As one of the first shelters of its kind in Ontario, Gillian’s Place brings over 45 years of experience and expertise in gender-based violence services in Niagara. Since 1977, we have grown from an eight-bed emergency shelter to a multi-site provider of free and confidential services that support women, children, genderqueer, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary individuals escaping the cycle of violence and abuse. Today, these services include a 34-bed emergency shelter, second-stage housing, a 24/7 phone or text crisis support line, safety planning, expert counselling, child and youth programs, legal advice and support, education and violence prevention programs, and a transitional housing and support program.
Why you want to join our team!
At Gillian’s Place, we know that great care starts with a great team. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
- Work with a passionate and supportive team that’s changing lives every day
- Make a meaningful impact in the lives of women and gender-diverse individuals
- Realize your aspirations and achieve your personal and professional goals in an inclusive and supportive environment
- Develop your skills through professional development opportunities, mentorship, and wellness programs
- Be part of a truly inclusive, equity-driven organization where you can thrive
Benefits (after three months)
- Health and Dental Coverage
- Accrue up to 15 paid sick days annually
- Three weeks of paid vacation (starts accruing at three months)
- Employee Assistance (EAP) Program
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Development and Communications, the Development and Communications Assistant will be a key contributor to the smooth operation of the department. Working closely with the Director and the Development Team you will help maintain departmental efficiency and ensure that Gillian’s Place delivers an exceptional donor experience for our community of supporters. As with all employees of Gillian’s Place, the Assistant has a strong understanding of gendered violence and a commitment to providing superior service to our clients.
Key Responsibilities
Donor & Community Engagement
- Serve as a first point of contact for donors, prospective supporters, and other external stakeholders, ensuring a warm, professional, and helpful experience.
- Stay informed about organizational needs and effectively communicate these to the public to encourage support.
- Coordinate donation drop-offs and pick-ups as required.
Donation Processing & Administration
- Receive and accurately record donations (cash, cheque, credit, and debit) in accordance with internal protocols.
- Enter donations, pledges, and related data into the Donor Management System (DMS) from various sources, including online platforms.
- Issue charitable tax receipts in compliance with internal policies and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements.
- Reconcile online donations with payment gateway reports.
Departmental Support:
- Provide confidential administrative support to ensure the effective daily operations of the Development and Communications Department.
- Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of special events.
Communications & Marketing Support
- Develop engaging content for social media and contribute to the monthly e-newsletter.
- Compile and prepare reports to help inform communications and fundraising strategies.
What you bring
- University degree or college diploma.
- Minimum two years’ experience in administration, communication and/or fundraising would be an asset.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft 365.
- Highly organized and a reliable self-starter, with the ability to handle several tasks simultaneously.
- Experience with social media fundraising and marketing, including best practices and effective use of digital tools.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and individually.
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Access to a reliable vehicle
How to Apply:
If you’re passionate about helping others, thrive in a fast-paced and caring environment, and want to be part of something meaningful – we’d love to hear from you! Apply in writing to humanresources@gilliansplace.com
Gillian’s Place is an equal opportunity employer that actively encourages applications from people of colour, First Nations/Aboriginal individuals, newcomers and immigrants, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented communities. We value the unique perspectives and experiences these individuals bring to our team. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know – we’ll work with you in a respectful and inclusive way.