Director of Philanthropy

Kids Cancer Care

The Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta is passionately dedicated to helping young people affected by cancer and their families survive and thrive in body, mind and spirit. With a vision of providing a cure for every child and care for every family, Kids Cancer Care strives to end childhood cancer, while easing the pain and suffering of the disease through three essential program areas: 1. Camp and Outreach; 2. Research and Hospital; and 3. Education Support and Scholarships.

At Kids Cancer Care, we consider it an honour and privilege to do the work we do. We get to help deserving children and families, and we get to see our community at its finest — volunteering, donating, hosting fundraisers and helping others. We love our work, and we love the children and families we serve. We take our jobs seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We pride ourselves on having a fun, vibrant and sometimes quirky team that works, laughs, cries, eats, plays and celebrates together.

We value diversity and the different perspectives and innovative thinking it brings. We like to surround ourselves with creative, kind, and passionate people, and we welcome all qualified persons regardless of differences in physical ability, gender identity or sexual orientation, cultural or religious beliefs, or ethnic origins. We realize that what makes us unique makes us remarkable. We believe in the power of diversity and are dedicated to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment at all levels of the organization.

For more information on Kids Cancer Care and our work, please visit us at kidscancercare.ab.ca.

Career Opportunity

This is a permanent, full-time position reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Position

As the Director of Philanthropy, you are a purpose-driven leader who propels our mission forward. You will be responsible for building intentional partnerships and shaping the strategic direction of our major gifts program. You will steward a dynamic and comprehensive $6-8M portfolio including major gifts, corporate partners, foundations & grants, annual & planned giving, signature events, and community fundraising initiatives. This role oversees the Revenue Development team, including three direct reports: the Donor Connections Manager, the Signature Events & Sponsorships Manager, and the Development Associate (annual giving, grants & gifts). You will drive strategic growth, cultivate deep relationships with major donors, and champion a culture of collaboration and innovation to deliver on Kids Cancer Care’s bold ambitions.

Accountability

The Director reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, serves as an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team, and works collaboratively with the board, staff, and volunteers.

Incumbent Profile

You are a relationship-centric leader who pairs strategy and execution with a passion for impact. Your strong belief in supporting families affected by childhood cancer inspires generosity, mobilizes donors and sponsors to act, and builds the partnerships required to make Kids Cancer Care’s current and future ambitions achievable.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Lead Major Gifts and Fundraising Strategy

Design and execute a unique major gifts strategy to secure gifts between the $100K–$1M range, evolving mission-based programming and sustainable organizational growth over the next five years.
Set both multi-year strategies and in-year execution plans to support current and future programs, build organizational capabilities, and drive and diversify long-term revenue sources.
Collaborate with CEO and Board to build strong government relations and case support towards pediatric cancer research and Camp Kindle.

Inspire Giving, Impact and Donor Stewardship

Build and deepen relationships with major donors, individuals, corporations, and philanthropic institutions, positioning the Foundation as a trusted and credible partner.
Serve as a front-line fundraiser, personally securing gifts that expand our mission-based programs, reach and impact.
Oversee a meaningful donor stewardship and recognition program of the highest standard to meet/exceed their needs, create a ‘sense of community’ and encourage consistent giving support.
Steward compelling annual and planned giving campaigns to increase donor matching and support year over year.
Determine and execute strategies with the Revenue Development Managers to optimize support from our Signature Events and Third-Party Fundraising partnerships or participants.

Strong Operational Stewardship

Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and key performance targets and metrics to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with Kids Cancer Care’s 5-year strategic plan and annual organizational and operational goals.
Ensure all fundraising systems, policies, processes and activities are current and compliant with KCC policies, AFP Code of Ethics and Standards of Practices, and all relevant Canadian and Alberta guidelines and regulations (i.e. CRA, Service Alberta, AGLC).

Build and Develop a High-Performing Team

Lead and inspire a high-performing, collaborative and innovative team that is deeply connected to our mission and does their best for Kids Cancer Care.
Oversee annual goal setting, objectives planning, and quarterly performance reviews with the direct reports and team.
Provide leadership, support, and co-create professional development opportunities with Managers to help them and the team excel and grow in their roles.

Contribute to Organizational Leadership

Act as a trusted ambassador—engaging with donors, partners, community, and media to elevate our mission and strengthen our presence in Alberta.
Serve as a board liaison, participating in board meetings, supporting the Fundraising and Donor Relations Advisory Committee, and engaging the board in donor identification and solicitation.
Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, participating actively in organizational decision-making. Effectively translate strategic decisions and the 'why' behind them to the team, ensuring clarity, consistency, and unified action.
Work collaboratively with Marketing & Communications to ensure all campaigns, materials, and digital communications are fully aligned with Kids Cancer Care’s branding.

Competencies and Experiences

Values-Driven: Demonstrates accountability to do the right things for Kids Cancer Care’s mission, culture, and sustainability.
Proven Fundraising Leadership: 10+ years of experience with a proven track record in achieving significant fundraising goals, leading teams, securing corporate partnerships, and executing multi-year fundraising strategies.
Relationship Builder: Exceptional ability to network with the philanthropic community, establish new relationships, cultivate trust, and inspire action among donors, corporate partners, foundations, government, volunteers, and internal teams.
Authentic People Leader: A collaborative leadership style that builds high-performing, mission-connected teams, celebrates collective wins, and co-creates and nurtures growth in their leaders and teams.
Strategic and Operational Excellence: A forward-thinker with strong analytical acumen, ready to evolve our major gift fundraising model and position Kids Cancer Care for long-term sustainable success.
Innovative Thinker: Knowledge of Calgary’s, Alberta’s, and Canada’s business and philanthropic sectors. Seeks out fundraising trends and leverages data insights to drive innovative and inclusive donor relations and engagement strategies and results.
Compelling Communicator: The ability to effectively communicate the mission, strategic vision, and opportunity of Kids Cancer Care to a wide range of audiences—from a philanthropic event to a group to a boardroom full of senior executives to a classroom filled with children and parents.
Technology Savvy: Experience using social media and online giving platforms, developing modern fundraising tools and channels. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and systems like Raiser’s Edge or Donor Perfect is essential.
Results-Oriented: Loves achieving or exceeding an ambitious goal, monitors progress, engages others in solutions, carries lessons learned forwards and knows how pivot if required.

Education and Credentials

Relevant bachelor’s degree required.
Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) Designation is required.
Member in good standing of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Closing Date

Applicants will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

Applications

https://kidscancercarefoundationofalbe.easyapply.co

Note: We are grateful to everyone who applies, but only candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.

Kids Cancer Care

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Director of Philanthropy