Development Officer, First Tee

OPPORTUNITY

Title: Development Officer, First Tee – Ontario

Reports to: Chapter Head, First Tee – Ontario

Location: Hybrid – required to be in office 2 days/week

Status: Full-time

Salary: $70,000- $85,000

OVERVIEW

The future is bright for golf in Canada, and you will be playing a vital role in growing the game with First Tee – Ontario, Golf Canada’s flagship junior program. First Tee – Ontario is one of six chapters representing all 10 provinces in Canada, with the Development Officer being responsible for fundraising and development in the province of Ontario.

The Development Officer, First Tee – Ontario will report directly to the Chapter Head, First Tee – Ontario and will lead an ambitious fundraising strategy by overseeing and managing all donor relations and stewardship activities across key fundraising programs. The Development Officer will be responsible for meeting fundraising targets by using various techniques to generate donations from sources such as the general public, major gift donors, third‑party events, professional and amateur championships, First Tee – Ontario Cup, auctions, and raffles.

This opportunity will appeal to an individual who is a high achiever and looking to for an opportunity to create, nurture and grow a significant brand in Canadian golf.

PRIMARY DUTIES

Fundraising: 70%

• Accountable for achievement of the First Tee – Ontario annual revenue target
• Responsible for oversight and management of First Tee – Ontario Development Budget
• Cultivate, pitch and close major gift prospects in the five to seven figure dollar range
• Implement, manage, monitor and evaluate all fundraising campaigns and stewardship events
• Manage all stewardship activities with existing and prospective donors
• Manage all relationships and activities for third‑party events
• Research fundraising opportunities and write grant applications to both foundations and government opportunities
• Manage First Tee – Ontario Ambassador Committee, including, but not limited to: committee recruitment, organization of quarterly meetings, administrative tasks to support committee
• Plan and execute annual First Tee – Ontario Cup, the Chapter’s major fundraising golf tournament
• Contribute to the creation and implementation of donor communication strategies
• Contribute to the development of relevant creative and marketing materials, including website
• Act as a main point of contact for all donor inquiries

Marketing/Communications: 15%

• Supervise all work related to public relations, internal & external communication, and publications
• Assist in the creation of promotional brochures to increase awareness of First Tee – Ontario
• Manage promotion and communication of third‑party events
• Establish and develop media relation strategies
• Convey the Chapter’s brand image to the public
• Assist in communication activities for openings, special events, newsletter, printed materials, and the website
• Manage all communications requirements for Ambassador Committee

Administration: 15%

• Manage the donor gift cycle including identifying prospects, soliciting and stewarding donors
• Manage pledges, invoicing, and payment receipts alongside the Golf Canada Foundation operations team
• Create reports on budget projections and year‑to‑date results, while owning revenue goals of Chapter
• Work collaboratively with Chapter Head and Program Staff to enhance the donor experience
• Work closely with the finance team on year‑end reconciliation
• Lead Ambassador Committee meetings to maximize impact and fundraising opportunities

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• University/college degree preferred
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in fundraising in not-for-profit organizations
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Grant writing experience
• Demonstrated experience managing a large budget and revenue target
• Strong organizational and IT skills
• Database experience
• Ability