to interpret data and make informed recommendations. Experience working with various levels of government considered an asset. Experience in the non-profit sector or with issues related to hunger, poverty, or community development considered an asset.
An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.



Required Work Capacities (Skills and Abilities)

Physical Requirements

Approximately 80% of time spent on desk- or computer-based work, and 20% on standing, walking, or light physical activity. Minimal bending, twisting, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling items, including to/from floor. Performing activities requiring near and far vision, speaking, and hearing. Working primarily indoors in a shared office environment with minimal exposure to warehouse conditions (temperature changes, dust, noise, fumes). Local travel within Waterloo region (i.e., to attend internal and external events, donor meetings, and related activities) may be required.

Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Demands

Superior attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple prospects, projects, and deadlines efficiently. Goal-oriented mindset and strong project management skills to prioritize, plan, and drive opportunities to close. Advanced critical thinking skills with the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve problems in a timely yet effective manner. Highly developed interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with the ability to facilitate meetings and communicate clearly and tactfully to a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders. High emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and resilience, maintaining professionalism in sensitive or challenging situations. Ability to inspire and motivate team members and maintain constructive working relationships with all levels of the organization. Working closely with direct reports, members of The Food Bank's management and leadership team, and members of other departments with the ability to seek and respond to feedback. Sound judgment, problem-solving ability, and creativity to develop innovative sponsorship solutions and overcome obstacles. Effective collaboration and teamwork, contributing to team goals and organizational culture while maintaining accountability for individual results.


Why Work for Us?

We have a passion to live our vision - a Waterloo region where no one experiences hunger - and are committed to helping obtain and distribute emergency food from our neighbours for our neighbours. Our employees and volunteers are invested in and passionate about the work they do and are inspired to drive thoughtful innovation and growth. We take the work seriously but try not to take ourselves too seriously; we understand the importance of the work we do and teamwork while balancing fun, excitement, and camaraderie in the workplace.


What benefits does The Food Bank offer?


Some benefits and perks provided by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region include*:

Competitive salaries/wages! We're a proud certified Living Wage Employer (Ontario Living Wage Network). We believe that all employees should be paid a wage that allows them to meet their basic needs while also participating in community life. Dental, drug, and supplemental healthcare coverage for individuals, couples, or family. A mental health and well-being focus with short-term counselling and resources provided by our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and coverage for counselling services. Vision care coverage. An RRSP matching program. A Healthcare Spending Account to cover out-of-pocket expenses and a Lifestyle Spending Account to broaden the range of coverage available to employees. A Bring Your Own Device allowance to cover work-related cell phone use ($ depending on role). Professional dues and association fee coverage. A generous vacation package, paid sick and family responsibility days, paid floating days, and birthday off. Hybrid work environment (where applicable). Closing early on Fridays in the summer. some benefits may depend on employment status, such as full-time permanent employment.*

We are an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diverse teams perform better and that fostering an inclusive work environment is a key part of growing a successful team. We welcome people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is committed to accessibility and to protecting the human rights our job applicants during the recruitment process. Should, at any point throughout the recruitment process, an applicant require accommodation or communication in an alternative format because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at 519-743-5576. We are committed to providing accommodation or alternate formats upon request within a reasonable time in a mutually agreed upon format. No phone calls please. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.