Director, Partnerships And Events, Variety - The Children's Charity

Variety - the Children’s Charity of BC is on a mission to help every child with complex healthcare needs fulfill their unique potential. Through providing essential support and resources, including medical and mobility equipment, specialized therapists, expert tutors and counsellors, mental health counselling, vital assessments and supporting early childhood intervention, we empower extraordinary children to overcome barriers and thrive. Our work makes a profound difference in the lives of families across British Columbia.

Last year, nearly 5,000 children and youth in 90 communities across the province received support from Variety that transformed their daily realities and changed the trajectory of their lives for the better. We firmly believe in the power of diversity, respecting and valuing every child for who they are. We believe that every child has the right to live in an inclusive world and we provide life-changing assistance to children who face barriers so they can thrive and belong in their community.

THE OPPORTUNITY

At Variety, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive meaningful impact for children. Variety is seeking an extraordinary philanthropy leader to play a key role in advancing our mission to provide children with complex health care needs the critical support they need to thrive and belong. As Director, Corporate and Community Partnerships, you will lead and grow giving and sponsorship income from the corporate sector. This includes the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of an assigned portfolio of existing and prospective funders, with the goal of significantly increasing sponsorship and corporate revenue. You will lead, mentor, and inspire a talented fundraising team focused on corporate partnerships, school partnerships, cause marketing, and community events. You have extensive experience in securing major gifts. Your strategic vision and ability to foster meaningful relationships will raise funds and drive overall growth of the organization. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will serve as a member of the senior management team contributing to the organization’s strategies, plans, and successes. The ideal candidate is driven, creative, compassionate, and strategic with a unique ability to motivate teams and partners to achieve ambitious philanthropic achievements where it matters most – in the lives of children.

Role And Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Provide leadership and strategy to the team driving philanthropic support to realize Variety’s goals to support children.
• Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for the organization at community and corporate events to communicate appreciation, need, and impact.
• In collaboration with Director, Marketing and Communications ensure key materials developed to support philanthropy and stewardship activities.
• Be an active member of the senior management team, providing input and support to ensure the successful implementation of the organization’s overall objectives.

Fundraising and Administration

• Assist in preparation of briefing materials, sponsorship decks including advising on sponsorship levels, necessary reports, or presentation materials for CEO as well as senior volunteers for meetings with prospective funders.
• Build and manage a personal portfolio of corporate donors, sponsors, and prospects driving results to exceed personal fundraising goals on an annual basis.
• Build strong relationships with Variety families, diverse communities, and organizations to foster collaboration and cohesion.
• Ensure that policies, systems, and processes are in place in ensure accurate and timely tracking and reporting of donations, sponsorships, and recognition of donors.
• Develop and implement clearly defined strategies and plans for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding corporate partners and sponsors at the five and six-figure and above level.
• Maintain a robust pipeline of qualified potential corporate partners and continuously prospects for significant new funding opportunities that align with Variety’s needs and priorities.
• Consistently deliver on exceptional donor and sponsorship experiences.

Team Leadership

• Lead and support a talented and high-performing team of two to achieve annual revenue targets and key performance indicators by providing strategic support, mentorship, and the resources needed to succeed.
• Develop and execute strategies and plans to grow partnerships and events, including Variety Show of Hearts and Variety Week campaigns, corporate and school partnerships, cause marketing and events.
• Lead and support planning and execution of fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events and community fundraising events through the year.
• Foster synergy between the corporate, school, cause and community partnerships fundraising team with the broader philanthropy team to maximize fundraising efforts.
• Lead or co-lead cross-functional projects as required.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES AND EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated ability handling multiple, complex fundraising initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Financial acumen and budget planning skills.
• A university degree or equivalent experience combined with progressive leadership in senior fundraising roles with proven experience developing and executing fundraising strategies within a complex environment.
• Excellent oral, written, and verbal communications skills.
• Demonstrated leadership in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), lived experience, or knowledge and awareness of EDI.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and using various digital tools and platforms. Experience with Raiser’s Edge an asset.
• The ability to drive innovation and growth and be a detailed-oriented implementer who can mobilize small teams to translate strategy into results.
• Demonstrated success in building and retaining high performing teams to achieve fundraising goals by inspiring, developing, and mentoring staff.
• A clear passion for Variety’s vision to see every child with complex health need fulfil their unique potential and to create an inclusive world where no child is left behind.
• A strong understanding of major gift fundraising best practices and proven track record securing gifts from corporate and individual donors with expertise in all aspects of fundraising including pipeline development, cultivation, and solicitation of gifts at the five and six-figure level and above.

JOIN US

At Variety, we value diversity in all its forms and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. We believe that a team enriched by different cultures and perspectives makes us stronger. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment where everyone’s voice is heard. We actively strive to provide opportunities for all individuals and will continue to embed diversity, belonging, and equality in everything we do. If you are ready to join a stellar team making a profound impact and you feel inspired to ignite change where it matters most – in the lives of children – we invite you to join us at Variety and apply for the Director, Philanthropy role.

Benefits

This position is based in our Burnaby, BC office, with a hybrid and flexible workplace experience. Variety offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and a rewarding employment experience where your contributions make a real difference. Together, we can create a world where every child’s unique potential knows no bounds.

Application deadline: We are accepting rolling applications until the position is filled.

Check status of the search process here: https://www.gerardsearch.com/searches.html

Contact [email protected] for more information.