Philanthropy Specialist, Grants & Partnerships

About Us:

The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) is a strategic philanthropic foundation that invests in bold ideas, trusted partnerships, and evidence-informed solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. By leveraging its resources, relationships, and leadership, BSF advances innovative, community-based approaches that address complex social challenges, strengthen systems, and create lasting, measurable impact. 

BSF advances its mission through strategic investments in healthy aging, children and youth, community health (domestic violence), and global health initiatives. Working alongside community organizations, healthcare providers, researchers, and government partners, the Foundation supports innovative models of care, strengthens community capacity, and accelerates solutions that improve lives. 

The Role:

The Philanthropy Specialist – Grants & Partnerships supports Heart Home Network (HHN), our second-stage women’s shelter, with fundraising efforts with a primary focus on researching, writing, and managing grants from diverse funding sources while providing administrative and operational and administrative support to the Philanthropy team. As part of this team, this role helps secure community support to expand resources for the Heart Home Network and enhance its overall impact. The Specialist also assists with donor stewardship, financial administration, community engagement initiatives, and organizational events.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Manager to identify funding needs and gather program information. 
• Conduct prospect research to identify grant opportunities from corporations, foundations, government, and other agencies. 
• Maintain and manage a grants calendar to ensure all proposal and reporting deadlines are met. 
• Draft, edit, and submit grant proposals, letters of intent, and related funding documents. 
• Support stewardship of current and prospective funders and donors through ongoing, intentional communication. 
• Work with Finance and team to collect data and documentation for accurate and timely reporting. 
• Lead development of interim and final grant reports, ensuring compliance with deadlines and recognition requirements. 
• Monitor funded projects and communicate updates to granting organizations. 
• Maintain detailed grant records in DonorPerfect and SharePoint, and provide regular progress updates to the Manager 
• Complete monthly financial reconciliations for philanthropy activities in collaboration with the Finance team, ensuring accurate tracking of donations, grants, sponsorships, and fundraising revenue. 
• Process donations and assist with gift acknowledgement, receipting, and donor record management. 
• Prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, meeting materials, and other administrative documents to support Philanthropy initiatives. 
• Provide administrative support for donor, partner, and volunteer communications, including scheduling meetings, maintaining contact records, and coordinating follow-up activities. 
• Support community engagement activities by assisting with outreach initiatives, stakeholder meetings, networking opportunities, and relationship-building efforts. 
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising and community events, including logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorship support, and some post-event reporting. 
• Maintain organized electronic and physical records related to grants, partnerships, events, and donor activities. 
• Stay current on grant and fundraising trends. 
• Support cross-departmental coordination to enhance awareness and idea sharing. 
• Contribute to Philanthropy team initiatives and promote a culture of philanthropy  
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Why Join Us:

At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, we are more than a workplace—we are a united team. We believe in fostering a culture where you can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact. You'll be part of a team that values empathy, compassion, and innovation.

Who We're Looking For:

Qualifications 

• College diploma in Business Administration, Marketing, Fundraising, Communications, or a related field, with 3–5 years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). 
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, proposal development, and administrative coordination. 
• Experience supporting fundraising events, community engagement initiatives, or donor stewardship is considered an asset. 
• Proficient in MS Teams and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with DonorPerfect or other CRM systems is an asset. 
• Experience with financial reconciliation, budget tracking, or donation administration is considered an asset. 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, workback plans, and accurate records. 
• Self-directed with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. 
• Skilled at gathering complex program information and translating it into clear, persuasive content for varied audiences. 
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to engage constructively with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of philanthropy practices, donor-centred fundraising, and commitment to enhancing donor experience. 
• Understanding of donor-advised funds is considered an asset. 
• Experience supporting partners, volunteers, and donors with professionalism and excellence. 
• Strong commitment to continuous learning and skill development. 
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical standards, including the Donor Bill of Rights and AFP Code of Ethics. 

Further Requirements 

• Clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search. 
• Valid Class 5 driver's licence and reliable personal vehicle. 
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends to support Foundation events. 

Additional Information:

In accordance with Alberta's Protection for Persons in Care Act, a criminal record check is required for successful candidates.

As a condition of employment with  “BSF”, all new Health Care Worker hires must provide written proof of immunizations for communicable diseases.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a place where your work will truly matter, apply today and become a vital part of our compassionate team!