Development Writer

Who we are 

At Heart & Stroke our mission is to promote health, save lives and enhance recovery. We are committed to a culture that exemplifies our core values: champion health, practice humility, embrace change, drive impact, learn and grow and be heartfelt as we work together to beat heart disease and stroke. 

We believe in equity, diversity and inclusion ― it’s embedded in our values and core mission work to support all people in Canada to lead healthier lives. We are committed to applying this principle to cultivate a welcoming environment that embraces diversity among our employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

To learn more about our mission, values, commitment to EDI, and the difference Heart & Stroke makes in the lives of people in Canada at every age, please visit our website. 

The opportunity 

The Development Writer will create, develop and enhance an integrated mix of donor and partner-centered communication tools from copy to design, to support major gifts and corporate partnerships and other development activities.  This will include, but is not limited to, the creation of Cases for Support, donor gift proposals, grant applications, and meaningful stewardship correspondence from conception to completion. The work will require the successful incumbent to be able to distill difficult and sometimes complex projects, initiatives, and information into easily consumed information and it will also require placing French translated copy into the English templates created. Additional work will be sourcing information and finding background information and foundational content. 

The successful candidate will be a captivating storyteller who is able to delineate connections between specific stories and the overall work of Heart & Stroke.  

(This is a contract, full time role and can work from any location in Canada; will be based in a home office and will be expected to travel to Toronto occasionally.) 

How you will make an impact every day 

Major Gift and Corporate Proposal Development   

• Strategically and compellingly align the organization’s priorities to the partner or donor in support of philanthropic solicitation efforts     

• Liaising with various internal stakeholders and collaboratively lead the development of national corporate partnership and major gift decks and proposals, including funding proposals for individuals, corporations, foundations and other organizations  

• Effectively and successfully integrate Heart & Stroke’s mission priorities and successes, research profiles, goals and objectives, programs and services and the role of sponsorship/philanthropy in achieving organizational goals  

• Ensure all writing assignments are completed on time and are approved by appropriate stakeholders  

• Execute communication that grabs attention, builds conviction and desire, stirs interest and calls audience to action throughout all stages of the corporate/major gift fundraising process  

• Leverage AI training and tools to streamline processes and create efficiencies in your role, ensuring alignment with Heart & Stroke's responsible AI principles and policies 

Major Gift Donor & Corporate Partner Stewardship  

• Deliver prompt, personal and meaningful gift acknowledgement correspondence   

• Create compelling Stewardship and Impact Reports that clearly and effectively articulate the impact that the individual/corporation’s contribution has made 

Communication   

• Communicate compellingly to partners and donors and other audiences about how their support of the Heart & Stroke accomplishes measurable results by advancing heart disease and stroke research, treatment and prevention  

• Support regional cultivation and stewardship events on an as needed basis. 

• Execute, coordinate and advise on a diverse array of print and electronic communications that support all stages of the donor-cycle  

Who we need 

Experience 

• 3-5 years’ experience in fundraising or communications, with expertise in developing high-quality customized corporate, major gift and foundation communications including proposals, decks, reports, letters, and other assets as required 

• Experience with graphic design  

• Experience using Adobe Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat)  

• Experience with SharePoint is an asset 

Education 

• Undergraduate degree 

Skills  

• Superior expertise in standard writing and editing skills including English grammar, punctuation and syntax. 

• Superior interpersonal relationship-building skills with a collaborative spirit 

• Excellent technical/analytical skills and attention to detail 

• A keen eye for design and developing high quality communications materials  

• Strong understanding of the major gifts and corporate partnership fundraising process 

• Experience in project management, with a demonstrated ability to manage for results and set and establish new standards of success  

• Proven ability to work in a multi-layered, complex, results-orientated institution with multiple internal and external stakeholders 

• Superior ability to produce high-quality work under tight, constantly changing deadlines, combined with a comfort managing multiple projects, priorities and deadlines. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office with advanced experience in developing creative and compelling PowerPoint Presentations 

• Committed to the highest standards of professionalism and donor relations 

• Effectively work within a team to promote a positive and professional culture and work environment and conduct the role with integrity and respect 

• Bilingual (ability to write formal communications in French) is an asset 

• Committed to our mission and values. 

What we offer 

At Heart & Stroke, we make it a priority to foster a culture of caring by implementing practices and programs that foster respect, compassion, trust and attentiveness to our own and others’ health and well-being. 

In addition to a competitive salary, Heart & Stroke believes that time off is integral to the personal health and wellness of our employees.  We offer paid wellness days and personal days. Furthermore, our staff enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements and support with reimbursement for mobile phones.  

Apply now 

If you want to join the fight to beat heart disease and stroke, please apply by sending your resume by July 29, 2025. Applicants must be currently residing in Canada and legally entitled to work in Canada. 

Only those candidates that qualify will be selected for an interview. At this time, all interviews are being conducted via phone and/or video call ― we look forward to “virtually” meeting you!  

Accommodation 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free and accessible environment. If you have been contacted for an interview and require accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please let us know and we will do our best to address your needs.