Director, Philanthropy Jobs

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

Variety is seeking an exceptional philanthropy leader to lead a dynamic team in fostering meaningful relationships that will inspire philanthropy and drive the overall growth of the organization. As the Director, Philanthropy you will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to provide children with complex health care needs the critical support they need to thrive and belong. You will lead and grow our major, annual, monthly, and legacy giving portfolios and lead a talented team of two to inspire philanthropic support and deliver on fundraising priorities. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will serve as a member of the senior management team and be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and maintaining key relationships with individuals and foundations with a focus on significant growth of major donors and prospects.

The ideal candidate is driven, compassionate, energetic, and forward-thinking with a unique ability to motivate teams and donors to achieve ambitious philanthropic achievements where it matters most – in the lives of children.

ROLE AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Leadership

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

Fundraising and Administration

• Identify, grow, and manage a portfolio of 100+ individual and foundation major gift prospects driving results to exceed personal fundraising goals on an annual basis.
• Assist in preparation of briefing materials necessary reports or presentation materials for CEO as well as senior volunteers for meetings with prospective funders
• Support existing corporate and community partnerships as needed.
• Consistently deliver on exceptional donor experiences inspiring philanthropy and engagement.
• Develop and lead an integrated fundraising plan for individuals and foundations including strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors and prospects at the five and six-figure and above level.
• Maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospects and continuously seek new funding opportunities that align with Variety’s needs and priorities.
• Build strong relationships with Variety families, diverse communities, and organizations to foster collaboration and cohesion.

Gift & Estate Planning

• Identify and manage planned giving donor prospects and strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned giving donors.
• Provide exceptional stewardship and recognition of legacy donors and prospects, executors, and family members of donors who have left, or are planning to leave, a legacy gift to Variety.
• Lead the development and implementation of an overall strategy and goals for estate and planned giving fundraising initiatives that is integrated across fundraising programs.
• Manage administration of organization’s estate and gift planning portfolio from initial notification to completion.
• Ensure the donor management system is fully utilized to effectively enter, track, and manage estate and gift planning information.

Team Leadership

• Work collaboratively with senior volunteers, donors, and teams to set, meet, and exceed ambitious fundraising targets.
• Lead or co-lead cross-functional projects as required.
• Lead, mentor, 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.
• Provide oversight and leadership to grow and diversify revenue through major individual and foundation, monthly, annual, and legacy giving.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES AND EXPERIENCE

• The ability to drive innovation and growth and be a detailed-oriented implementer who can mobilize small teams to translate strategy into results.
• Demonstrated leadership in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), lived experience, or knowledge and awareness of EDI.
• 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.
• Financial acumen and budget planning skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and using various digital tools and platforms. Experience with Raiser’s Edge an asset.
• 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 needs fulfil their unique potential and to create an inclusive world where no child is left behind.
• Demonstrated ability handling multiple, complex fundraising initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• A strong understanding of major gift fundraising best practices and proven track record securing gifts from 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.