Individual Major Gifts Specialist - (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 a strategic, relationship-driven fundraiser for the role of Individual Major Gifts Specialist during an exciting time as we prepare to launch a $70M multi-year comprehensive fundraising campaign. In this role, the Specialist will secure anchor gifts and expand the major gift revenue stream, supporting innovative programs and services that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, youth, and adults with disabilities across Canada.
Reporting to the Director, Leadership Giving, the Individual Major Gifts Specialist will manage a personal portfolio of donors and lead the qualification and upgrading of donors from events and mass marketing programs to build a strong pipeline for future major and leadership gifts. The Specialist will be part of an impact-focused Philanthropy team that works collaboratively to drive revenue growth and strengthen donor engagement.
The ideal candidate will bring proven success in major gift fundraising, exceptional relationship-building and communication skills to inspire and engage donors. They will be deeply committed to equity and enhancing the lives of people with disabilities, with the strategic vision, relationship management expertise, and collaborative approach needed to advance a high-impact major gifts program.

Responsibilities

•    Collaborate closely with the AVP, Philanthropy and Partnerships, and the Director, Leadership Giving to set annual fundraising goals, develop solicitation strategies, and align donor interests with organizational priorities.
•    Build and manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects ($10K-$100K range) developing customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
•    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.
•    Identify and qualify new major gift prospects through data analysis, referrals, and collaboration with members of the Philanthropy team.
•    Collaborate with Special Events and Mass Marketing teams to develop a robust major gifts pipeline and strategically move groups of segmented donors through defined engagement cycles.
•    Collaborate with the Manager, Stewardship to develop customized recognition strategies and provide meaningful impact reports that strengthens and advances relationships for continued or renewed support.
•    Monitor portfolio performance, track progress toward revenue and activity goals, and provide regular reporting and insights the Director, Leadership Giving and AVP, Philanthropy & Partnerships.
•    Ensure accurate and transparent recording of gifts and activities in the donor Salesforce CRM management system. 
•    Foster a culture of philanthropy and impact-driven fundraising within the organization.
•    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

•    Demonstrated experience securing major gifts at the $10K+ level, including five and six figure commitments. 
•    Comprehensive knowledge of the donor relationship cycle, moves management principles, and major gift development strategies such as cultivation and stewardship. 
•    Superb writing, research, communications, and presentation skills.
•    Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
•    Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
•    Sound and independent judgement; ability to maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion where required.
•    Ability to work 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.
•    Ability to work in a results-driven environment to meet fundraising metrics and goals.
•    Demonstrated familiarity with, and a strong commitment to, understanding and supporting the unique needs, rights, and experiences of people living with disabilities (PLWD).
•    Experience with major comprehensive campaigns will be considered an asset. Bilingual in French and English is considered an asset.
•    Post-secondary level education either from a university or college.
•    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: $75,000 - $95,000.

Deadline: Please submit your cover letter and resume by February 20, 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.