Director of Development

About Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP)

Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP) is a registered Canadian charity founded in Toronto in 2008. We are dedicated to bringing joy, movement, and community to people living with Parkinson’s disease, seniors, and those with neurological conditions, through inclusive, arts-based programming.

Grounded in compassion, accessibility, and the transformative power of the arts, our evidence-based dance and movement programs are specifically designed to support and enhance functional fitness, mobility, and overall quality of life. With a strong foundation in therapeutic practice and artistic expression and over 5,000 participants, DWP continues to grow as a national leader in accessible programming for people of all abilities. www.dancingwithparkinsons.com

Why Join Us

At DWP, you’ll help sustain programs that bring light, laughter, and movement to people living with Parkinson’s across Canada. You’ll join a compassionate, creative, and supportive team that believes in the power of community and art to create change.

If you’re ready to put your leadership and fundraising skills to work for a meaningful cause, we’d love to meet you!

Position Summary
DWP is seeking a passionate and strategic Director of Development to develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy that ensures DWP’s long-term financial sustainability. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the Managing Director, and working closely with the CEO, team, and Board of Directors.
The Director of Development will lead major gift cultivation, grant development, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and donor engagement initiatives, with a strong focus on relationship-building, stewardship, and donor retention. This role plays a key part in shaping DWP’s future and impact across Canada. This role is predominantly remote with some in-person event attendance required.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a data-informed, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with DWP’s growth goals.
• Set and monitor KPIs for donor acquisition, revenue growth, recurring donations, and donor retention.
• Lead and oversee all fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, grants, annual giving campaigns, and sponsorships.
• Cultivate a portfolio of major donors, ensuring strong stewardship and relationship management.
• Grow planned giving and recurring donation programs.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Foster and maintain meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
• Confidently represent DWP at fundraising events and meetings.
• Oversee all aspects of donor engagement: cultivation, recognition, stewardship, and retention.
• Working with the Director of Communications, develop impactful donor communications and engagement strategies that deepen their connection to DWP.

Team & Operational Leadership

• Manage the Development Assistant/Grant Writer with a focus on accountability, mentorship, and collaboration.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director on revenue forecasts and financial planning.
• Develop and maintain systems to track donor engagement, campaigns, and performance metrics.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to funders and internal stakeholders.

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain up-to-date donor records and CRM systems.
• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with CRA regulations, ethical standards, and internal policies.
• Coordinate with the Managing Director to support the annual audit.

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge & Experience

• A minimum of 5 year's fundraising leadership experience within the nonprofit or charitable sector. CFRE designation preferred, but not mandatory.
• Proven success securing funding from major donors, foundations, corporations, and government sources.
• Strong grant writing, proposal development, and donor communications skills.
• Proficient with fundraising CRMs and data analysis.

People & Project Skills

• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with a talent for building and maintaining relationships with donors, partners, community stakeholders, staff, and board members. Comfort representing DWP at events and meetings.
• Experience managing staff or consultants.
• Strategic thinker with strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Core Competencies

• Deep commitment to DWP’s mission and community.
• Results-oriented and focused on delivering outcomes.
• Able to motivate a diverse team and build cross-functional partnerships.
• Adaptable and able to shift strategies based on data and evolving opportunities.
• Handle challenges with humour, professionalism, and persistence.

Application Process
Please submit your resume and a cover letter as one combined document, to annmarie@dancingwithparkinsons.com with the subject line: Development Director Application, no later than January 30, 2026.
All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, and any offer of employment is conditional on the successful completion of reference checks and a criminal record and vulnerable sector check in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
DWP appreciates the interest of all applicants, however only candidates being considered will be contacted.

If you require any accommodations during the recruitment and selection process, please contact annmarie@dancingwithparkinsons.com. We are committed to ensuring an equitable and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Culture and Commitment
Dancing with Parkinson’s is committed to equity, inclusion, and diverse representation both internally and in our community. We are committed to building a diverse team and welcome and encourage applications from equity-seeking groups including Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.