Growth Initiatives Specialist

GROWTH INITIATIVES SPECIALIST

SALARY
Starting salary $60,000

WHO WE ARE
United Way Winnipeg is a century-old movement for community change. We bring people, workplaces, and community organizations together to take collective action on the issues shaping life in Winnipeg today. Through a network of over 125 Agency Partners—and over 20,000 donors, volunteers and community champions—we align generosity, insight, and effort to strengthen the systems our community relies on.

At our core, we believe that everyone belongs, and that the wellbeing of each of us is tied to the wellbeing of all of us. Our role is to help Winnipeg see itself clearly, act together intentionally, and build a community where people are supported, connected, and able to thrive.

Guided by community insight and shared accountability, United Way Winnipeg connects people to purpose and action. We mobilize generosity, steward critical social infrastructure, and create spaces for shared understanding and dialogue. We invest in what works, strengthen what’s needed, and help our community respond to what’s next—together.

Our Mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. 

Our Vision is a thriving community where everyone can reach their potential. 

We are accountable to the community we serve and the movement we help lead. That means being transparent in how resources are used, intentional in how decisions are made, and inclusive in how people participate. We don’t do this work alone—and we don’t do it for the community. We do it with the community: united, every step of the way.

THE OPPORTUNITY OF THIS ROLE
The Growth Initiative Specialist is a relationship builder and growth-focused professional responsible for expanding participation in United Way Winnipeg’s work. This role cultivates, grows, and sustains relationships with individuals, workplaces, and community partners, while identifying and developing new approaches that strengthen engagement and increase community investment.

Grounded in United Way Winnipeg’s theory of change, this role supports people and organizations in moving from initial connection to sustained participation—aligning values with community impact, building trust-based relationships, and creating meaningful pathways for engagement over time.

In addition to managing a portfolio of relationships, the Growth Initiative Specialist contributes to longer-term growth initiatives by researching opportunities, testing new approaches, and translating successful ideas into scalable practices that strengthen how United Way Winnipeg engages its community.

RESPONSIBILTIES
Relationship Development & Stewardship

• Build and sustain trust-based relationships with individuals, organizations, donors, and partners across an assigned portfolio
• Develop and manage a pipeline of prospects and active relationships, maintaining clear next steps and engagement plans
• Support individuals and organizations in aligning their interests and values with opportunities for community impact
• Ensure relationships are thoughtfully stewarded over time, with a focus on continuity, relevance, and long-term engagement

Portfolio Strategy & Insights

• Contribute to strategies that grow participation, deepen engagement, and strengthen retention across assigned focus areas 
• Identify opportunities to expand into new networks, sectors, and communities 
• Use CRM systems and data to track engagement, manage relationships, and inform decision-making 
• Monitor trends, participation, and portfolio performance to identify opportunities for growth and innovation 
• Maintain accurate records and ensure consistent progress and follow-through across the portfolio

Growth Initiatives & Innovation

• Identify and explore opportunities to grow participation, investment, and engagement through new approaches or audiences
• Conduct research and environmental scanning to understand trends, community needs, and emerging opportunities
• Design and implement pilot initiatives to test new engagement strategies
• Evaluate outcomes using qualitative and quantitative insights, identifying what should be scaled, adapted, or discontinued
• Translate successful pilots into repeatable programs, tools, or practices that can be adopted across the organization
• Document and share learning to inform strategy and continuous improvement

Volunteer & Leadership Engagement

• Partner with volunteers, leadership, and internal teams to support relationship development and engagement efforts
• Support meaningful and coordinated involvement of volunteers in outreach, stewardship, and growth initiatives
• Model a staff–volunteer partnership approach, recognizing shared accountability and complementary roles

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work collaboratively across teams to ensure coordinated stewardship, accurate data capture, and effective engagement
• Identify opportunities to strengthen relationship management and growth approaches
• Contribute insights and ideas to improve systems, tools, and practices
• Support a culture of experimentation, learning, and alignment with organizational strategy

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• 3–5 years of experience in relationship management, fundraising, partnerships, sales, account management, program development, or related fields is required
• Knowledge and expertise—developed through post-secondary education, professional practice, community leadership, lived experience, or sustained independent learning—in fundraising, planned giving, community engagement, relationship management, non-profit work, or related fields is an asset
• Experience working with volunteers or within volunteer-led environments is an asset
• Experience within the United Way movement (e.g., campaign volunteer, Employee Campaign Chair, agency staff member or volunteer) is considered an asset

BENEFITS
United Way Winnipeg offers opportunities for personal and professional growth in a rewarding career! We offer excellent benefits, including: 

• Company paid Health and Dental Coverage 
• Defined Benefit Pension Package with Company Match 
• Generous Paid Time off and Holiday schedule 
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth 
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements to support work life balance 

HOW TO APPLY
United Way Winnipeg is committed to achieving and maintaining a workforce that reflects the demographics of the communities we serve. Applicants are asked to self-declare.

We are committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free work environment, beginning with the hiring process. Individuals applying for employment with United Way Winnipeg may request accommodations at all stages of recruitment and employment from the People & Culture team. All information received as it relates to accommodation will be kept confidential.   

Applicant reviewal will begin on May 12th. This posting will remain open and will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.

To apply, please visit our website or click Apply today!   

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.