VOKRA (Do you love cats and have Major Gift experience?)

Organization Name: VOKRA
Opportunity Title: Do you love cats and have Major Gift experience?
Category: Fundraising & Sponsorship
Commitment: 6 months to 1 year
Start Date: December 8, 2023
End Date: July 31, 2024

Email: kdeweerdt@vokra.ca
Website: http://VOKRA.ca
Details:

• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over

Opportunity Description:

Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA) is a volunteer-run charity cat/kitten rescue serving Vancouver and other surrounding municipalities in the Lower Mainland since 2000. Our Operations Centre in Vancouver is our headquarters and transition center where rescued cats are nursed to health before being placed in one of our 550 volunteer foster homes. Each year, we find forever-homes for 1400+ cats and kittens.

VOKRA’s mission is: “To end cat overpopulation and cat homelessness. We rescue, heal, then home cats – first in our network of foster homes, then in carefully matched, loving, forever homes. We are a passionate, volunteer-driven charity with extensive cat care experience. We believe that no-kill is the only responsible approach, that TNR works, and that cats are awesome!

Position Summary

The Major Gift Officer will work closely with the Fundraising Manager to develop and execute major donor fundraising programs. The Major Gifts Officer must have demonstrated experience in securing philanthropic commitments from individual donors over $5,000 or greater and in managing ongoing relationships with major donors. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Supports the development and execution of the major donor fundraising strategy by: 

•   Ensuring all donor and event activity is tracked appropriately and consistently using Donor Perfect.

• Evaluating fundraising processes and procedures, making recommendations for improving effectiveness
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of VOKRA’s mandate, history, structure, objectives, programs, and financial needs. 

Builds and maintains positive relationships with existing and prospective donors by:

• Initiating discussions with prospective donors to gain donations.
• Researching donor trends and opportunities within the local community
• Advocating and promoting VOKRA’s mission and values within the community.
• Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of our rescue’s operations and business model for discussion with prospective donors.
• Coordinating communications with major gift donors including but not limited to follow-ups, updates, and ensuring timely recognition of gifts.

Part of the Fundraising Team and under the guidance and direction of the Fundraising Manager, will work both independently as well as part of a team.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

100% remote with 1 to 2 in-person meetings per year, location decided by team.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• 2+ years experience in a Major Donor Fundraising role or similar, with demonstrated experience managing a portfolio of major donors.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to take initiative and suggest creative solutions.
• Excellent oral communication and creative writing skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with proven ability to cultivate and nurture relationships with major donors.
• A strategic thinker with knowledge of the charitable sector.
• Ability to work well within a team, self-motivated while working independently, and positive attitude. 
• In-depth knowledge of cat rescue is an asset. 

• The ability to volunteer 5 hours min per week and check in when necessary.

We ask that only those who can make a serious commitment to volunteering with VOKRA apply for this role. 

Please apply with your resume to kdeweerdt@vokra.ca