Description

Canada’s literacy divide widens daily because so many people lack adequate support. Solving systemic literacy challenges is key to advancing social equity and prosperity across our country. Literacy changes everything. 

United for Literacy (formerly Frontier College) is a national charity founded in 1899. We believe literacy is a right, and that every place can be a learning place. Our vision is a Canada in which everyone has the literacy skills they need to achieve their goals at school, at work, and in life. Our mission is to provide local learning support programs that change lives. 

The opportunity
We are currently seeking an exceptional individual to fulfill a full time, permanent role that inspires donors and enables revenue generation success. The Program Development Advisor researches and generates government, corporate, and foundation grant applications and reports, and customized business development materials, using socio-economic research, program statistics, and evaluation data.

Overall Accountability

Reporting to the Director of Program Development, the Program Development Advisor (PDA) serves as principal writer and editor for a wide variety of print and electronic documents, including proposals, reports, and presentations for government, corporate and foundation audiences, prospective funders, and the general public. The PDA works closely with Regional Managers/Directors.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Preparing highly customized concept papers, grant applications, and impact reports, using program statistics, external research, and in-house reports 
• Using financial and program data for accurate, impactful stewardship reporting and promotion that reflect United for Literacy mission, culture, and strategic priorities
• Advising Managers/Directors and collaborating with Finance department as needed on all aspects of the solicitation, proposal, stewardship, and reporting process to achieve best-in-class products and funding relationships
• Identifying engaging stewardship opportunities, and preparing stewardship materials to inspire donor loyalty and bring to life the impact of funders’ contributions
• Identifying and researching strategic funding opportunities
• Maintaining meticulous records and ensuring administrative follow-up action across various PD databases and tracking tools

Skills and Attributes

• Post-secondary degree in Social Sciences, Education or Non-Profit Management, or equivalent experience 
• Knowledge of government, foundation, and corporate funding practices for non-profits
• Understanding of non-profit impact evaluation principles
• Exceptional writing, research, and project management skills
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and quickly produce multiple, accurate reports and proposals
• Attention to detail, quality assurance for text and data accuracy
• Excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative spirit
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
• Ability to think strategically and work proactively 
• High tolerance for competing priorities, complexity, and ambiguity
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Additional Assets

• Prior experience with/working knowledge of United for Literacy’s programs and organizational practices 
• A successful track record in producing fundraising proposals for non-profit organizations
• Experience with DonorPerfect or similar donor management software
• Experience with salesforce or similar CRM software
• Ability to work in French an asset

Ready to join our team?  
Please email your cover letter and resume with the subject line “Application – Program Development Advisor” to Kalyani Mathur, Manager, Program Development (Interim) kmathur@unitedforliteracy.ca

No phone calls, please. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview. 

For more information about United for Literacy visit www.unitedforliteracy.ca  

Working with United for Literacy 
In addition to your salary, you will benefit from:

Paid time off:  
-15 vacation days per calendar year, pro-rated  
-Plus: paid time off during our seasonal closure between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day  
-Plus: half-days off before some long weekends (start your long weekend early!)  
-Plus: generous and compassionate wellness time allowance, and a “floating day” for personal/cultural events  

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental benefits package after probationary period  
• Employer-matched contribution to defined contribution pension plan. Eligible to enroll after one year of employment.  
• A work environment that seeks to be open, inclusive, and fun  

• Staff-led groups and committees include, among others: Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI); Green Team; Internal Skills Development; and more.   
• Connect with your colleagues from coast to coast to coast for team-wide trainings and learning.  

We welcome applications from individuals who self-identify on the basis of any of the protected grounds under the Human Rights Code. We are committed to integration and maintaining the independence of individuals and removing barriers to accessibility in the workplace. We are committed to full compliance with the Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation. We invite applicants to request accommodation, as required, throughout the application and hiring process. 

We require our staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to do in-person work. Exemptions for valid medical reasons will be considered.