Fundraising Manager

PDF Version of this Role Description

What if your fundraising expertise could help more people experience a true sense of belonging?

HELP ADVANCE A VISION OF BELONGING

Karis Disability Services is looking for a fundraising professional who can combine purpose with performance—strengthening donor relationships, improving fundraising effectiveness and inspiring greater generosity in support of its mission.

For someone ready to bring experience, initiative and sound fundraising practice to this work, the role offers a meaningful way to contribute to communities where people with disabilities are valued and belong.

THE ORGANIZATION

A Mission Worth Investing In

Founded in 1965, Karis Disability Services is a Christian organization committed to working alongside people with disabilities to accomplish their goals and nurture communities where everybody belongs.

Its vision is grounded in the belief that every person has God-given gifts that deserve to be valued, welcomed and celebrated. Through its services in Canada and international partnerships, Karis works to advance inclusion and belonging in practical and lasting ways.

Its core values—Valuing People, Fostering Belonging, Serving Others and Celebrating Gifts—inform its approach to service, relationships and community. Employees describe a culture marked by commitment to the mission, a strong sense of community and care for the well-being of the people they support.

For someone who wants their professional contribution to connect with a larger purpose, Karis offers a meaningful setting in which to apply their expertise.

Learn more at karis.org.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE GENEROSITY GO FURTHER

Fundraising is about more than raising money. It is about connecting people to a purpose, building relationships grounded in trust and turning generosity into meaningful change.

For Karis Disability Services, that purpose is clear: creating communities where people with disabilities belong, where their gifts are valued and where everyone has the opportunity to participate and flourish.

Karis Disability Services is seeking a Fundraising Manager who can translate its mission into sustainable philanthropic support. This is a pivotal time for the organization as it evolves its fundraising approach, builds on established donor relationships and explores new ways to inspire generosity.

For a fundraising professional who combines strategic thinking with practical execution, this role offers the chance to strengthen a fundraising program while advancing a mission that matters.

A New Chapter in Fundraising

Karis is moving beyond its longstanding child sponsorship model toward a broader Partners in Belonging approach, reflecting its commitment to inclusion across its domestic and international work.

The Fundraising Manager will help translate this direction into an effective, sustainable fundraising strategy. Working closely with the Vice President of Engagement & Partnerships, the successful candidate will strengthen donor relationships, attract new supporters and identify ways to increase philanthropic giving.

The current fundraising portfolio is approximately $1 million with a target of growing beyond that. for continued growth. Achieving this will require a balanced focus on donor retention, acquisition, increased giving and the development of fundraising programs with long-term potential.

An external review of fundraising practices is underway. The incoming leader will help implement its recommendations, refine existing programs and identify new approaches across annual and monthly giving, grants, legacy giving and other philanthropic initiatives.

The mandate is to build on a solid foundation while introducing the discipline, insight and fresh thinking needed for sustainable fundraising growth.

This is a hands-on leadership role. The successful candidate will move comfortably between strategy, donor relationships, data analysis and execution, ensuring that fundraising plans translate into measurable results.

WHERE YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Strengthen donor relationships.

Build meaningful connections with individuals, churches, businesses, foundations and community partners. Enhance stewardship, deepen existing relationships and develop approaches to attract new supporters.

Turn insight into results.

Use donor data, fundraising trends and performance measures to identify opportunities, improve retention and acquisition, and direct resources toward effective strategies.

Create compelling donor experiences.

Champion thoughtful, personalized stewardship and persuasive communications that express gratitude, build trust and demonstrate the impact of generosity.

Connect people and priorities.

Collaborate with marketing and communications, church engagement, global partnerships, finance and program teams to align fundraising with organizational goals.

Build effective systems and teams.

Optimize Raiser’s Edge NXT, strengthen fundraising processes and reporting, and coach a small team toward greater effectiveness and accountability.

THE PERSON WHO WILL THRIVE

The ideal candidate will bring fundraising experience, intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in people. They will be comfortable evaluating established practices, identifying opportunities for improvement and doing the work required to implement change.

They will understand that successful fundraising depends on strong relationships, compelling communication, sound data and consistent execution.

Key attributes include:

• Fundraising expertise: Practical experience in donor engagement, stewardship and fundraising programs, with an understanding of effective development practices.
• Strategic thinking: The ability to interpret data, recognize opportunities and turn insights into realistic plans.
• Communication skills: The ability to write persuasively, listen attentively and communicate with warmth and credibility.
• Relationship-building: Emotional intelligence, sound judgment and the ability to build trust with diverse audiences.
• Initiative and discipline: Strong organization, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities while delivering results.
• Collaborative leadership: The ability to develop colleagues, establish effective processes and help a small team perform at its best.

Experience in developmental services or a related charitable environment would be an asset, as would an understanding of disability inclusion and belonging.

Karis’ Christian foundation is central to the role. The Fundraising Manager embraces the organization's Christian faith, values, vision and mission, and personally commits to the expectations outlined in its Statement of Faith. They will be comfortable cultivating relationships within Christian communities while engaging respectfully with supporters from a variety of backgrounds.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Working Environment

Reporting to the Vice President of Engagement & Partnerships, the Fundraising Manager will lead a small team responsible for donor relations and donor database and insights functions. The role involves close collaboration with colleagues across Karis and regular interaction with organizational leadership.

The position provides scope to influence fundraising practices, develop team capabilities and strengthen the connection between donor engagement and the organization's broader priorities.

Position Details

• Salary: $91,000–$104,000 annually
• Location: Ontario, based at the Waterloo office or another suitable Karis community office, subject to availability
• Benefits: RRSP matching and four weeks of vacation
• Professional development: Learning budget available
• Travel: Frequent travel, including occasional overnight stays

Candidates should have a university degree or college-equivalent education, preferably in business administration, social sciences or a related field, and at least three years of experience in fundraising or fundraising-related project management. Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge NXT is important. A fundraising management certificate or CFRE designation, or progress toward it, would be an asset.

APPLY FOR THIS ROLE

Cause Leadership Inc. is managing this leadership search on behalf of Karis Disability Services.

Karis Disability Services strives to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. They remain dedicated to meeting all provincial human rights, accessibility, and employment standards. They seek to provide accessibility through all stages of the hiring process for all applicants with disabilities, consistent with their Accessibility Policies and the AODA. Please let us know if you require accommodation, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your passion and qualifications for this role by November 25, 2026.

This search will remain open until a successful candidate is selected. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.