Director, Philanthropy

"The best prescription I've ever given is a wish."

• Dr. Jeremy Friedman, Associate Paediatrician-in-Chief, SickKids Hospital & Medical Advisor for Make-A-Wish Canada

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WISH?

Is it to be part of an organization that is child-focused, values employee experience and is an inspiring workplace? If so, Make-A-Wish is for you

Make-A-Wish Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness.

"It's been wonderful to have this wish to look forward to... It's wonderful to see [Rowan] with something that brings him pure joy after all he's been through and missed out on"

–Melissa, mom to wish kid Rowan (age 5, leukemia), who wished for an indoor jungle gym.

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Our mission is, together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness. Supported by our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Our values are Child-Focused, Integrity, Impact, Innovation, and Community.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Meaningful opportunities to make an impact and change the lives of children with critical illnesses within your community and across Canada
• A collaborative team environment where you feel valued and inspired
• An attractive compensation package that includes group health and dental premiums which are fully covered by the Foundation, RRSP, & Wish paid hours
• Annual vacation starting at three weeks & additional paid leaves
• Hybrid work model
• Work/life balance and flexibility
• Employee Wellness Program
• Corporate discounts
• Continuous learning, development and internal training opportunities
• Fun employee activities, contests, and more

Make-A-Wish Canada is committed to fostering a culture that aims to change lives while offering a rewarding employment experience where your contributions make a true difference every day

WHERE YOU COME IN

We are looking for a Director, Philanthropy to join our team at Make-A-Wish Canada. Reporting to the Vice President, Philanthropy, this leadership role is responsible for advancing major gifts, individual giving, and foundation fundraising across Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

As a key member of the Canada-wide Philanthropy team, you will lead high-impact donor relationships, develop integrated fundraising strategies, and contribute to shared national revenue goals that support the organization's long-term sustainability.

This role can be based anywhere in Quebec and is a full-time, permanent, hybrid position.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop and execute major gifts, individual giving, and foundation strategies aligned with organizational priorities and long-term revenue goals.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, guiding relationships from identification and qualification through solicitation, stewardship, and reporting.
• Build and steward strong relationships with individual donors, family foundations, and institutional foundations, with a primary focus on Quebec.
• Lead donor cultivation, proposal development, grant submissions, reporting, and tailored stewardship plans.
• Identify, qualify, and grow the donor pipeline by consistently adding new high-value prospects.
• Collaborate closely with senior volunteers, board members, and leadership to secure significant philanthropic commitments.
• Partner across departments—including Mission, Brand & Integrated Marketing, Donor Care, Finance, and Business Intelligence—to align messaging and donor engagement strategies.
• Contribute to a strong culture of philanthropy and model One Team, One Mission leadership across regions and teams.
• Represent the Foundation publicly through donor meetings, community events, and speaking engagements as required.
• Maintain accurate donor records and activity tracking in Salesforce, ensuring data integrity and timely reporting.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Fluency in both French and English is required.
• Bachelor's degree in fundraising, business, communications, or a related field; a master's degree or CFRE designation is an asset. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience is also suitable.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in philanthropy, with demonstrated success in major gifts and/or foundation fundraising.
• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Strong knowledge of philanthropy principles, donor engagement, and foundation relations.
• Familiarity with the philanthropic landscape in Quebec; experience in Atlantic Canada is an asset.
• Experience working in a complex or national non-profit organization is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and fundraising analytics.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and storytelling skills.
• High emotional intelligence, discretion, and comfort navigating sensitive donor conversations.
• Access to reliable transportation to and from work, as well as for occasional donor meetings.
• A clear Criminal Background Check is required.

YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Hybrid work environment, with 2 days in office per week and 3 days remote. This role requires work outside of regular office hours on occasion.
• Some day/overnight travel may be required.

Physical/Mental Effort

• Work under pressure to meet tight deadlines with a high-volume workload, multiple demands, and changing/overlapping priorities.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Make-A-Wish Canada (MAWC) is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). We believe that it is essential to our mission that we build a diverse, balanced, and vibrant workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and seek to serve. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups often only apply when they feel 100% qualified. Therefore, we ask that even if you do not see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on this posting, to still apply.

Recruitment process

Our recruitment process is swift in pace. Once applications are reviewed, we will contact our shortlisted candidates. Our typical process includes a phone screen, one or two interviews, and reference checking, followed by an offer and a criminal background check for the successful candidate.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in working with us

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH CANADA

In the past 40 years, Make-A-Wish Canada has granted over 40,000 wishes across the country, with 2,000 of them last year alone. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world's leading children's wish-granting organization. We serve children in every community in Canada, and in more than 50 countries worldwide.

JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY

For more information on how you can support Make-A-Wish Canada or get involved please visit our website