Director, Philanthropy, Variety - the Children's Charity

• Provide leadership and strategy to the team driving philanthropic support to realize Variety’s goals to support children.
• Be an active member of the senior management team, providing input and support to ensure the successful implementation of the organization’s overall objectives.
• In collaboration with Director, Marketing and Communications ensure key materials developed to support philanthropy and stewardship activities.
• Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for the organization to communicate appreciation, need, and impact when needed.

• Develop and lead an integrated fundraising plan for individuals and foundations including strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors and prospects at the five and six-figure and above level.
• Identify, grow, and manage a portfolio of 100+ individual and foundation major gift prospects driving results to exceed personal fundraising goals on an annual basis.
• Consistently deliver on exceptional donor experiences inspiring philanthropy and engagement.
• Maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospects and continuously seek new funding opportunities that align with Variety’s needs and priorities.
• Support existing corporate and community partnerships as needed.
• Build strong relationships with Variety families, diverse communities, and organizations to foster collaboration and cohesion.
• Gift & Estate Planning
• Lead the development and implementation of an overall strategy and goals for estate and planned giving fundraising initiatives that are integrated across fundraising programs.
• Manage administration of organization’s estate and gift planning portfolio from initial notification to completion.
• Identify and manage planned giving donor prospects and strategies for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding planned giving donors.
• Provide exceptional stewardship and recognition of legacy donors and prospects, executors, and family members of donors who have left, or are planning to leave, a legacy gift to Variety.
• Ensure the donor management system is fully utilized to effectively enter, track, and manage estate and gift planning information.

• Provide oversight and leadership to grow and diversify revenue through major individual and foundation, monthly, annual, and legacy giving.
• Direct and lead a talented and high-performing team to achieve annual revenue targets and key performance indicators by providing strategic support, mentorship, and the resources needed to succeed.
• Work collaboratively with senior volunteers, donors, and teams to set, meet, and exceed ambitious fundraising targets.
• Lead or co-lead cross-functional projects as required.

• A clear passion for Variety’s vision to see every child with complex health need fulfil their unique potential and to create an inclusive world where no child is left behind.
• A strong understanding of major gift fundraising best practices and proven track record securing gifts from individual donors with expertise in all aspects of fundraising including pipeline development, cultivation, and solicitation of gifts at the five and six-figure level and above.
• Demonstrated success in building and retaining high performing teams to achieve fundraising goals by inspiring, developing, and mentoring staff.
• The ability to drive innovation and growth and be a detailed-oriented implementer who can mobilize small teams to translate strategy into results.
• Demonstrated ability handling multiple, complex fundraising initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), lived experience, or knowledge and awareness of EDI.
• Excellent oral, written, and verbal communications skills.
• Financial acumen and budget planning skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and using various digital tools and platforms. Experience with Raiser’s Edge an asset.
• A university degree or equivalent experience combined with progressive leadership in senior fundraising roles with proven experience developing and executing fundraising strategies within a complex environment.

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