Executive Director / Head of Fundraising

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / HEAD OF FUNDRAISING

Option to be Fractional | Remote (Canada) | Reports to: Board of Directors

www.cmpnrf.ca | CRA Charity # 748799723 RR 001

About CMPNRF

The Canadian MPN Research Foundation (CMPNRF) is a registered charity established in 2018 whose mission is to stimulate original Canadian research toward new treatments, and ultimately a cure, for the blood cancers known as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). CMPNRF is entering a new chapter, building deeper relationships and co-developed research programs with leading cancer societies and foundations, including the MPN Research Foundation (Chicago), the Canadian MPN Group (physicians), and leading Canadian cancer organizations.

Role Summary

This hybrid role blends the responsibilities of Executive Director with those of the Foundation’s lead fundraiser. Approximately 80% of the role is dedicated to active fundraising, donor development, and revenue generation, with 20% focused on organizational oversight and Board support. We are seeking a proven fundraising champion who brings an existing network of donor relationships, institutional contacts, and funding channels, and who is ready to put that experience to work from day one.

Primary Focus: Fundraising and Revenue Development (~80%)

A. Donor Development and Major Gifts

• Lead all fundraising activities with a bold annual target of $500,000, growing in subsequent years.
• Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major individual donors, leveraging existing relationships and networks from prior roles.
• Build and manage a structured prospect pipeline using DonorPerfect CRM with clear stages, timelines, and revenue forecasts.
• Develop a donor engagement strategy including personalized outreach, recognition programs, and recurring giving initiatives.

B. Institutional, Corporate, and Campaign Fundraising

• Identify and secure funding from corporate sponsors, foundations, matching gift programs, and government grant sources; manage the full cycle from prospect research through reporting.
• Negotiate corporate partnership agreements, sponsorship packages, and cause-marketing opportunities.
• Explore co-funded research grant opportunities with partners (LLSC, MPNRF) aligned with relevant funding cycles.
• Design and lead campaign-based initiatives including annual appeals, peer-to-peer campaigns, and special events.
• Build and maintain the donor database (Canada Helps, DonorPerfect) for segmentation, tracking, and targeted outreach.
• Define clear fundraising roles for the Board and staff; equip Board members with tools and messaging to support cultivation.

C. Fundraising Communications and Public Engagement

• Serve as CMPNRF’s primary public champion at conferences, donor events, partner gatherings, and media opportunities.
• Develop compelling cases for support and impact narratives connecting donors to research outcomes.
• Oversee donor-facing content: newsletters, social media, podcasts, short educational videos, and patient stories.
• Leverage Board member expertise and networks to amplify awareness and fundraising reach.

Secondary Focus: Organizational Leadership (~20%)

D. Research, Operations, and Governance

• Support the Board’s partner engagement strategy and oversee research grant program logistics (RFP distribution, application coordination, progress reporting).
• Develop and manage annual operating and project budgets; provide regular financial reporting to the Board.
• Oversee bookkeeping, payables, reconciliations, and audits in coordination with external support staff.
• Ensure compliance with CRA requirements and arm’s-length management of pharmaceutical and corporate funding.
• Prepare Board meeting agendas (~every six weeks), ensure timely distribution of materials, and keep the Board informed of performance, risks, and deviations.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum five (5) years of hands-on fundraising experience in a nonprofit or health-related organization, with a proven record of personally closing major gifts and securing institutional funding.
• An established network of donor relationships and funding channels within the Canadian philanthropic or health charity landscape.
• Experience across multiple revenue streams: major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, campaigns, and digital giving.
• Proficiency with CRM/donor database systems (such as DonorPerfect or equivalent) for prospect management and stewardship.
• Strong financial acumen: budgets, fundraising performance tracking, and Board reporting.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to craft compelling cases for support and represent the organization publicly.
• Self-directed professional comfortable working independently and remotely with sound judgment.

Preferred

• CFRE designation achieved or underway, or equivalent professional fundraising certification.
• Related degree (Undergrad or graduate level) or certification in nonprofit management.
• Experience with Canadian health charities or disease-specific foundations.
• Scientific literacy or comfort engaging with medical/research content related to hematology, oncology, or rare diseases.
• Bilingual proficiency (English and French) is an asset.

Personal Attributes

• A natural relationship builder who thrives on connecting with donors, partners, and community members.
• Entrepreneurial and results-oriented, with the drive to build a fundraising program from the ground up.
• Passionate about CMPNRF’s mission and motivated by improving outcomes for MPN patients.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy.

Compensation

Possible fractional role with estimated annual compensation of $75,000 – $80,000, commensurate with experience. Remote-based in Canada with occasional travel for donor meetings, Board meetings, conferences, and events. Flexible working arrangements available.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to admin@cmpnrf.ca with “Executive Director / Head of Fundraising Application” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please describe your fundraising track record and the donor networks you would bring to this role.

CMPNRF is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.