Senior Development Officer, Individual Giving

Senior Development Officer, Individual Giving

Summary

We are seeking a relationship-driven Senior Development Officer, Individual Giving to lead and grow our individual donor program. In this role, you will identify, cultivate and steward a portfolio of current and prospective donors, guiding them through the full giving journey. This is a hands-on, strategic role ideal for someone who thrives on building authentic relationships and translating passion for libraries into sustainable philanthropy.

This position builds the Vancouver Public Library Foundation’s portfolio of planned, individual, and special gifts and grants from individuals, families, and their giving partners and their foundations. A vital member of our ambitious team, this individual leverages VPLF’s donor database, VPL and Foundation events, social media, online marketing, and both custom and broad-based direct response activities to engage people living in and around Vancouver to become committed supporters of VPL. Through these activities, the Individual Giving Officer secures funding support totalling $300,000-$1M/year.

The successful candidate is a strong writer and compelling storyteller. They are an outstanding relationship builder and excellent listener who connects easily with people from every walk of life. They share their passion for the vital work done by public libraries through a variety of channels (including phone, in-person, events, email and social media) and use their exceptional listening and learning skills to to inspire generous support for VPL. This person is ambitious, collaborative, and effective in a fast-paced environment. Skilled in juggling multiple projects, they value lifelong learning and prioritize ongoing professional development, experimentation, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

DONOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Lead all aspects of VPL Foundation’s special giving programs including prospect research, identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and meaningful stewardship.
• In consultation with Director, Philanthropy, manage and grow a portfolio of 75–100 individual donors and prospects, with a focus on major gift capacity ($5,000+).
• Develop personalized cultivation and stewardship plans to deepen donor engagement and increase lifetime value.
• Conduct donor meetings (in person, virtual, or by phone), including discovery calls, impact updates, and gift solicitations.
• Help shape, execute, and leverage VPL Foundation events as powerful tools for fundraising targets and donor engagement strategies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for your donors, responding promptly and thoughtfully to inquiries and correspondence.
• Collaborate with the team in developing content for vplf.ca, social media, donor reports, direct mail/email solicitations.
• Create and distribute reports and other customized communications to donor/prospect groups.
• Work collaboratively with VPL teams and Community Giving Officer to create, enhance and share communications and activities that support fundraising and build VPL and Foundation profile.
• Develop compelling grant proposals, appeals, and other fundraising communications to secure grants and mid and major-level gifts.
• Accurately maintain Raiser’s Edge database and make information-driven fundraising decisions for the portfolio based on analysis of internal and external data
• Identify and implement mid and major-level giving best practices and closely monitor portfolio performance.

PLANNED GIVING

• Manage the planned giving program including prospect research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Collaborate with Director, Philanthropy and Community Giving Officer to identify planned giving prospects.
• Engage planned gift prospects through email, phone, in-person conversations, and branch tours.
• Work with Director, Philanthropy to steward those who have registered expectancies with VPLF and the families of planned gift donors after gifts are realized.
• Record expectancies and manage administration associated with realization of planned gifts.
• Stay up to date on emerging trends and best practices, and build strong relationships with allied professionals.

STEWARDSHIP & DONOR EXPERIENCE

• Analyze donor information in Raiser’s Edge to identify trends that inform planning of stewardship activities
• Collaborate with the team to identify, develop, and implement acknowledgement, recognition, and impact reporting strategies that strengthen long-term relationships with donors and generate increased support.
• Leverage VPL and Foundation events as strategic touchpoints for donor cultivation—hosting VIP tours, facilitating donor speaker opportunities, and organizing post-event follow-ups.
• Actively seek feedback from supporters to strengthen relationships.
• Ensure all recognition agreements are fulfilled.
• Work with the Director, Philanthropy and VPL staff to develop and present meaningful donor impact reports.

Requirements:

• 4+ years progressive work experience in fundraising, sales, and/or marketing roles.
• Successful track record of developing and executing fundraising/sales plans through direct outreach to prospective and current prospects/donors/clients.
• Versed in donor cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgement and stewardship best practices and implementation.
• Experience and comfort with making calls and scheduling meetings for sales or fundraising purposes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding work ethic and ability to work independently and to accomplish objectives and deliver high quality, consistent and timely results.
• Post-secondary degree in arts or marketing, fundraising or communications, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a variety of individuals
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadline requirements, and adapt to changing circumstances/priorities.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, and Donor/CRM databases (Raiser’s Edge, SalesForce).

Why Join Us?

• Make a tangible difference in one of Canada’s most beloved public institutions.
• Be part of a effective, ambitious, and collaborative team where your ideas and initiative are valued.
• Flexible hybrid work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
• Competitive salary ($70,000–$80,000 CAD, commensurate with experience) and benefits package.
• Work in a mission-driven organization that champions inclusivity, innovation, and lifelong learning.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and a cover letter explaining why you’re passionate about supporting public libraries and how your experience aligns with this role to: jenny.marsh@vplf.ca with the subject line: Senior Development Officer Application – [Your Name]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis – applicants are encouraged to apply early.

The Vancouver Public Library Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse communities. We acknowledge that our work takes place on the unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil Waututh) and sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Coast Salish peoples.