Manager of Philanthropy

Location: Home-based / Fully remote (Canada)

Position: Full-time, Permanent (37.5 hours/week)

Salary: $90,000-98,000 (anticipated hiring range) plus benefits

The Organization

Substance Canada (formerly Drug Free Kids Canada) is a national, registered charity, whose mission is to improve the substance use health of youth across the country. We empower youth to make healthy, informed choices about substance use. We do so by supporting parents and caregivers through engaging, evidence-based resources and direct support.

The Opportunity

Substance Canada is seeking an experienced and relationship-focused Manager of Philanthropy to help grow and strengthen our fundraising program.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Philanthropy will lead the organization's individual, major, foundation, and corporate giving activities while stewarding an existing portfolio of donors and identifying new philanthropic partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity for a fundraiser who thrives on building meaningful relationships and connecting donors with a cause that changes lives. Working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, the Manager of Philanthropy will play a key role in advancing fundraising priorities, strengthening donor engagement and helping build the systems, practices and culture that support long-term philanthropic growth.

Why Join Substance Canada?

Joining Substance Canada means becoming part of a passionate, mission-driven team committed to improving the health and well-being of young people across Canada. You'll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with donors, contribute to an important national cause, and help strengthen the organization's philanthropic impact for years to come.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Philanthropy will lead the day-to-day implementation of Substance Canada’s national philanthropy program, including the following:

• Act as the organization's frontline fundraiser while serving as a trusted ambassador for Substance Canada and its mission.
• Manage and grow a national portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects by developing and implementing donor-centred cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition strategies that deepen engagement and increase philanthropic support.
• Lead annual, monthly, and major giving initiatives by securing new and renewed gifts, strengthening donor retention and upgrades, and expanding long-term donor engagement.
• Develop high-quality fundraising materials, including cases for support, proposals, stewardship reports, gift agreements, fundraising appeals, and donor communications.
• Collaborating with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and colleagues to implement annual fundraising priorities and contribute to long-term fundraising planning.
• Strengthen fundraising systems, stewardship practices, reporting, and organizational infrastructure to support sustainable growth.
• Monitor fundraising activity and performance while maintaining accurate donor records and preparing regular reports on pipeline development, donor engagement, and revenue.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, volunteers, and colleagues to foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
• Remain informed of emerging trends, fundraising best practices, CRA regulations, and ethical standards within the charitable sector.
• Contribute to other fundraising and organizational initiatives, as required, in support of Substance Canada's mission and strategic priorities.

Education and Experience

The ideal candidate is an accomplished relationship fundraiser who combines strong communication skills with strategic thinking, sound judgment, and a passion for community impact.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Business, or a related field. A College diploma in fundraising is considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.
• MPNL or CFRE designation (or active pursuit of certification) is considered a strong asset.
• At least 5 years of progressive fundraising or development experience in the charitable sector, with demonstrated success in donor relationship management, revenue generation, and the implementation of fundraising initiatives.
• Experience managing and growing a portfolio of donors across multiple giving levels.
• Demonstrated success in securing annual, monthly, and major gifts while cultivating long-term donor relationships.
• Experience preparing compelling cases for support, proposals, gift agreements, donor reports, stewardship communications, and fundraising appeals.
• Experience engaging volunteers, senior leaders, and professional advisors in fundraising activities.
• Strong understanding of donor-centred fundraising, relationship fundraising, CRA regulations, and fundraising ethics.

Skills & Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional relationship-building and donor stewardship skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation and proposal-writing abilities.
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a remote environment.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when working with donors and confidential information.
• A collaborative, proactive and solutions-oriented approach.
• High degree of initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with donor databases, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Bilingualism (English and French) is considered a strong asset.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada and be available to travel occasionally.

How to Apply

Applications received by July 31, 2026, will be considered in the first round of review. We will continue accepting applications until the position has been filled and encourage interested candidates to apply early.

Please submit your cover letter and résumé to bchaly@substancecanada.org