Summary
Description
Hi. We’re Trellis.
Trellis works with young people, adults, families, and communities to unlock their potential and support their growth. We are focused on generational change by providing a spectrum of services for people of all backgrounds, including those with complex needs. Our programs improve access to resources, develop family and community supports and build people’s capacity to deal with life’s challenges.
With our support, people from all walks of life are empowered to move beyond systemic barriers, cultivate great outcomes and reach their full potential. We’re Trellis – and we’re always growing!
Our Values
Our values not only define who we are but also support Trellis to achieve our vision of everyone reaching their full potential.
- Courage: We willingly embrace growth, and don’t see it as optional
- Empathy: We relentlessly care about the growth of others and won’t let anyone go unsupported
- Learning: We choose to grow through uncertainty, even when the status quo feels easier
- Impact: We go beyond what seems doable and prove that growth is possible.
Our Commitments
We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and connectedness, where everyone is welcomed. We believe in creating a workplace that celebrates diversity of our teams, our program participants and reflects the communities we serve.
We are committed to active reconciliation in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Reconciliation is a highly valued and integrated part of our culture and work. Trellis’ reconciliation journey is intentional with meaningful engagement from team members both collectively and as individuals.
What Trellis Offers
We provide people with meaningful work and are committed to offering equitable total compensation to all staff. This includes the following benefits:
- Flexible Health & Wellness Benefits
- RRSP Group Savings Plan
- Free and confidential support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program
- Paid Vacation, Sick Days, Wellness Days and your Work Anniversary off
- Ability to swap statutory holidays for other days of importance to you
- Consistent Training & Development Opportunities
- Diversity and Inclusion embedded into everyday practice.
- Hybrid work schedule, allowing for a flexible workspace and place.
For more info on Trellis Society, visit www.growwithtrellis.ca or find us at @TrellisYYC on social media.
The Role: Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts (Full-time)
The Senior Development Officer for Major Gifts is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, with a primary focus on gifts of $10,000+. The role is relationship-driven and outcomes-focused, contributing significantly to annual fundraising, campaign goals, and long-term philanthropic growth. You will be an integral part of the Fund Development team, working closely with the Director of Development, executive leadership, and program staff. The Senior Development Officer builds authentic, values-based donor relationships that align donor interests with organizational priorities.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Development Officer will be a team player, thriving in a fast-paced environment with the ability to multi-task. This includes but is not limited to:
Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management:
- Managing a mix portfolio of approximately 120-150 major gift prospects & donors.
- Build and sustain long-term relationships with donors through meaningful engagement and personalized communication.
- Develop and implement individualized donor strategies, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
- Partner with program teams and senior leadership to deliver a best-in-class donor experience to secure significant philanthropic gifts through face-to-face, virtual, and written solicitations.
- Achieve annual revenue targets and key performance metrics.
- Identify opportunities to increase donor commitment through upgrades, multi-year pledges, and planned giving referrals.
- Prepare compelling proposals, briefing notes, impact reports and recognition tailored to donor interests.
Prospect Identification & Pipeline Development
- Identify, qualify, and prioritize new major gift prospects through research, referrals, and engagement strategies.
- Support moves management processes and ensure accurate documentation of donor interactions in Raisers Edge
Internal Collaboration & Leadership Engagement
- Work closely with senior leadership, executives and volunteers to support donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
- Prepare leadership and volunteers for donor meetings and solicitations through briefings and coaching.
- Act as a philanthropic advisor, helping internal partners understand donor motivations and best practices.
Campaign & Strategic Initiatives
- Contribute to capital campaigns as required.
- Support cross-functional fundraising initiatives aligned with organizational priorities.
- Participate in strategic planning, forecasting, and performance analysis.
Administration, Reporting & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely records of donor activity, strategies, and outcomes in Raisers Edge.
- Track progress against goals and provide regular reports and insights to leadership.
- Ensure fundraising activities comply with organizational policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
What You’ll Bring to The Role:
The Development Officer must demonstrate the following competencies:
- Leadership
- Inclusive leadership style that invites participation across the organization, provides clarity, direction and invites ongoing feedback.
- Establish and maintain professional relationships with all stakeholders.
- Hold oneself and others ethically accountable as to behave and act in the best interest of persons served and the organization.
- Donor Centric
- Builds and stewards strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, grantors and internal stakeholders.
- Identify stewardship opportunities that share Trellis’ story with the philanthropic community in a positive and trauma informed way.
- Demonstrates gratitude, creativity and respect in all donor interactions.
- Inclusive Communication
- Share Trellis’ work with the philanthropic community using compelling, clear and trauma informed methods, both written and verbal.
- Encourage an open and strong team atmosphere, inviting input, providing support, sharing ownership and mentoring staff to develop through constructive, positive feedback.
- Self-Awareness
- Strong self-reflection skills and the ability to identify personal strengths and growth opportunities.
- Manage conflict as it arises in a manner that is respectful of all involved.
Knowledge and Skill Expectations
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business or Communications and/or Education is preferred, however equivalent education and experience is also considered an asset.
- Minimum of ten years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gift fundraising.
- Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and a proven track record of securing five – six figure gifts.
- Experience working with senior volunteers, board members, and executive leaders.
- A team player with excellent interpersonal, communications and networking skills who can work independently.
- High degree of initiative, proficiency and efficiency working with time sensitive and confidential information.
- Excellent verbal and written communication with an understanding of trauma-informed and inclusive language.
- Proficiency with donor databases and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software (Raiser Edge experience considered an asset).
- CFRE certification and previous sales experience will be considered a high asset
- Clear Criminal Record Check with vulnerable sector search and Intervention Record Check required.
- Valid Alberta driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Ability to work occasional evening and/or weekend events.
Reporting Relationship
This role reports into Director – Philanthripy
Join Our Team
The resounding impact we have on individuals and communities is thanks to our network of passionate, open minded and dedicated staff who are committed to the work they do everyday. We’re always growing and we’re looking for passionate people who want to grow with us! People who are eager to make an impact while continuing to grow their expertise.
