Development Specialist - Winnipeg - Main Street Project Inc.

Description

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing‑first and harm‑reduction principles in the provision of a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972, MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg's most marginalized residents, including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support, case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Position: Development Specialist

Department: Administration

Reporting to: Director of Development

Position type: Full-time, Permanent

Wage range: $56,237.50 – $71,239.37

Location: 661 Main Street

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Specialist provides support to the Main Street Project donors, private and government funders. The Development Specialist implements and oversees donations administrative systems and procedures, daily fundraising operations, and coordinates and monitors administrative projects related to donations, donors, grants and proposals. This position is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of gifts including inputting gifts into donor software and preparing gift acknowledgments with respect to fund development and donor stewardship. The Development Specialist is also responsible for coordinating all fundraising events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all fundraising activities for Main Street Project, including annual and special fundraising drives, grant applications, reports, and donor campaigns.
• Develop, manage, and grow relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government funders to expand support for MSP.
• Oversee the administration of donations, ensuring accurate processing, receipting, acknowledgment, and stewardship using donor management software.
• Maintain strong collaboration with Finance to ensure accurate reconciliation of donations, sponsorships, and other funding streams.
• Prepare and deliver compelling proposals, reports, and applications that effectively communicate MSP's impact; manage correspondence and reporting requirements with funders in a timely manner.
• Analyze and report on fundraising data, providing strategic recommendations for revenue growth and donor engagement.
• Lead the administration of grants and sponsorships, including budget tracking, deliverable fulfilment, and cross‑departmental coordination to meet commitments.
• Develop and manage donor solicitation, stewardship, and reporting calendars to ensure consistent engagement and relationship‑building.
• Oversee event fundraising initiatives, including planning, volunteer and sponsor engagement, ticketing/participation, and execution of both in‑person and virtual events.
• Provide leadership in donor stewardship, ensuring meaningful connections and recognition for current and prospective donors year‑round.
• Facilitate and lead meetings with stakeholders, staff, volunteers, and partners to advance fundraising initiatives.
• Contribute to organizational planning by developing and implementing tools, strategies, and evaluation frameworks for fundraising, program development, and reporting.
• Exercise discretion and tact when handling confidential donor and organizational information.
• Actively participate and provide leadership in interdisciplinary committees, projects, and initiatives to strengthen MSP's development efforts.
• Develop and implement an individual plan for professional growth and development including participating in professional organisations and activities, workshops, seminars and staff development and sector networks to strengthen expertise in fundraising and donor relations.
• Ensure compliance with Main Street Project policies, the Personal Health Information Act, and the Federal Personal Information and Electronic Documents Act.
• Represent Main Street Project in donor relations in the community and sector.
• Carry out other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Development.

Qualifications

• Post‑secondary education in fundraising, communications, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or donor relations, preferably within the nonprofit or social services sector.
• Demonstrated success in leading fundraising campaigns, grant applications, and donor stewardship initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of donor management software and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with proven ability to prepare compelling proposals, reports, and donor correspondence.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, cultivate, and steward relationships with diverse donors, funders, and stakeholders.
• Solid financial literacy and experience reconciling donations, managing budgets, and producing financial reports related to fundraising.
• Strong project management, organisational, and time‑management skills, with the ability to lead multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and lead events, sponsorships, and community fundraising initiatives.
• Knowledge of the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) and Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), or willingness to learn.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and tact in handling confidential information.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and client‑centred approach of Main Street Project.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for fundraising events and donor engagements.

Additional Requirements

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check are required. Employee is responsible for any service charges incurred.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Current CPR & basic first aid.

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling donor, financial, and organisational information.
• Willingness and availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising events and donor activities.
• Ability to travel locally within Winnipeg and surrounding areas to attend meetings, events, and donor engagements.
• Proficiency in using donor management systems, databases, and standard office software.
• Involves prolonged periods of sitting and extensive computer and screen use for tasks such as data entry, report writing, donor management, and virtual meetings.
• Ability to focus for extended periods, manage multiple priorities, and work in an office or hybrid environment.

Values & Competencies

• Reducing Harm
• Truth and Reconciliation
• Anti‑Oppression
• Trauma‑Informed

Key Competencies

• Collaboration
• Crisis Management
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Developing External Relationships

Main Street Project offers

• Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
• Health & dental benefits
• Pension plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid sick and family days
• Shift premiums
• Employee assistance program

Application deadline: Open Until filled

Main Street Project recognizes the importance of building a workforce that is reflective of the community it serves, where culture, language and perspectives drive a high standard of care and service. Therefore, preference will be given to Indigenous people and those who reflect the people/population we serve. Applicants are asked to self‑declare in their cover letter along with describing how they meet the above qualifications.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.