Director of Philanthropy – Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley (PCSBV)

In the circle of life, there is a defined beginning and a defined end. And in between those bookends, there are millions of moments. At the instant of a diagnosis of a life changing illness, we become acutely aware that these moments are both finite and precious. Even in the face of the inevitable, we still have life to live.We have moments to cherish, important conversations and reflections to share with loved ones, and laughter to fill the spaces in between the sorrow, loss, and grief.

Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley (PCSBV) understands that in this transitional place, little things aren’t so little. Every decision matters. We surround grief with compassion, warmth, and support, so the focus can be on the moments that truly matter.

Founded in 2016, PCSBV is a registered charity and community-led organization, working to improve the end-of-life experience for individuals and their families who call the Bow Valley home.

PCSBV is on a growth trajectory, with significant changes happening across the organization.  Mostly notably, it is on the threshold of a unique and incredible opportunity: building the first dedicated Centre for Palliative Care and Hospice in the Bow Valley. 

A fundraising campaign for the Centre is underway, and to leverage and capitalize on this climate of opportunity, PCSBV has created the role of Director of Philanthropy to enhance and grow our burgeoning fundraising activities, build on our momentum and successes, and complete the campaign.

This is an unparalleled opportunity for someone looking to build a relatively new program in a unique and growing organization, and:

• is excited by the prospect of leading a $25 million capital campaign to completion;
• wants to be part of building an innovative and unique organization;
• can bring a depth of experience to a small and nimble group;
• is motivated to establish a career legacy that impacts people deeply during some of the most meaningful and challenging times in their lives.

Director of Philanthropy

The Director has overall fund development strategic, leadership, programmatic, operational, and financial responsibilities.  

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director leads the fund development program that fulfils:

• the capital campaign goal;
• financial growth and sustainability; and
• consistent achievement of the mission, vision, and mandate of PCSBV ensuring the PCSBV continues to successfully grow its reputation, influence, and impact.

The Director provides daily oversight and direction to a Fund Development Officer, partners closely with the CEO, campaign volunteers, and Board members as needed, and works closely with a small but strong and creative team, to grow our influence, reputation, and impact. 

The Director’s specific responsibilities include:

Strategy & Planning

• Develop, in partnership with the CEO, the organization’s long-range fundraising strategy, aligned with its strategic goals and mission.
• Establish the fundraising strategy’s operations plan, including but not limited to goals and metrics, fundraising tactics, and required resourcing.
• Develop, provide oversight for, and report on key metrics, targets, and goals related to overall strategy, annual plans, and special initiatives.

Fundraising Oversight & Leadership

• Lead the Centre for Palliative Care and Hospice campaign, and all associated asks and stewardship.
• Oversight, building, and execution of all PCSBV fundraising programs, including annual and monthly giving, foundations and grants, corporate support, and major and legacy giving.
• Assess and explore other viable fundraising programs as appropriate.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders, partners, funders, and donors; cultivate and solicit gifts according to prospects’ capacity, links, and interest.
• Ensure alignment between the organization’s best and most viable fundraising activities and its potential; work to create financial sustainability and revenue diversity.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO on strategic direction, partnership development, and donor engagement.
• Provide opportunities for Board engagement in fundraising, as appropriate.
• Prepare reports for the CEO and Board of Directors and support relevant committees.
• Develop and implement stewardship activities.
• Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with relevant foundations, community groups, and organizations.
• Ensure adequate procedures and policies are in place and stay up to date on fundraising legislation, as well as financial reporting transparency with government and other regulatory and funding bodies.
• Make recommendations to the CEO regarding departmental growth, hiring, or consultant needs, as appropriate, and support recruitment, onboarding, and retention and all related policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership and management to fundraising staff, coaching, and mentoring to ensure their success.

Leadership & Internal Collaboration

• Act as a senior leader within PCSBV, supporting strategy and planning across the organization.
• Foster a culture of respect, positivity, and trust, as well as an environment that supports teamwork and cooperation.
• Collaborate with marketing communications staff on fundraising communications and plans.
• Ensure fund development administrative functions and processes have rigorous procedures and policies, while also making recommendations as needed.
• Provide input for annual operating and program budgets, as needed.
• Represent the organization at community events, networking opportunities, or other engagement activities.

Candidate Profile

Candidates have varying backgrounds and traits, and our hope is that the Director will embody some combination of the following attributes:

• Passion for our mission.
• Entrepreneurial and creative.
• Nuance and political savvy of working in a small community.
• Both a strategist and do-er; proactive and keen to engage the community in the life of the Society.  
• Authentic and fun; can balance the seriousness of the work with levity to be human and humane. 
• Collaborative, nimble and adaptable to work in a small organization.
• A supportive coach to effectively leverage volunteer resources.
• Donor centric and highly accountable.

The Director will ideally possess:

• Proven experience with major gifts fundraising, ideally in a capital campaign setting.
• Oversight of a broad and comprehensive fundraising program, including annual giving, planned giving, events, and corporate giving.
• Exposure to a growing and dynamic charity is particularly helpful.
• Strong alignment to PCSBV’s values.
• Passion for PCSBV’s mission, and empathy for patient and family needs and experiences.
• An authentic interest in people’s stories and experiences, sincerity, and sensitivity.
• Demonstrated skills in relationship-building, planning, and organizing fundraising initiatives.
• Experience with effectively directing organizational operations and planning toward the achievement of organizational goals and growth.
• Ability to leverage internal resources and relationships, such as senior staff leadership and key volunteers.
• Capacity to lead direct reports to success.
• Strong communicator, verbal and written.
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work flexible hours on occasion, based on predictable activities like early meetings and late events.
• Ability to travel throughout the Bow Valley as needed.

Information for Candidates 

This search is being led by PCSBV’s search partner, Christoph Clodius at The Discovery Group, at christoph@thediscoverygroup.ca.  If you or someone you know is interested or curious, please be in touch.  

Application Timing and Selection Process. All submissions should be received by May 31, 2024, and we encourage early submissions.

Please apply to Christoph with a cover letter/expression of interest and resume/CV, in the same document please.

Compensation & Benefits. The expected salary range for the position is $100,000 to $120,000, depending on experience.

An additional 8% of the salary will be paid for the Director’s choice of benefit and retirement planning (based on 4% for benefits plus 4% for retirement planning).

Starting employees receive generous vacation in addition to statutory holidays and some office closures (i.e., December holiday period).