Development Director

Location: Toronto, ON (Hybrid)

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Probationary period: Six months, with a formal performance review at three months

Reports to: Chief Archivist, Treasurer

Anticipated start: December 1, 2026

Estonian Museum Canada (VEMU) is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the history, stories, and cultural heritage of Estonians in Canada and the Global Diaspora.

Building on more than 50 years of archival stewardship, it holds the largest collection of Estonian cultural heritage outside Estonia: an extensive and internationally significant collection documenting Estonian life in Canada and across the diaspora. Through its archives, exhibitions, research, cultural programming, and public events, VEMU connects generations and brings this heritage into conversation with contemporary culture. In 2025 alone, VEMU delivered more than 70 public events.

VEMU is now entering a significant period of growth. Major plans are underway to transform its archives into a modern preservation facility and advance the development of a future museum. As we prepare for this next chapter, including a major multi-phase capital campaign, we are seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands‑on Development Director to build and lead VEMU’s fundraising program.

Position Overview

The Development Director will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising program supporting VEMU’s mission, growth, and long-term sustainability.

The role will establish strong fundraising systems and donor programs; lead annual, major, institutional, and campaign fundraising; and oversee VEMU’s upcoming capital campaign. The Development Director will work closely with the Chief Archivist, Treasurer, Dir. Public Affairs, Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, government partners, and community stakeholders.

This is an opportunity for an experienced development professional who enjoys both strategy and execution and is excited to help build a growing fundraising operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising strategy with clear goals, budgets, timelines, and performance measures.
• Lead the planning and execution of VEMU’s multi-phase capital campaign, encompassing the renewal of the archives and development of the future museum.
• Build and coordinate the campaign cabinet, volunteer leadership, and supporting campaign structure.
• Oversee campaign planning, case for support development, feasibility work, donor strategy, and campaign communications.
• Provide regular fundraising forecasts, analysis, and progress reporting to organizational leadership and the Board.

2. Annual, Major & Donor Giving

• Build and lead VEMU’s annual giving program.
• Develop and manage the donor pipeline, including prospect identification and research, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition.
• Lead major and leadership giving initiatives.
• Develop sponsorship opportunities and manage relationships with corporate and community partners.
• Strengthen donor retention and create pathways for donors to deepen their engagement with VEMU.

3. Government, Foundation & Institutional Funding

• Lead Canadian municipal, provincial, and federal and Estonian government funding applications for programming, cultural initiatives, capital projects, and organizational development, coordinating input from the VEMU team.
• Maintain relationships with Estonian-Canadian, Estonian, and global Estonian diaspora organizations and funders.
• Research, identify and pursue emerging funding opportunities aligned with VEMU’s priorities and goals.
• Maintain a centralized calendar and tracking system for applications, reporting requirements, and deadlines.

4. Development Systems & Infrastructure

• Establish and maintain effective development policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Oversee CRM data quality, maintenance, segmentation, and automation to support donor management and reporting.
• Develop sustainable systems for prospect and pipeline management, gift tracking, donor stewardship, and impact reporting.
• Ensure appropriate practices for donor privacy, gift documentation, acknowledgement, and charitable receipting.
• Lead the fundraising strategy for VEMU’s annual fundraising dinner, working with staff and volunteers on delivery.
• Identify opportunities to integrate donor engagement and fundraising into other key VEMU events.
• Coordinate fundraising committees and volunteers associated with development events and campaigns.
• Help build and lead a growing development function as VEMU’s fundraising activit