Director, Philanthropy

UNA-Canada’s core programming is dependent on contributions from individuals, corporations and our 15,000 members and supporters across Canada.

Director of Philanthropy is a key member of UNA-Canada’s executive leadership team, responsible for driving transformational revenue growth, expanding high-value philanthropic partnerships, and stewarding a culture of ethical, strategic, and mission-aligned fundraising. This role provides strategic direction, oversees and manages all philanthropy day-to-day operations, and cultivates strong internal and external relationships to advance UNA-Canada’s national impact. The Director is a results-oriented team player who is strongly motivated by the organization’s mission and growth.

1. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth

• Provide visionary leadership for UNAC’s philanthropy portfolio, contributing to organization-wide strategy, planning, and revenue growth.
• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies across major gifts, DAFs and foundations, and corporate partnerships.
• Identify emerging opportunities with business leaders, industry groups, multilateral partners, and philanthropic networks to broaden UNAC’s reach and revenue.
• Exercise strong ethical judgment and uphold the highest standards of integrity in all fundraising, governance, and management decisions.
• Experience designing and optimizing systems and processes for building pipeline, proposal lifecycles, reporting, and donor management.

2. High-Value Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Responsible for securing, stewarding, and growing high-value gifts (five and six-figure commitments).
• Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of top prospects, building sustainable long-term donor journeys.
• Work closely with the CEO, Board, and senior volunteers to engage networks, elevate influence, and drive major gift success.
• Develop donor journeys, cases for support, tailored proposals, and campaigns that inspire investment in UNAC’s national and global priorities.
• Strengthen prospecting, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship pipelines using best practices in donor-centered fundraising.
• Provide leadership in multi-year budget planning tied to ambitious revenue targets and organizational strategy.

3. Team Leadership & Internal Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing fundraising team, establishing clear expectations, KPIs, and accountability measures.
• Equip teams and volunteers with the tools, training, and confidence to support donor relationships.
• Foster a collaborative, values-driven culture where cross-functional teams work together to support revenue growth and mission delivery.
• Engage and support volunteers, boards, and campaign cabinets to maximize their participation in fundraising activities.

4. Operations, Compliance & Performance Management

• Oversee philanthropy operations including CRM/database management (e.g., Salesforce), donor research, revenue tracking, gift processing, and stewardship systems.
• Ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and adherence to ethical standards in all fundraising activities.
• Prepare regular reports for executive leadership and the Board, including pipeline health, revenue performance, and strategic progress.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and alignment with UNAC’s strategic priorities.
• Monitor and manage risks across donor agreements, reputational considerations, and changing philanthropic/economic landscapes.

5. External Relations, Advocacy & Representation

• Serve as a senior ambassador for UNAC at key events, conferences, donor meetings, and public forums.
• Strengthen the organization’s profile by building partnerships with corporate leaders, philanthropic decision-makers, and community influencers.
• Represent UNAC with exceptional communication skills—written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder influence.
• Demonstrate initiative, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence.

Act as a thought leader, articulating UNAC’s mission, priorities, and global relevance to inspire philanthropic investment.

Qualifications & Essential Experience

• Strong personal motivation to work in the sector and building a better world for all
• Minimum 10 years of fundraising leadership, with deep expertise in major gifts and high-value philanthropic strategy.
• Proven success growing revenue and stewarding relationships across at least two key streams: major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate new supporters and advance them to long-term, sustainable partnerships.
• Experience developing and delivering multi-million-dollar annual and multi-year fundraising budgets.
• Experience working with boards, senior volunteers, and executive leadership to advance high-value philanthropy.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder-management skills; ability to build trusted relationships internally and externally.
• Proven leadership, communication, influence, and negotiation capabilities.
• Experience working with in a small team and high-pace environment and handling multiple deliverables at the same time.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in business, philanthropy, international affairs, or related field preferred.
• CFRE designation considered a significant asset.
• Highly proactive, results-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Self-starter with an ability to drive change.
• Excellent team player with a “Can Do” attitude.
• CRM / fundraising Fluency software knowhow (Salesforce preferred)
• Commitment to UN’s universal values, as well as fully embracing our work with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Senior-level experience implementing organization-wide fundraising plans or transformation initiatives.
• Event management and knowledge of French are a plus
• Experience working in a remote team across Canada
• High-value fundraising experience in an international development, global affairs, UN, youth or community development context.