Doctors without borders

Philanthropy Writer (bilingual English/French)

Montréal; Toronto Full Time

AI Disclosure Statement

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically screen or select candidates for interview. AI may be used in the hiring process to assist our recruitment team by:

  • Summarizing recruiter or hiring manager notes, and
  • Conducting limited keyword searches for specific job‑related criteria.

However, every application is reviewed by a qualified human to assess transferable or similar experience, regardless of any AI‑assisted preliminaries.


Vacancy Notice

This posting is for a an existing position and is not intended to create an ongoing candidate pool for future openings. Qualified applications will be individually assessed for this role only.


 

Applications will be accepted until 9:00am EDT on Monday, 11 May 2025

Status: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours/week


At the core of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Canada’s identity is a commitment to medical ethics, independence, neutrality, and impartiality. We go where people’s medical needs are greatest. These ideals have driven every aspect of our work – from medical care and logistical coordination, to finance and communications – since MSF was established in 1971.

Under the guidance of the Senior Manager of Philanthropy this role is responsible for producing high-value philanthropic communications that drive fundraising results for legacy, major gifts, corporate and foundation giving. You will be coordinating with operational centers and Canadian office stakeholders to gather information and produce persuasive proposals, and reports that attract major and multi-year gift commitments.

A core function of this role is creating original donor communications in both English and French, writing directly in each language to authentically engage MSF Canada’s diverse donor community, which includes a significant francophone population. Bilingual writing proficiency reflects our commitment to connecting with donors in the language of their choice.


MSF Canada is looking for someone who will be responsible for the following:  

  • Deliver compelling, donor-centered philanthropic materials in English and French that consistently inspire investment and deepen donor engagement. Written communications lead to increased donor interest, larger gift commitments, and positive feedback from both internal teams and external funders.
  • Translate complex operational information into persuasive narratives that clearly articulate the case for support. Proposals and reports are clear, strategic, EDI compliant and emotionally resonant, helping donors easily understand the impact of their contributions and encouraging continued or increased giving.
  • Produce high-quality proposals, and reports that meet deadlines and exceed funder expectations. All submissions are delivered on time, with minimal revisions, resulting in a high rate of successful funding outcomes and renewal opportunities.
  • Proactively collaborate with internal stakeholders to surface strong programmatic content and shape fundraising opportunities. Build strong relationships with Donor Engagement Officers, Content Writers, and Communications leads to produce materials that reflect a cohesive organizational voice and vision.
  • Continuously strengthen the quality and strategic alignment of philanthropic communications to maximize fundraising outcomes. Written products evolve to become increasingly donor-centered, data-informed, and aligned with organizational fundraising strategies, contributing to year-over-year revenue growth.

The successful candidate will bring MSF Canada:  

  • Demonstrated professional experience in writing, grant writing, journalism, or a related field, successfully partnering with gift officers to secure significant funding from diverse private donors and public funding.
  • Advanced written proficiency in both English and French, with demonstrated ability to produce clear, compelling, and donor-appropriate content in both languages.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor content for high-value donors while maintaining operational accuracy. Ability to adapt tone, voice, and style to reflect the values and priorities of both francophone and anglophone donors.
  • Clear understanding of philanthropic fundraising practices, restricted funding mechanisms, and donor stewardship principles, including knowledge of compliance requirements related to Canadian charitable giving.
  • Familiarity with basic design principles; able to produce visually appealing reports and materials  for greater donor engagement.
  • Ability to translate complex operational, financial, and medical information into accessible and compelling narratives for a donor audience.
  • Highly organized, deadline-driven, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative spirit and excellent interpersonal skills; comfortable working across departments and with international colleagues.
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Asana, and content management systems

MSF Canada will provide:

  • Starting 4 weeks' of vacation per year 
  • Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) 
  • Flexible work hours and a hybrid working model (minimum 40% in office) 
  • An accessible open concept, shared office space with bookable workstations (consisting of sit/stand desks, swivel chair, laptop with dock and double monitors) and various sized meeting rooms  
  • A commitment to incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything  
  • 5% RRSP contributions (no employee matching required) 
  • Health Spending Account 
  • Lifestyle Spending Account 
  • Group insurance (Life, Dependent Life, AD&D) 
  • Peace of Mind plan (prescription drugs, accidental dental, hospital care, etc.) 
  • Annual professional development budget
  • A positive and innovative office culture is based on core values of humanity, integrity and results

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada; MSF Canada is not able to support or relocate candidates from outside Canada.

NOTE: Any questions or concerns regarding accommodation and accessibility may be addressed to ask.hr@toronto.msf.org.

Position pay range
$77,744$77,744 CAD

MSF adopts a safeguarding culture where personnel and communities are and feel safe and valued throughout their involvement with the organization, where individuals know who to go to with any concerns and are confident that they will be listened to and heard without personal or professional repercussions, and where the organization strives to adopt the highest standards of practice across all areas of safeguarding rather than setting for the minimum standard in order to be legally compliant.


Application questions are in lieu of a cover letter. Please provide only your resume.