Director of Development & Communications

An opportunity to build the next chapter of fund development at Strong Start

Strong Start® is a Canadian charity changing children's lives through literacy. For over 25 years, we have been helping young learners build the skills and confidence they need to become lifelong readers. Our programs are grounded in research, aligned with curricula, and delivered through powerful community partnerships with schools, educators, community hubs, families, and thousands of trained volunteers.

The Opportunity

Strong Start is looking for an accomplished fundraising leader to help shape the next chapter of our development work.

The Director of Development & Communications will join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the development of a sustainable fundraising strategy that strengthens existing relationships, creates new opportunities for support, diversifies revenue, and builds the capacity Strong Start needs to increase its impact.

This is an opportunity for someone who is energized not simply by managing an established development program, but by building. You will start with a compelling mission, proven programs, established community partnerships, and existing donor and funder relationships. From that foundation, you will have the opportunity to strengthen our approach to fund development, deepen relationships, open new doors, and help shape what development at Strong Start can become.

What You Will Lead

As Director of Development & Communications, you will:

• Enhance and lead a focused fund development strategy aligned with Strong Start's organizational goals.
• Grow and diversify revenue through individual, corporate, foundation, grant, sponsorship and other funding opportunities.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward meaningful relationships with donors, funders, corporations, foundations and community partners.
• Strengthen the systems, practices and approaches that support sustainable fundraising and excellent donor stewardship.
• Work alongside the CEO, Board of Directors and organizational leaders to identify and advance development opportunities.
• Provide strategic leadership for marketing and communications so that Strong Start's story, evidence and impact strengthen awareness, engagement and fundraising.

An Opportunity to Build

Strong Start is committed to building its development capacity as the organization grows.

Initially, the Director will provide leadership across both Development and Communications, recognizing the important role communications plays in building awareness, strengthening relationships, demonstrating impact and inspiring support.

Over time, we see an opportunity for this position to become increasingly focused on fund development leadership, supported by dedicated internal and/or external communications expertise.

This is an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and help prepare Strong Start for the future, combining leadership with a willingness to do the work. You know what great development looks like, understand the role communications can play in achieving it, and are excited by the opportunity to build the capacity around both.

Who We Are Looking For

You are first and foremost an experienced fundraiser and relationship builder.

You combine strategic thinking with a willingness to personally move opportunities and relationships forward. You know that sustainable fundraising is built through trust, credibility, thoughtful stewardship and a compelling case for support.

You bring:

• Significant progressive experience in fund development and donor relations.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors and funders.
• Experience across several areas of fundraising, which may include individual and major giving, corporate partnerships, foundations, grants, sponsorships, events, and public funding.
• The ability to develop strategy while remaining actively engaged in relationship development and fundraising.
• Experience establishing or strengthening fundraising systems, pipelines and stewardship practices.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to translate fundraising data into insights that inform strategy, track progress toward revenue goals and strengthen donor engagement.
• Strong leadership, relationship-building and communication skills.
• Experience working effectively with senior leaders and Boards.
• An understanding of how marketing, communications and storytelling can support development and organizational objectives.
• Sound judgment, initiative and enthusiasm for working in an organization that is continuously evolving and building capacity.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation or membership in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (an asset).

Why Strong Start?

Strong Start develops authentic relationships rooted in trust, respect and mutual benefit. We are collaborative, accountable and committed to continuously evolving and building capacity to achieve greater impact.

For the right development leader, this role offers something important: The opportunity to build.

You will have the opportunity to strengthen a development function, create new relationships, help shape our approach to fundraising, and build the capacity Strong Start needs to reach more children and communities.

Employment Type: Permanent, full-time (working approximately 40 hours per week with some additional work required on evenings and weekends, periodically).This posting is for an upcoming vacancy.

Location: Waterloo, Ontario, in-person (this role does not qualify for hybrid or remote work)

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000

Benefits: Strong Start offers a comprehensive benefits package, including extended health and dental coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, a Group RRSP with employer matching, a comprehensive vacation and paid time off program, and a workplace culture that supports work-life rhythm.

How to Apply

Please click on the “Apply” button below to submit your résumé and a brief letter describing what interests you about the opportunity to build Strong Start's fund development capacity and the experience you would bring to that work.

For additional information about the responsibilities, qualifications and scope of the position, please review the attached job description.

We thank you in advance for your interest. Only those invited for an interview will be contacted. To learn more about Strong Start, we invite you to visit our website.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, November 26, 2026, 4:00 p.m. EST, or until a suitable candidate is found.

Strong Start is committed to an inclusive selection process to attract candidates representing the diversity of the children and families we serve. Strong Start is an equal opportunity employer and accommodations are available during all phases of the recruitment process. We ask that any applicants requiring accommodations make their needs known in advance.

Strong Start is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information of its employees, volunteers, members, children, parents/guardians, donors, partners and other stakeholders, by following responsible information handling practices in keeping with privacy laws. Please read our Privacy Notice here.

Strong Start uses AI-enabled features within ADP Workforce Now to assist with initial résumé screening by comparing application information to job-related criteria. Candidates may choose to opt out of this AI-supported review. Strong Start staff ultimately review all applications and conduct candidate assessment and selection; hiring decisions are made by people. Microsoft 365 AI tools, including Copilot, are used in our workplace but are not used in recruitment decision-making.