Philanthropy Specialist, Grants

Join Our Passionate Team at The Brenda Strafford Foundation

The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) is a charitable organization that currently owns and operates five Aging Care & Senior Living communities in Calgary, AB, and Okotoks, AB. We take pride in providing a safe, caring, and comfortable home environment that caters to the complex needs of our senior residents and families.

Locally, in Calgary, BSF also operates Alberta's largest second-stage shelter providing safe shelter and comprehensive support services to women and children leaving abuse and violence.

Our team members not only have the right skills and knowledge for the job – they are also passionate about the mission, vision, and values of BSF

Team members embody our values:

• We put people at the centre of everything we do
• We boldly pursue quality and innovation with pride and enthusiasm
• We believe in engagement with all stakeholders and respect every voice
• We act with compassion, empathy and understanding

The BSF Way:

Putting people first is a way of life at BSF. It's in our values and it's central to the way we do things. We believe in a person-centered approach to our care, services, and environment. By responding to the individual needs of those we serve, we can all play an important role in optimizing well-being and enriching lives... one person at a time.

Through the BSF Way, we uphold our 8 Commitments to:

• Get to know what makes a person unique
• Enable and respect choices
• Champion everyone's abilities, interests and aspirations
• Deliver "wow" service
• Do little things that can make a big difference
• Be the reason someone smiles
• Make people feel at home
• Be present in the moment

Job Overview

The Philanthropy Specialist – Grants & Partnerships supports the Foundation's fundraising efforts with a primary focus on researching, writing, and managing grants from diverse funding sources. As part of the Philanthropy team, this role helps secure community support to expandresources for the Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) and enhance its overall impact. The Specialist represents BSF through a person-centered, safety-focused, and values-driven approach, and is accountable for ethical conduct aligned with BSF policies.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with Executive Directors and Program Leads to identify funding needs and gather program information.

Conduct prospect research to identify grant opportunities from corporations, foundations, government, and other agencies.

Maintain and manage a grants calendar to ensure all proposal and reporting deadlines are met.

Draft, edit, and submit grant proposals, letters of intent, and related funding documents.

Support stewardship of current and prospective funders through ongoing, intentional communication.

Work with Program Leads and Finance to collect data and documentation for accurate and timely reporting.

Lead development of interim and final grant reports, ensuring compliance with deadlines and recognition requirements.

Monitor funded projects and communicate updates to granting organizations.

Maintain detailed grant records in Donor Perfect and SharePoint, and provide regular progress updates to the Vice President, Centre for Learning, Innovation and Quality.

Stay current on grant and fundraising trends.

Support cross-departmental coordination to enhance awareness and idea sharing.

Contribute to Philanthropy team initiatives and promote a culture of philanthropy across BSF.

At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, we are more than a workplace—we are a united team. We believe in fostering a culture where you can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact. You'll be part of a team that values empathy, compassion, and innovation.

Qualifications

University degree or college diploma in business administration, marketing, fundraising, or a related field, with 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent education/experience).

Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, and proposal development.

Proficient in MS Teams and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with DonorPerfect or other CRM systems is an asset.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, workback plans, and accurate records.

Self-directed with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

Skilled at gathering complex program information and translating it into clear, persuasive content for varied audiences.

Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to engage constructively with internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge of philanthropy practices, donor-centred fundraising, and commitment to enhancing donor experience.

Understanding of donor-advised funds.

Experience supporting partners, volunteers, and donors with professionalism and excellence.

Strong commitment to continuous learning and skill development.

High level of integrity, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical standards, including the Donor Bill of Rights and AFP Code of Ethics.

Further Requirements

Clear police and vulnerable sector check.

Class 5 driver's licence and reliable personal vehicle.

Flexibility to work evenings or weekends.

In accordance with Alberta's Protection for Persons in Care Act, a criminal record check is required for successful candidates.

As a condition of employment with "BSF", all new Health Care Worker hires must provide written proof of immunizations for communicable diseases.

The Brenda Strafford Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and celebrating an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility for all employees.

If you're ready to bring your expertise to a place where your work will truly matter, apply today and become a vital part of our compassionate team

We sincerely thank everyone for their interest in this opportunity. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those advancing to the next stage will be contacted.

Site: Tudor Manor

• Position Title: Philanthropy Specialist, Grants & Partnerships (Temporary Full-Time 18 months)
• Requisition Number: 1413
• FTE: 1.0
• Position Status: Temporary Part Time
• Union/Agreement: Management Professional
• Hours per Shift: 8 hours
• Wage rate/Salary:

Posting End Date:12/08/2025