WHY YOU?
We are seeking a successful, well-respected fundraising leader with a broad network and proven track record of increasing revenue generation and brand awareness in the non-profit sector. Your career includes progressive advances into senior leadership roles, including overseeing mission-driven teams. You have deep experience across diverse channels including personally securing six-figure gifts and overseeing major gifts, corporate partnerships, government grants, planned giving, alumni and digital fundraising. As a data-driven leader, you have strong financial acumen, including experience managing multi-year budgets and forecasting, and knowledge of relevant charity regulations and legislative guidelines. Colleagues refer to your collaborative style, which is also evident through your relationships with donors and partners. A CFRE designation is considered an asset. You are energized by the ‘ask’ – the relationship-building preceding it and the stewardship that follows it. You thrive by bringing people together around a shared vision and translating strategy into action.
WHY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CANADA?
Growing up is not the same for all young people. Facing adversity should not stand in the way of who they can become. Research shows that having one trusted adult in their lives is the most important factor for young people to succeed. For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada is proud to have been the leading provider of mentoring relationships across Canada, which ignite the power and potential of over 31,000 children and youth.
We operate through a nationwide network of agencies who match youth facing adversities with caring mentors. We collaborate with schools, social service agencies, communities, families and funders. This results in young people achieving better social-emotional competence, mental health and wellbeing, educational engagement and employment readiness to reach their full potential.
BBBSC is at a pivotal moment, with a new strategic plan and ambitious aspirations for growth and impact. As the organization evolves its national fundraising approach, this role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the next chapter of philanthropy in support of young people across Canada.
WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING IN THIS ROLE?
Strategic & Enterprise Leadership
- Shape and execute a future-ready, multi-channel, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities and long-term sustainability goals.
- Lead revenue diversification across multiple sources.
- Establish and monitor real-time performance dashboards and KPIs, leveraging data to inform decision-making and optimize revenue.
- Encourage a healthy culture of philanthropy that connects people to the mission and protects the legacy brand reputation.
- Inspire and coach Fund Development team members to build relationships, manage a portfolio of opportunities that drive revenue growth, and achieve goals.
- Integrate fundraising with brand, marketing, advocacy, and program impact storytelling.
Revenue Growth & Fundraising Innovation
- Drive revenue growth across corporate partnerships, foundations, government funding, major gifts, planned giving, and individual fundraising.
- Expand national partnerships, including multi-year and high value commitments.
- Develop a multichannel plan that integrates digital-first fundraising, email marketing, social media platforms, and direct mail using CRM, website insights, and lead generation tactics. Monitor, measure, evaluate and report results to plan.
- Develop compelling, impact-driven cases for support and investment portfolios, including national and local opportunities.
- Oversee pipeline, prospect research and management systems, ensuring disciplined prospect tracking and conversion.
- Champion data intelligence and CRM optimization (e.g., segmentation, AI-enabled insights).
National Network & Relationship Leadership
- Strengthen collaboration across a network of local agencies, enabling alignment while respecting local autonomy.
- Build and steward high-value relationships with executives, philanthropists, board members, and community leaders.
- Lead national engagement strategies including ambassador networks.
- Represent the organization externally as a compelling spokesperson and thought leader.
Governance, Operations & Stewardship
- Partner with executive leadership on financial planning, budgeting, project costing, cash flow and revenue forecasting.
- Ensure strong governance practices, including fundraising standards, policies, compliance, and risk management.
- Support board engagement in fundraising strategy and donor stewardship.
- Oversee the development of scalable systems, tools, and resources to support national and local fundraising efforts.
Qualifications and Skills:
- 7–10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience in the non-profit sector, across diverse channels of major gifts, corporate partnerships, government grants, planned giving, alumni and digital.
- 5+ years in senior leadership roles, with demonstrated success driving strategy execution and revenue growth.
- Professional fundraising credentials (CFRE) and/or familiarity with national standards frameworks are considered assets.
- Proven track record negotiating, securing, and closing high value and multi-year gifts and partnerships.
- Deep expertise in modern fundraising practices, including digital, data analytics, technology and other revenue generating platforms. and donor experience design.
- Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Mission CRM, Raiser’s Edge or equivalent), and data-driven decision-making.
- Strong experience working within complex, multi-stakeholder, or federated organizations.
- Exceptional communication, influencing, and public speaking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through change and drive innovation.
- Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
In addition to being a team player, quick learner, and an analytical thinker, the successful candidate will have the following Qualifications:
- A university degree or college diploma in Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Business, nonprofit administration or a related field.
- 7+ years of professional experience in a nonprofit organization; demonstrated success in a development function.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience supervising and developing direct reports.
- Tangible experience cultivating and growing donor relationships, over time.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.
- Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Proficiency in planning, policy development, and financial management.
- Demonstrated people leadership skills, including in coaching and building a culture of trust that promotes collaboration.
