Vice President, Philanthropy

The Canadian Women’s Foundation (the Foundation) is Canada’s public foundation for gender justice and equality. It advances this by growing support for grassroots feminist action, partnering with communities and organizations to improve conditions, and building diverse leadership and knowledge for sustainable change. Through fundraising, granting, research, advocacy, and knowledge sharing, the Foundation works to achieve feminist systemic change. By granting to and strengthening local community programs across Canada, the Foundation empowers women, girls and gender-diverse people to move out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence and leadership. Launched in 1991 by a group of eight trail-blazing women, the Foundation addresses a critical need for philanthropy focused on women and is one of the largest women’s fundraising foundations in the world. With the assistance of supporters and donors, the Foundation has raised more than $270 million to fund over 3,400 life-transforming programs across the country. As a leading voice for women, girls and gender-diverse people in Canada, Canadian Women’s Foundation is committed to getting gender equality issues front and centre in the hearts and minds of people in Canada.

It is within this context that the Canadian Women’s Foundation welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its Vice President, Philanthropy, commencing in the first quarter of 2026.

Reporting to President & CEO Mitzie Hunter, and as an integral member of the senior leadership team (SLT), the Vice President, Philanthropy is responsible for the strategic direction, vision and leadership of all the fundraising and donor relations activities at the Foundation. As the chief fundraiser for the Foundation, the Vice President works to increase awareness and philanthropic support of the domestic feminist movement, and the critical issues affecting diverse women, girls, Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people. The Vice President, along with colleagues on the SLT, will also continue to position the Foundation as the charity of choice for this movement. Working with a dedicated, long-standing team, the Vice President mentors, guides and oversees the team of 10 full-time staff via 4 direct reports in the following business units: Community Giving; Individual and Foundation Major and Midlevel Giving; Corporate Giving; and Donor Experience. The Vice President supports the growth of a strong culture of philanthropy in the organization through mentoring and engagement across the Foundation with staff, and with the Board and the Foundation’s volunteers and donors. In addition to this work, the Vice President also manages an active donor pipeline and is responsible for their own fundraising revenue targets. Furthermore, the Vice President is responsible for the unit’s annual and strategic budget and business plans, and with implementing those plans in a manner that ensures the Philanthropy plans align with and support the Foundation’s strategic directions and revenue needs. The Vice President works across the Foundation and in partnership with their colleagues, with a dedicated focus on supporting the Foundation’s philanthropy and donor relations, and with ensuring that both the long-term and short-term goals of the Foundation are achieved.

As the ideal candidate, you are a well-respected and successful senior fundraising professional with a broad range of experience across all giving methods, including annual, planned giving, and major gifts, and from individuals, corporations and foundations. You have demonstrable success as the lead fundraiser, and have solicited multi-year, complex donations in the 5, 6 and 7 figure range. Experience supporting a comprehensive campaign is considered an asset. You are adept at engaging donors and volunteers, have excellent listening skills, and can problem solve and bring innovative ideas to bear. You are knowledgeable, conversant and can speak with ease about the issues of importance to the Foundation, including gender equity, human rights, gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and equality. As a people leader, you actively support, mentor and develop your staff team, have experience setting goals and workplans, a demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and foster a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment in your organizations. To that end, the ideal candidate must embody what the Foundation is known for: championing gender equity, justice, and feminist philanthropy, and with upholding the values of inclusivity, respect, accountability and support. Bilingualism in both of Canada’s official languages (French/English) is considered a strong asset.

To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity with the Canadian Women’s Foundation, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca) or visit: https://griffithgroup.ca/cwf-vp-philanthropy/.

Salary Range and Compensation Package: $125,000-180,000, commensurate with experience. The total compensation package includes a comprehensive employer-paid benefits package, professional development funds, paid vacation and statutory holidays, and sick/personal days.

Location/WFH: While the Foundation’s office is located in Toronto, Ontario, the Foundation offers a hybrid work environment. Candidates do not need to be based in Toronto, however, must have the ability to travel for work-related purposes.

The Canadian Women’s Foundation is strongly committed to equity in employment and seeks to attract, select, and hire a diverse team with a high level of professional skills, passion for and belief in our vision and mission. It aims to be inclusive of diverse people across gender and sexuality spectrums. This includes people who identify as women, girls, trans, Two Spirit, genderqueer, nonbinary, and 2SLGBTQIA+. If comfortable, the Foundation encourages candidates to share information about their identities, lived experiences, and the communities they are part of in their cover letter.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to those legally eligible to work in Canada.

The Canadian Women’s Foundation and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or assessment processes.