Senior Manager, Foundations - (FT) - Toronto, ON

At March of Dimes Canada, our collective work matters. As a leading national charity backed by a history of more than 70 years of impact, we’re dedicated to being Canada’s leading service provider, resource, and advocate, empowering people with disabilities to live and thrive in communities nationwide. Our collective efforts are rooted in our Purpose, Vision, and Mission, which inform how we drive all our work forward.

• Purpose: Champion equity. Empower ability.

• Vision: An inclusive, barrier-free society for people with disabilities. 

• Mission: To be Canada’s leading service provider, resource, and advocate, empowering people with disabilities to live and thrive in communities nationwide. 

The opportunity

 March of Dimes Canada is seeking an experienced grant writer and relationship-driven fundraiser for the role of Senior Manager, Foundations as we prepare to launch a landmark, multi-year comprehensive fundraising campaign. The Senior Manager, Foundations will play a pivotal role in securing vital philanthropic support that fuels innovative programs and services, directly enhancing the lives of children, youth, and adults with disabilities across Canada. Reporting to the Director, Leadership Giving, the Senior Manager, Foundations will work closely with program and impact teams to lead a national strategy focused on expanding and enhancing the grants and foundations portfolio. The incumbent will manage our grant application process, including the identification of new funding sources, building strong partnerships with influential community, corporate, and foundations funders to grow investments in our new $70M campaign and annual programs. As an inclusive and supportive leader, the Senior Manager will provide mentorship and day-to-day supervision to one direct report, while actively collaborating with colleagues across the Philanthropy team to foster a cohesive and high-performing environment. The ideal candidate is a compelling storyteller with exceptional writing skills, capable of translating complex initiatives into persuasive grant proposals while effectively managing application processes and compliance requirements

Responsibilities

•    In partnership with the Director, Leadership Giving, design and implement a national strategy aimed at expanding and enhancing the grants and foundations portfolio.
•    Build and manage a portfolio of foundation partners and prospects ($5K+ gifts), including national, regional, and community foundations.
•    Identify and evaluate opportunities for multi-year, transformational grants.
•    Lead the research, development, writing, and creation of all collateral materials including inspiring letters of intent, funding proposals, grant applications and cases for support.
•    Cultivate relationships with program officers, foundation executives, and other key stakeholders. 
•    In collaboration with the Director, Leadership Giving, the Associate Vice President, Philanthropy, and the Executive Director, Skills Development and Employment, support the campaign’s annual and multi-year budgets, track progress against financial goals, identify potential risks, and recommend strategies for mitigation. 
•    Collaborate with the Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships, and the Manager, Stewardship to develop customized recognition strategies and provide meaningful impact reports that strengthens and advances relationships for continued or renewed support. 
•    Work cross-functionally with internal teams to identify fundable projects and impact stories.
•    Represent the organization at external meetings, briefings, and events relevant to foundation engagement. 
•    Oversee reporting processes to ensure timely submission of grant reports and stewardship materials. 
•    Monitor grant administration including timelines, deliverables, reporting, and recognition requirements, and liaise with internal departments to meet requirements. 
•    Provide regular updates to the Director, Leadership Giving on the status of foundation and grant applications. 
•    Ensure accurate and transparent recording of gifts and activities in the donor management system. 
•    Foster a culture of philanthropy and impact-driven fundraising within the organization. 
•    Analyze data and KPIs to evaluate effectiveness of foundation strategies and inform decisionmaking. 
•    Serve as a brand ambassador and advocate for the organization, representing its mission, values, and impact to donors and funder. 
•    Work with other senior members of the Philanthropy team to support revenue targets and to ensure communications are consistent, compelling, meaningful and on brand. 

Qualifications and experience

• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in grant writing, foundation relations, or institutional fundraising, preferably in the nonprofit or charitable sector. 
• Proven track record leading or supporting proposal writing with proven success in securing grants. • Demonstrated success in identifying and securing new philanthropic partnerships with foundations, government and grantors at a $5K+ level. 
• Knowledge of the full grant cycle, including proposal development, budgeting, submission, reporting, and compliance. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of the donor relationship cycle, moves management principles, and major gift development strategies such as cultivation and stewardship.  
• Proven ability to effectively communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcomes in alignment with funder priorities and expectations. 
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. 
• Excellent editing and proofreading skills with exceptional attention to detail. 
• Strong project management, organizational, analytical and administrative skills. 
• Self-motivated to achieve results and be an effective team player.  
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building abilities. 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align funding opportunities with organizational goals. 
• Experience managing budgets and preparing financial reports. 
• Strong ability to clearly articulate key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcomes tailored to funders’ requirements. 
• Sound and independent judgement; ability to maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion where required. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced results-driven environment to meet fundraising metrics and goals. 
• Works both independently and collaboratively within a team, with minimal administrative support. 
• Technological fluency, including data systems and CRMs, such as Salesforce, with experience using reporting applications and dashboards. 
• Competent in using data-driven insights to measure performance and optimize fundraising tactics. 
• Demonstrated familiarity with, and a strong commitment to, understanding and supporting the unique needs, rights, and experiences of people living with disabilities (PLWD). 
• Post-secondary degree or certificate in fundraising, communications, public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field. 
• Bilingual in French and English is considered an asset. 
• Work outside regular office hours on occasion as needed.

Important Details

• Hybrid work arrangement (our office is located at 99 Duncan Mill Rd)

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000

Deadline: Please submit your cover letter and resume by February 11, 2026. 

Questions about working at March of Dimes Canada?

Whether starting or advancing your career with us, you’ll feel great knowing that you’re: 

• Contributing to our important mission: creating real change for people with disabilities

• Joining a leading national charity with a history of impact and a future full of possibility

• Enjoying industry-leading employment incentives and benefits

• Supported in your professional growth, development, and success

• Included in our empathetic and supportive work culture 

Learn more about why we’re a great employer at marchofdimes.ca/careers.

For general inquiries, you can reach us at recruitment@marchofdimes.ca 

We value the health & safety of our employees 

MODC is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe work environment. We encourage all current and prospective employees to receive Covid-19 vaccinations and booster doses as recommended by Public Health. This reflects our dedication to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our workforce.

Need accommodations? We're here to help!

MODC is committed to a workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds and abilities. In accordance with accessibility and human rights legislation across Canada, MODC will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities and other protected needs. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive, equitable, accessible, and barrier-free.

Our Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) approach

MODC is dedicated to building and advancing an inclusive and welcoming culture. It’s also why we’re focused on attracting, retaining, and supporting diverse people. Thanks to our progressive practices, team members of all abilities and backgrounds are encouraged to access the opportunities and supports they need to grow, thrive, and succeed. Our READI approach is rooted in our shared belief that championing equity and empowering ability starts by investing in our team members— and in our shared culture — so that we all feel included, safe, and confident at work every single day.