Venor is proud to partner with Adsum for Women & Children in their search for a Fund Development & Community Engagement Officer. 

Adsum for Women & Children seeks to lead change to end homelessness through housing, services and advocacy. The organization provides emergency shelter and permanent housing and services and supports specifically for women, families and gender diverse persons who experience homelessness or housing insecurity. Currently, Adsum shelters 200 people between Adsum House and The Bridge where clients are of all genders. Hundreds more people, including children, are sheltering in hotels and temporarily housed in emergency units across HRM. Additionally, 100 people live in permanent affordable housing that is wholly owned and supported by Adsum. The Rose, Adsum’s newest location, currently provides supportive housing for 18 families and will soon open an additional six units.

The Fund Development & Community Engagement Officer will be involved in the fundraising efforts of the organization and act as the liaison with community groups supporting Adsum. Reporting to, and working closely with the Executive Director, this role will represent Adsum at community events and build and manage relationships with external stakeholders such as sponsors, prospects, service clubs and others. The Fund Development & Community Engagement Officer will create and manage Adsum’s social media calendar and content and lead special event planning. The position will also provide communications support as needed.

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop and implement the annual fundraising and stewardship strategy, establishing financial goals, donor engagement plans, and recognition programs.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, and major gift prospects, ensuring timely acknowledgment and consistent communication.
• Manage all fundraising initiatives, including direct mail appeals, grant research and submissions, and annual application and reporting schedules.
• Plan and execute fundraising and third-party events, serving as the primary liaison to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Support the creation and maintenance of fundraising policies, practices, and donor databases to uphold accuracy, accountability, and transparency.
• Lead community engagement activities that connect the public with the organization’s mission, vision, and values through partnerships and outreach opportunities.
• Represent the organization in the community, delivering presentations, coordinating volunteer programs, and building relationships with local groups and organizations.
• Oversee external communications, including social media strategy, website content, and seasonal donation campaigns such as Christmas and Back-to-School drives.

What we are looking for:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field such as Fundraising, Public Relations, Communications, or Marketing.
• 3 – 5 years of experience in fundraising, communications, community relations, or a similar role within the non-profit sector.
• Strong knowledge of ethical fund development practices and commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience in public speaking and creating content for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with individuals and communities from a wide range of backgrounds and identities.
• Experience managing social media platforms and developing engaging digital content.
• Proficiency with fundraising and communications tools and software, including donor databases, Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, and Canva.
• Videography and post-production editing skills are considered an asset.

The successful candidate will be required to have access to a vehicle and must provide criminal record and vulnerable person checks.

What’s in it for you:

Purpose-Driven Work – Play a key role in helping families experiencing homelessness transition into safe, stable housing.

Impact & Collaboration – Join a passionate, mission-focused team dedicated to creating housing solutions and supporting individuals in crisis.

Growth & Variety – This role offers valuable opportunities for professional growth across fundraising, communications, and community engagement within a supportive, mission-driven team.

At Venor and Adsum, we embrace a culture of belonging in the workplace. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, what you believe in, or who you love, we welcome your application. We all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, bringing in unique perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), women, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities.

To learn more about this opportunity, contact Anna Bryant via anna@venor.ca.