Director, Philanthropy

Role Summary

Director, Philanthropy, you will shape and lead a high-performing resource development strategy aligned with JA’s bold mission and strategic plan. Build and steward a robust portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual partners, driving sustainable revenue growth. Deliver compelling signature fundraising events that strengthen community engagement and elevate our brand. Champion a culture of philanthropy across the organization, while leading and developing a collaborative fundraising team.

This role collaborates closely with the President and CEO, the Director of Programs & Operations and the Director of Marketing & Communications.

• Design and execute an integrated fund development strategy to grow both restricted and unrestricted revenue.
• Set and achieve ambitious annual and multi-year revenue targets across major gifts, sponsor ships, grants, and events.
• Lead the planning and success of marquee events such as the London & District Business Hall of Fame and Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.
• Build data-informed strategies to deepen donor engagement and long-term loyalty.
• Develop and manage a dynamic pipeline of prospective donors and partners with strategic alignment.
• Lead high-value cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities with top funders and corporate sponsors.
• Translate program outcomes into compelling, donor‑centric narratives that inspire investment and long-term commitment.
• Build cross‑functional internal alignment between programming, marketing, and philanthropy to maximize donor satisfaction and retention.
• Recruit, coach, and lead a mission‑driven development team, promoting a high‑performance, values‑based culture.
• Oversee departmental operations, budgeting, forecasting, CRM management (Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge), and performance reporting.
• Establish and track success metrics for all fundraising channels and donor segments.
• Ensure compliance, transparency, and integrity in all donor agreements and fund allocations.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO, contributing to executive decision‑making, risk mitigation, and organizational planning.
• Actively represent JA South Western Ontario at stakeholder meetings, community events, and national philanthropic initiatives.
• Strengthen JA’s visibility and credibility among key audiences, including business leaders, philanthropists, and public sector partners.

• 8–10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with a strong record of securing five- and six‑figure gifts and partnerships.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to connect fundraising goals to mission impact.
• Demonstrated success in major gift cultivation, grant writing, sponsorship development, and fundraising event leadership.
• Proven experience leading high-functioning teams and managing cross‑sector partnerships.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with fundraising CRM systems (Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge preferred).
• Post‑secondary education required; CFRE designation or progress toward completion is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the Southwestern Ontario philanthropic and corporate landscape is a strong advantage.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle required; regional travel is expected.
• Adaptability to a hybrid work environment with access to a quiet home office setup.

This full‑time position (40.0 hours per week) is available immediately with regular business hours and some evenings / weekends. This is a hybrid role; the successful candidate will be required to work at either our London or Waterloo office. Travel throughout southwestern Ontario will be required to meet with donors and other stakeholders. The successful candidate must have a suitable quiet environment from which to work, with a desk, reliable and secure internet access.

A laptop will be provided. The position reports to the President & CEO.

The successful candidate must undergo a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.

JA South Western Ontario is an equal opportunity employer. JA SWO will not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, age (18 and over), record of offenses for which a pardon has been granted, marital status (including same sex partners), family status, or any other grounds prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by email to kgallant by June 2, 2025. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

May 15, 2025

Director

Full‑time

Other

Education Management