Philanthropy Communications Officer - Mackenzie Health Foundation

Job Description

The Philanthropy Communications Officer contributes to the Foundation’s fundraising, stewardship, executive and governance communications efforts through the development of compelling, inspiring, accurate and brand-aligned content and collateral. Working closely with fundraising, stewardship and executive leadership colleagues, the Officer develops and co-ordinates donor- and stakeholder-facing communications, fundraising materials, executive communications and governance resources that support organizational priorities, donor engagement and fundraising success.

Drawing on strong storytelling, communications and relationship-building skills, the Officer translates organizational priorities, patient impact and funding needs into compelling narratives that inspire support, strengthen donor relationships and engage key stakeholders.

Key duties and responsibilities

Fundraising and stewardship communications - 40%

• Develop, co-ordinate and produce donor proposals, presentations, briefing materials, one-pagers, donor correspondence, stewardship communications, impact updates and other fundraising collateral.
• Draft fundraising emails, event communications, presentations, scripts and related materials that support donor engagement and revenue-generating activities.
• Gather stories, testimonials and supporting information from donors, patients, volunteers and hospital staff to support fundraising and stewardship communications.
• Translate complex healthcare, fundraising and organizational priorities into clear, donor-centred communications that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy and connect donor interests with Foundation priorities.
• Manage assigned communications projects from concept through final delivery, including drafting, reviews, approvals and production.

Executive and governance communications - 25%

• Develop executive communications materials, including correspondence, presentations, briefing notes, speaking remarks and social media content, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, key messages and leadership objectives.
• Coordinate the preparation and production of Board and governance materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency and timely delivery.
• Develop reports, presentations and other communications materials for executive leadership and governance audiences, adapting messaging, tone and format to suit the intended audience and purpose.
• Coordinate special communications projects involving the CEO, Board and senior leadership, ensuring appropriate review and approval processes are followed.
• Exercise sound communications judgment when developing materials for sensitive, high-profile or confidential audiences, escalating issues and seeking senior input when appropriate.

Donor event communications and creative production - 15%

• Develop and coordinate communications for Foundation events, including invitations, presentations and speaking remarks.
• Coordinate communications requirements for donor events, including timelines, approvals, production and stakeholder input, while providing event-day support as needed.
• Create and adapt basic graphic assets for fundraising campaigns, events and donor communications using Canva and Foundation-approved templates.
• Coordinate with freelance designers, printers and other vendors as required to support communications projects.

Administration, coordination and development - 20%

• Coordinate project timelines, drafts, approvals and deliverables across multiple fundraising and communications initiatives, independently managing competing priorities and stakeholder relationships while meeting deadlines and maintaining a high standard of quality and accuracy.
• Proofread and fact-check materials to ensure accuracy, consistency and adherence to Foundation brand and style standards.
• Coordinate the production of communications materials, liaising with printers, freelance designers and other vendors to ensure projects are delivered on time and in accordance with Foundation brand standards.
• Maintain appropriately coded records of donor communications in Raiser's Edge and shared files, while ensuring consistency with Foundation brand and recordkeeping standards.
• Stay informed on best practices in nonprofit communications and philanthropy and contribute to ongoing process improvements.

Skills and experience

Required

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field.
• Minimum 2 – 3 years of experience in communications, marketing, fundraising or related roles.
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt writing styles for different audiences and platforms.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and adapt communications for diverse audiences, including donors, volunteers, executives, Board members and community stakeholders.
• Strong communications judgment, including the ability to manage sensitive information and recognize when senior review or approval is required.

Preferred/assets

• Experience using Canva or similar design tools to create presentations, social media assets, event materials and marketing collateral.
• Experience coordinating creative projects with freelance designers, photographers, videographers or other external vendors.
• Experience with donor databases such as Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM platforms.
• Experience in a nonprofit or healthcare environment.
• Familiarity with donor stewardship and fundraising communications.
• Experience supporting fundraising campaigns, donor events and/or executive communications.
• Experience developing donor-centred content, impact stories and stewardship materials that support relationship building and fundraising outcomes.

Competencies

• Storytelling and donor focus: Creates compelling, donor-centred content that connects community need, organizational priorities and philanthropic impact while demonstrating an understanding of donor motivations and stewardship principles.
• Communications expertise and judgment: Adapts content, tone, messaging and format for a variety of audiences, including donors, executives, Board members and community stakeholders, while exercising sound judgment regarding approvals, sensitivities and reputational considerations.
• Organization and attention to detail: Independently manages multiple projects, competing priorities, timelines and stakeholder relationships while producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Works effectively with colleagues, hospital partners and volunteers.
• Service and stewardship mindset: Contributes to positive donor experiences through timely and thoughtful communications.
• Equity and inclusion: Demonstrates cultural awareness and sensitivity in storytelling and content creation.
• Professionalism and integrity: Upholds the Foundation’s values of Excellence, Leadership and Integrity in all interactions.
• Growth mindset: Demonstrates eagerness to learn, accept feedback and build skills in philanthropy communications.

Work environment

• Hybrid work arrangement with flexibility to work on-site and remotely, in line with Foundation policy. Some evening or weekend work may be required to support Foundation activities. Staff may be required to work at the Foundation office or hospital sites within York Region.

Compensation and benefits

• Placement on the Foundation’s salary grid, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, retirement plan, and HOOPP pension participation.
• Vacation entitlement and other leave provisions in line with Foundation policy.

*You may be required to work at any site of Mackenzie Health

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Mackenzie Health is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer committed to providing accommodations for applicants upon request at any stage of the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Our hiring process does not involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those under consideration for an interview will be contacted.

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