Senior Philanthropy Leader

Job summary

The role is responsible for driving major gift and strategic fundraising initiatives to advance the Foundation's mission. Key duties include cultivating donor relationships, preparing compelling proposals, and mentoring philanthropy staff to align fundraising with organizational goals.

Job details

Company Description The Alberta Cancer Foundation is dedicated to creating more hope and more meaningful moments for all Albertans facing cancer, regardless of where they live or the type of cancer they are experiencing. The Foundation partners closely with healthcare providers, communities, and donors to enhance cancer care, support innovative research, and improve patient outcomes. Its work focuses on ensuring equitable access to high-quality cancer services and resources across the province. Team members are united by a shared commitment to compassion, collaboration, and impact for individuals and families affected by cancer. Role Description The Senior Philanthropy Leader is a full-time, on-site position based in Sherwood Park, AB, responsible for driving major gift and strategic fundraising initiatives that advance the Foundation’s mission. This role leads relationship-building with key donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders, developing tailored engagement plans and stewarding long-term philanthropic support. Day-to-day responsibilities include identifying and cultivating prospective donors, preparing compelling proposals and impact reports, and overseeing donor events and campaigns in collaboration with internal teams. The Senior Philanthropy Leader will mentor philanthropy staff, contribute to annual and multi-year fundraising strategies, and work closely with leadership to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals. This position requires consistent collaboration with clinical partners and program leads to understand funding needs and translate them into clear, inspiring donor opportunities. Qualifications Demonstrated expertise in fundraising strategy, major gifts, and donor relations, with a track record of securing significant philanthropic support. Strong skills in relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach, with the ability to build trust across diverse groups. Proficiency in proposal writing, impact reporting, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Experience leading teams or projects in a philanthropy, nonprofit, or healthcare setting, with solid coaching and mentoring capabilities. Comfort working with fundraising databases, CRM systems, and basic data analysis to inform decision-making and measure results. Excellent organizational and time-management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment. Knowledge of healthcare or cancer care sectors is an asset, along with an understanding of ethical fundraising practices and donor confidentiality. Post-secondary education in fundraising, nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and compassionate service, with a genuine desire to support individuals and families facing cancer.

What you’ll do

The role is responsible for driving major gift and strategic fundraising initiatives to advance the Foundation's mission. Key duties include cultivating donor relationships, preparing compelling proposals, and mentoring philanthropy staff to align fundraising with organizational goals.

Requirements

Candidates need demonstrated expertise in major gifts and donor relations with a track record of securing significant philanthropic support. A post-secondary degree in fundraising, nonprofit management, or a related field is required or equivalent experience.

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• CRM Systems · Preferred
• Team Leadership · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Fundraising Strategy
• Major Gifts
• Donor Relations
• Relationship Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Community Outreach
• Proposal Writing
• Impact Reporting
• Presentation Skills
• Team Leadership
• Coaching and Mentoring
• CRM Systems
• Data Analysis
• Time Management
• Ethical Fundraising
• Donor Confidentiality

Job areas

• Management & Leadership
• Social Services
• Healthcare
• Marketing
• Government & Public Sector