Chief Development Officer | Wellspring

Organization: Wellspring Alberta
Location: Alberta
Job Type: Hybrid Full-time

Wellspring Alberta is a charitable organization that supports, informs, and empowers those diagnosed with cancer by helping them address the fear, isolation, disruption and practical problems cancer can bring to their lives. An affiliate of the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, Wellspring Alberta provides a comprehensive range of programs, support, resources, and programs so anyone living with cancer and the people who care about them can improve the quality of their lives. All programs and services are informed by evidence and offered free of charge and without referral in three centres and online. Our vision is that no one has to face cancer alone. Wellspring Alberta’s work is made possible through the generous donations of individuals, corporations, foundations and grassroots fundraisers, and with the efforts of committed volunteers, dedicated staff and skilled contracted program leaders.

Purpose of position:
Reporting to and working closely with the CEO and the board, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) is Wellspring’s senior leader responsible for cultivating relationships with individuals, foundations, corporations, and government, with the goal of expanding levels of financial and community support for Wellspring’s vision. You will play a pivotal role in leading and elevating Wellspring’s mission through compelling and inspiring communications and high caliber community engagement. The CDO is a provincial role and a key member of the senior leadership team, working collaboratively to inform and implement the organization’s strategic plan and vision. The CDO works closely with the Strategic Partnerships Director, the Community Development Director, the Communications Manager, and other staff to achieve the organization’s fundraising goals. You will actively contribute to strategic planning and operational execution, demonstrating exceptional confidence and depth in leadership and expertise in both resource development and communications. The CDO demonstrates success in leadership through experience-informed, outcomes-focused and ethical approaches to resource development and building strong, trusting relationships both internally and externally. Travel to communities across Alberta as well as occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement an integrated strategy for resource development and communications, leading the team to align work plans with annual strategic goals.
• Design and lead fundraising strategy, through an understanding of the levers of impact data, donor analytics, mission-based research, and member and organizational stories.
• Create a culture of philanthropy by educating and inspiring the staff team, volunteers and program leaders about the significance of philanthropy in achieving Wellspring’s mission.
• Builds and manages a portfolio of approximately 50 donors and funders. Responsible for fundraising and stewardship of gifts $100,000 and above.
• Responsible for the development of organization-wide policies, objectives and strategies related to fundraising activities.
• Lead and manage government relations.
• Support the senior leadership team in developing an annual budget and strategic plans to achieve the program objectives, assessing progress, and recommending/implementing appropriate changes as needed

2. Donor Experiences and Investments:

• Serve as the primary driver of transformational donor relationship development.
• Prioritize efforts to create exceptional donor experiences throughout the donor life cycle through impactful communications and personalized connections.
• Cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of lead gifts ($100,000 and more).
• Participate in and/or lead the development and stewardship of significant, strategic major gifts to strengthen long-term relationships and partnerships, and to drive increased donations.

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build authentic and meaningful relationships with key supporters, emphasizing trust, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to Wellspring’s mission and values.
• Develop and nurture strategic relationships with donors, healthcare partners, media, and board members, leveraging these connections to advance Wellspring’s mission

4. Brand Management and Visibility:

• Advance Wellspring Alberta’s brand identity and broaden awareness of impact, programs, and priorities.
• Innovate and implement digital strategies that not only enhance visibility but also position Wellspring as a thought leader and a trailblazer in the community cancer support landscape.
• Lead the strategic evolution of Wellspring Alberta’s brand, ensuring that it resonates with diverse audiences and effectively communicates the organization’s evolving mission and impact

5. Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, inspire, and manage a high-performing team of resource development, communications, data analysis professionals, volunteers and contractors.
• Promote a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and collaborative learning.
• Instill a culture of strategic thinking within your team, emphasizing impact, innovation, and adaptability to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of community-based cancer support organizations.
• As a leader of leaders, foster professional development, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence, creating a team that is not only proficient in its current tasks but also future-focused and proactive.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• A minimum of 8 years’ experience with a strategic focus in major gift fundraising, donor relationship management and communications in the non-profit sector.
• Post-secondary education in a relevant field. Masters level education is an asset.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience and demonstrated ability to lead and manage effectively in a hybrid environment. Experience working in a provincial organization is an asset.
• Proficiency at public speaking, story-telling and presentations that inspire and engage people.
• Demonstrated experience in resource development with a proven track record of securing gifts of $100,000+ and leading effective fundraising strategies.
• Demonstrated commitment to the AFP donor bill of rights.
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) is an asset.
• Professional demeanor including exceptional written and verbal communication skills, diplomacy, integrity and ethics.
• A team player who values an environment of open communication and collaboration.
• Proficiency and comfort with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with leading the people implementing CRM (Salesforce products), digital marketing tools (Constant Contact) and web-based platforms such as WordPress, Zoom, etc.
• Experience in government relations.
• Experience in leading and managing board and volunteer committees.
• Experience leading successful donor communications strategies and programs.
• Innovative thinking and strategic acumen with the ability to engage and motivate supporters.
• Proven organizational, project management, and analytical skills with the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in applying structured change management methodology and leading change management activities.
• Experience in face-to-face donor solicitation, especially with major and lead gift asks.

To apply:
To apply for this position, please email your cover letter, resume and salary expectations to sheenac@wellspringalberta.ca. This posting will close once we have found a successful candidate. We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Inclusion Statement
Wellspring Alberta is committed to being an inclusive organization. We are in a process of expanding the diversity of identities and lived experiences, to be more reflective of the communities in which we work and live. To support this process, we’ve become an employer partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, developed an Advisory group, and we are taking action as part of our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. We understand we’re on a journey, which will take time, and that increasing equity in our organization and in cancer care is critical. We encourage applications from groups that are typically under-represented in cancer-serving organizations including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, LGBTQ2S+ identifying individuals, persons with disabilities, and candidates from all equity seeing groups.

We welcome you to contact us for a conversation about accessibility and accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

We know that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about the role, but your qualifications don’t match perfectly, we encourage you to apply.

We appreciate your interest in Wellspring and warmly welcome all applications