Campaign Director

Position summary

The Campaign Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation (WRHNF)'s multi-year capital campaign, designed to support major infrastructure, equipment, and program investments for Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). The Director is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive capital campaign plan, cultivating high-value donor relationships, supporting volunteer leadership, and ensuring successful attainment of campaign revenue goals with the support of WRHNF leadership

The role requires a seasoned fundraising professional with experience in major gifts, campaign strategy, stakeholder engagement, and volunteer management within the nonprofit or healthcare sector.

Key responsibilities

Campaign strategy & leadership

• Lead the design, planning, and implementation of a multi-year capital campaign(s), including goal setting, timelines, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Work closely with Foundation leadership, senior hospital administrators and medical leadership, and Board members to align campaign priorities with organizational needs.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive, detailed campaign plan to raise significant funds for WRHN priorities (new hospital building, renovations, equipment, support for clinical and medical education), detailing goals, timelines and key milestones, donor journeys and recognition systems to build capacity beyond normal annual giving to support transformational projects to improve local health care.
• Oversee prospect research and development of prospect pipelines using donor database software.
• Develop and oversee a strategic, documented approach to thank, acknowledge, and show appreciation to supporters for their donations including stewardship events and donation recognition systems.
• Develop a compelling case for support to meet multi-million dollar goals, and work with Foundation leadership and communication team to support its execution throughout the fundraising cycle.

Major gifts & donor relations

• Manage a personal portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Conduct face-to-face meetings, prepare customized proposals, and coordinate donor engagement opportunities with hospital leadership, physicians, and volunteers.
• Ensure timely and meaningful stewardship, recognition, and reporting to donors.

Volunteer & campaign cabinet management

• Recruit, train, and support a Campaign Cabinet, honorary chairs, and other volunteer leaders.
• Provide volunteers with the tools, briefing materials, and coaching needed to successfully engage with prospects.
• Coordinate regular Cabinet meetings, track volunteer activity, and maintain strong relationships with committee members.

Team & operational management

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to direct reports (stewardship and advancement research) and support the major gift team, fostering a high-performance and a collaborative culture.
• Collaborate with communications, events, and data teams to ensure integrated campaign messaging and accurate database tracking.
• Assist in management of the campaign budget and ensure strong financial oversight and reporting.

External relations & community engagement

• Represent the Foundation at community events, meetings, and partnership activities within the KW region.
• Support the development of campaign marketing materials, case for support documents, digital content, media engagement, and public announcements.
• Strengthen relationships with community leaders, corporations, service clubs, and other key stakeholders.

Reporting

• Provide regular campaign progress reports to the VP, Development, CEO and Campaign Cabinet.
• Ensure all fundraising activities adhere to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines, Imagine Canada Standards, and ethical fundraising principles.
• Maintain accurate donor records, research profiles, and tracking in the Foundation's CRM system (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce NPSP).

What we're looking for

Qualifications & experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including significant major gift or capital campaign leadership.
• Proven track record of securing up to 7-figure philanthropic gifts.
• Experience working with senior volunteers, community leaders, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication abilities—written, verbal, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with Raisers Edge and prospect management and stewardship practices.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and exercise sound judgment and discretion.
• Knowledge of Canadian charitable compliance and ethical fundraising standards.

Skills & competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinker
• Relationship-builder with strong emotional intelligence
• Persuasive communicator and storyteller
• Volunteer leadership and coaching skills
• Results-oriented with a high degree of accountability
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• High ethical standards and donor-centered philosophy

Bonus points for

• Experience in hospital or health care foundation fundraising.
• Familiarity with the Kitchener-Waterloo philanthropic community..
• CFRE designation or progress toward CFRE certification..
• Post-secondary degree in fundraising, business, communications, or related field.

Additional requirements

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends for donor meetings and events.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for local donor visits.
• Police background check required.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the WRHN Foundation and dedication to improving local healthcare.

What we offer

• Salary range: The target hiring range for this role is $110,000 to $130,000, with ability to progress to a maximum of $150,000.
• Vacation: 4 weeks vacation plus 4 summer wellness days and additional float days.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, HOOPP defined-benefit pension, computer and mobile device provided.
• Work culture: We offer a hybrid and flexible work environment, with regular in-person team strategy sessions and a minimum of one day per week in the office to support collaboration and connection.
• A mission-driven team where your voice matters and your professional growth is supported.

The process

We're looking for someone who brings heart, hustle, and humility. If that sounds like you - apply in the way that best showcases your passion and strengths. Whether that's a traditional resume and cover letter or something more creative (video, portfolio, or personal story), we're excited to meet you.

We are committed to barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and encourage applicants to inform us of any accommodations they may require.

Submit your application by January 16th