Manager, Fundraising & Donor Engagement | TELUS Spark Science Centre

About Spark

TELUS Spark Science Centre (Spark), a registered educational charity, exists to entertain and inspire people of all ages through creative encounters with science, engineering, technology, math and art. Spark exists to lift people up with the power of curiosity through creative encounters with science!  

Calgary’s science centre is a pioneer in science entertainment and programming, with roots dating back to 1967. Home to one of Western Canada’s largest dome theatre, the Digital Immersion Gallery, VR experiences, and innovative spaces like Steven’s Lab, where interactive experiments unfold before your eyes. From the robot-dog Flint to Canada’s first robot-coa5ter, R05iE, and a 15-acre park surrounding the science of the developing brain, Spark is a hub for creative encounters.

Position Overview

The Manager, Fundraising & Donor Engagement reports directly to the Director, Philanthropy. The Manager is responsible for planning, managing and implementing activities that increase, diversify and sustain support for Spark from individuals, corporations, and foundations. This position supports sponsorship, philanthropy, foundation, and community relations and plays a leadership role in setting and achieving targets that support the strategic plan of the organization, developing and managing a portfolio, researching and writing proposals, and managing databases, stewardship and reporting.

The strategic focus of the position is to engagement with corporate, foundation, and individual funders.  This role is a primary fundraiser for Telus Spark Science Centre and is responsible for cultivating both corporate and philanthropic relationships with stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Revenue Generation

• Serves as a key fundraiser for the annual fundraising budget, ensuring philanthropic revenue remains a growing and sustainable source of support for Spark’s mission.
• Leads and expands the fundraising program, including community giving, internal giving, and special events, to maximize donor engagement and contributions.
• Specializes in donor stewardship, ensuring a high level of engagement and retention among existing supporters.
• Develops and implements entry-level sponsorship strategies, building relationships to increase corporate engagement and support.
• Oversees sponsorship initiatives for key programs, including but not limited to Feature Exhibits, Spark After Dark, Dome Theatre and other Spark programs and events.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Manages a portfolio prospects, utilizing relationship-management principles and conducting one-on-one presentations annually to secure donors, sponsors, and funds.
• Develops and executes cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for prospects, personally soliciting gifts while supporting others in their solicitation efforts.
• Moves top prospects through the donor cycle, preparing strategies, briefing notes, and follow-up actions to enhance engagement.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners, including corporate, academic, education, research, business, and arts sectors.
• Manages all agreement deliverables related but not limited to Feature Exhibits, Spark After Dark, and Dome Theatre ensuring fulfillment and reporting requirements are met.

Campaign & Program Development

• Develops and manages internal and external fundraising campaigns, including Winter Appeal (internal & external) and Spring Appeal, to drive donor engagement.
• Develops and implements a new Lunch & Learn series in collaboration with the Advancement and Science Education teams to enhance donor education and engagement.
• Designs and launches new philanthropic initiatives, including:
• Corporate Matching Gift Program
• Third-Party Fundraising Program

Event & Sponsorship Management

• Chairs and manages Signature Fundraising Events, including volunteer organizing committees, and is accountable for event budgeting and goal achievement.
• Works closely with the Experience team to align fundraising and sponsorship opportunities with Spark’s programming and audience engagement strategies.

Collaboration & Performance Monitoring

• Collaborates with the Director Philanthropy to ensure strategic alignment in donor engagement, sponsorship, and fundraising initiatives.
• Works closely with the Experience team, serving as a specialist in funding opportunities.
• Provides input to the VP Advancement regarding fund development potential and Spark’s ongoing plans, directions, and strategies.
• Monitors, measures, and reports on performance metrics, identifying issues and implementing continuous improvement strategies to enhance fundraising effectiveness.
• Ensures all fundraising activities align with Spark’s business and strategic goals, modeling high performance, adaptability, and collaboration in a dynamic growth environment.
• Assists in other duties as required to further the goals of the Advancement team and Spark.
• Works closely with the Director, Philanthropy to align fundraising strategies and ensure coordination of donor and sponsorship efforts.

 Qualifications & Knowledge

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience or expertise in managing and growing financial support in a fundraising environment.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience with people leadership.
• A solid understanding of fundraising methodologies and practices.
• Strong knowledge of Raiser’s Edge NXT and able to use most platforms.
• Proven ability to think strategically, creating competitive strategies and plans for the organization.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Highly developed skills and ability to excel in a growing fund development portfolio
• A proven track record of face-to-face solicitations and of achieving financial targets.
• Ability to convey the value and opportunity in involving the organization, employees and guests in the fund development process, fostering a giving culture.
• Excellent writing, research, communications and presentation skills
• Strategic thinker, attention to detail and strong program management skills
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of Telus Spark
• Fluent in Alberta Gaming and Liquor (AGLC) regulations
• Knowledge of Federal and Provincial legislation affecting charities, and charitable status and an overall understanding of legal and tax implications of major and planned gifts.
• University degree or College diploma in business or equivalent in sales, sponsorship and/or major gift experience
• Must possess a valid Driver’s Licence
• Knowledgeable about the AFP Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and the Imagine Canada’s Code of Ethical Conduct. 
• Strong ethics and ability to manage confidential data.
• A positive attitude!
• Desire to work on a high performing team with a continuous upgrading culture to achieve high impact results. Fluidity and a desire to work hard and grow are essential.
• A high degree of creativity with the ability to leave your ego at the door.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to change.

For full description and to apply follow this LINK

We thank all applicants for their interest.  Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, people of colour, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Spark, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace so if you are excited about this role please apply! An excitement and passion for science can go a long way here so you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Spark.