At Parks Foundation, we create thriving communities and public spaces!
As the Donor Relations Coordinator, you will play a key role in building strong relationships with our valued donors and driving growth in our giving programs. Your role will be pivotal in advancing key projects to enhance Calgary’s parks and green spaces. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to craft compelling narratives, engage with high-potential donors, and leverage data-driven insights to enhance our fundraising strategies.
If you’re passionate about connecting people to our mission while contributing to a thriving and impactful organization, we invite you to apply and become part of our team to inspire support for our vital work!
Location – This position is in-office: 225 - 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB.
To find out more about Parks Foundation Calgary, please visit https://www.parksfdn.com!
Position Description
The Donor Relations Coordinator is responsible for fostering and maintaining donor relationships through stewardship, cultivation, impact reporting, database, and targeted communications. Key activities include supporting fundraising efforts of the organization and leadership team, preparing impactful communications, identifying and meeting with prospective donors, developing donor engagement opportunities and maintaining donor records. Working collaboratively as a key member of the Philanthropy & Partnerships team, this role is critical to donor relationships and requires excellent communication and organizational skills, a keen eye for detail and a passion for facilitating philanthropy.
The position reports to the Philanthropy and Partnerships Director and collaborates across teams to ensure fundraising activities, reporting requirements, and donor stewardship are executed with excellence, integrity, and alignment to organizational values.
As our Donor Relations Coordinator, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
Donor Communications & Stewardship:
In collaboration with the Philanthropy & Partnerships Director:
- Develop and deliver a calendar of donor touch points that includes tailored communications strategies.
- Capture compelling donor impact stories to illustrate the impact of giving to Parks Foundation for use in external communications.
- Contribute to donor-related content for communications platforms, including newsletters, social media and direct appeals.
- Create stewardship impact reports for key donors & partners.
- Meet with leadership-level donors to steward relationships.
- Support the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships and the CEO by preparing information briefs for donor meetings.
- Ensure reporting and recognition requirements for donors are met and are consistent across communications platforms.
- Collaborate in the planning and delivery of fundraising events and campaigns.
Donor Cultivation & Solicitation:
Collaborate with the Partnerships & Philanthropy Director to:
- Identify new donors and funding opportunities to advance priority projects & initiatives.
- Identify & deliver meaningful donor engagement opportunities.
- Create communications and donor-facing collateral for meetings, including proposals and cases for support.
- Grow monthly and annual giving programs to build a recurring donor base.
- Write select corporate, foundation and government grants in support of key priority projects & initiatives.
- Develop donor acquisition communications and collateral.
- Develop the Legacy Giving program package and processes and distribute information through multiple channels.
- Meet with identified prospective donors to cultivate relationships.
Donor Data and Reporting
- Maintaining accurate donor records within the database, ensuring contact information, communication preferences and key information are captured.
- Track and update interactions with donors.
- Provide fundraising and grant writing progress reports, as requested by leadership.
- Provide final reporting to funders.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work with the Philanthropy & Partnership Team to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities.
- Collaborate with the Programs Team to support equity-seeking community projects.
- Coordinate with Marketing & Communications to support donor recognition and storytelling.
- Support Finance with grant reporting timelines and documentation.
Organizational Stewardship & Ethics
- Must adhere to fundraising ethics and best practices (ex: AFP’s Code of Ethical Standards and Donor Bill of Rights).
- Uphold Parks Foundation Calgary’s values of community, collaboration, integrity, excellence, and inclusivity.
- Ensure all program practices meet ethical, legal, and organizational standards.
- Act as an ambassador for Parks Foundation Calgary in all community interactions.
- Maintain a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
To be successful in this role, your resume will outline the following qualifications:
- Post‑secondary education in business, nonprofit management, leadership, community development, or a related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in fund development or external relations, or related experience in marketing, communications or public relations.
- Charity/Non-profit experience.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and community engagement skills.
- Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office tools; comfort with data analysis and reporting.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Experience with fundraising databases (e.g., eTapestry, Donor Perfect) is an asset.
- Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
- Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for community events.
- Workweek is 37.5 hours, onsite.
What we would like to see during the interview process:
- Superior interpersonal skills: ability to communicate clearly and precisely in a positive, professional manner.
- Excellent customer service skills: ability to engage with donors, prospective donors, and the public.
- Self-starter mentality: ability to take initiative while also being receptive to guidance or direction.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently while consistently delivering results.
- Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities within the non-profit sector, particularly in the context of fundraising and donor relations.
- Willingness to undergo a Canadian criminal record and/or Vulnerable Sector Search prior to start of employment.
Why Join Parks Foundation?
- We offer a competitive base salary ranging from $65,000 - $75,000.
- You will receive a generous benefits package, including health coverage, wellness programs, and ample time off to recharge.
- You will be part of a collaborative and inclusive team that values diversity and a culture of mutual respect and encouragement.
- Working with Parks Foundation Calgary, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Calgary’s natural beauty. Your contributions will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
- Regular team-building activities, making work more enjoyable.
- Professional development opportunities to grow in your career and expand your skillset.
To Apply
Please apply online with your cover letter and resume in one document. While we thank all candidates who apply, we will only be reaching out to candidates who meet what we are looking for!
Pay: $65,000.00-$75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Wellness program
Application question(s):
- Are you eligible to work in Canada?
- Do you have a driver’s license and a vehicle for visiting park sites?
Work Location: In person