The Riverwood Conservancy ,Grant Research and Writing Specialist Job Vacancy in Canada

and Writing Specialist

to join our Development team

About The Riverwood Conservancy

The Riverwood Conservancy (TRC) is a member- and volunteer-based
charity located in Mississauga in Riverwood, a 150-acre natural area
along the Credit River. This is an exceptional time for TRC which has
grown our community and school-based programs in environmental
education, natural areas stewardship, gardening and volunteerism. This
has resulted in this new part-time 20 hours per week position with
future growth.

About the Candidate

The Grant Research and Writing Specialist (the Candidate) has a
demonstrated history of success in grant research and writing, and has
good working knowledge of other aspects of fund development, including
sponsorship, individual gifts, and donor cultivation. The Candidate
has initiative and drive, is motivated and resourceful, accountable
and connected, mature and articulate, dedicated and hardworking. You
are experienced and comfortable working independently and as a team
with the Executive Director (ED) and our part-time Development Officer
(DO; who specializes in planned giving, donor cultivation, prospect
identification and special events sponsor acquisition). The Candidate
is a professional and effective leader, makes wise use of limited time
and budget, can reach new audiences and be integral to the continued
growth of TRC.

Position Description

The Candidate reports to and supports the ED in fund development
matters. The Candidate works as a team with the DO to build on the
foundation of current fund development to research, design and
implement realistic and comprehensive strategies to achieve the annual
operating grant budget target. The TRC budget is $750,000, a portion
of which is our target. The Candidate plans and identifies grant
opportunities from corporate, government and foundation sectors to
sustain TRC priority programs in environmental education, stewardship,
an Enabling Garden for special needs and other areas in our 5-Year
Plan, as well as non-directed uses. The Candidate leads the
preparation of cases of support, writes funding applications for
sponsorships and grants from funding prospects. Together with the DO,
the Candidate monitors and evaluates results and makes changes as
necessary.

The Candidate works with Fund Development Committee volunteers on
matters of planning and updates members as needed. The Candidate
supports the DO and grows this synergism. The Candidate maintains a
database of donor communications and, with the DO, supports and
expands long-term donor relationships with Friends of Riverwood.

Specific Responsibilities

Government and foundation grants (ca. 35%)
• Research, identify, plan and implement plans to generate funds from
foundations, and the federal, provincial and regional government
levels;
• Write successful cases of support, proposals and progress reports for grants.

Corporate grant fund development (ca. 30%)
• Maintain and grow the current portfolio of corporate Friends; renew
and grow revenue with existing funders by exploring creative
opportunities with the DO;
• Research, evaluate and respond to new corporate Friends; identify
opportunities to secure corporate funding; manage new corporate
funding partners with the DO and ED;
• Lead the writing of applications, letters of interest and reports
that align with corporate social responsibilities; refine proposals as
needed.

Individual fund development (ca. 20%)
• As time permits, work with the DO to identify new prospects;
cultivate and solicit individual prospects with volunteers in a
well-coordinated manner;
• Support the DO as needed in planned giving;
• Contribute to developing volunteers to sustain long-term positive
relationships with stakeholders.

Fundraising events (ca. 10%)
• Research and identify sponsorship and grant opportunities with the
DO for the annual Earth: A Celebration fundraiser, Dogfest@Riverwood
and other special events.

Longer-term strategic planning and other (ca. 5%)
• Support donor acquisition and grow the donor database by linking our
Marketing Coordinator’s communications plan, website content, social
marketing and program participants; and
• Along with the DO and ED, plan strategies to reach and sustain fund
development targets, including an endowment.

Qualifications
• Minimum 5 years demonstrated and successful grant research and
writing experience that meets fundraising goals and secures
operational support;
• University or college degree or equivalent in related field;
• Goal oriented and determined;
• Strong analytical, decision-making, problem-solving and organizational
skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills that inspire confidence and trust; calm
and patient;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to multi-task, manage multiple assignments with attention to
detail and meet deadlines;
• Conduct that demonstrates adherence to the AFP Standards of
Professional Practice;
• Have or working towards CRFE certification;
• Strong knowledge of Corporate Canada, especially Corporate
Mississauga, foundation and government sources of funding;
• An interest in, and familiarity with environmental and educational issues;
and
• Proficiency in standard computer software.

Interested candidates are requested to submit their resume and a cover
letter by mail, fax or email (in Word format only please) by 5 p.m.
Friday December 12, 2014 to:

Brian Packham
The Riverwood Conservancy
4300 Riverwood Park Lane
Mississauga, ON L5C 2S7
Info@TheRiverwoodConservancy.org
http://www.TheRiverwoodConservancy.org
fax: 905-279-4303

TRC thanks everyone for applying but resources allow us to reply only
to those candidates who are selected for an interview. November 2014