When a child is diagnosed with cancer, their world doesn’t just tilt—it spins out of control. In an instant, families are pulled into a world of hospital rooms and medical jargon. Sleepless nights. Impossible choices. Fear settles into everything, and life becomes appointments, treatments, and waiting. That’s where Kids with Cancer Society steps in. They understand cancer doesn’t just affect the child; it consumes the entire family. They exist to hold families up when pediatric cancer threatens to pull everything apart. They can’t take the cancer away. But they can take care of the people facing it. For the kid who is scared and exhausted, they offer comfort, connection, and moments that feel like childhood again. For parents pushed to their breaking point, they show up with financial help and support they can access from a hospital bedside. Kids with Cancer Society is there for worried siblings who feel invisible and for caregivers who quietly put their own lives on hold to keep their family going. From the moment of diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and bereavement, they walk beside families. Quietly. Consistently. Free of charge. For as long as they are need. Because when a family is fighting for a kid with cancer, they need someone fighting with them.

For more information on Kids with Cancer Society please visit www.kidswithcancer.ca.

THE ROLE

As the Director of Philanthropy, you are a purpose-driven leader who propels Kids with Cancer Society’s mission forward. You will be responsible for building intentional partnerships and shaping the strategic direction of all aspects of philanthropy for the organization. You will steward a dynamic and comprehensive portfolio including major gifts, corporate partners, foundations & grants, annual & planned giving, signature events, and community fundraising initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this Director will be a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team and will work closely with all members of the small but mighty team as well as collaborate with the board, fundraising committee and volunteers.

THE CANDIDATE

You are a relationship-centric leader who pairs strategy and execution with a passion for impact. Your strong belief in supporting families affected by childhood cancer inspires generosity, mobilizes donors and sponsors to act, and builds the partnerships required to make Kids with Cancer Society’s current and future ambitions achievable.

Core Competencies:

• Significant fundraising and development experience, including demonstrated success securing major gifts.
• Proven track record of achieving or exceeding fundraising targets.
• Demonstrated successful track record of inspiring and motivating both direct reports and non-direct reports throughout the organization.
• Experience developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and steward high-value donor relationships.
• Experience working with corporations, foundations, major donors, and community leaders.
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and ethical philanthropic practices.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex relationships.
• Highly proficient with donor CRM systems, digital fundraising platforms, email/communication systems and fundraising analytics. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and systems like Raiser’s Edge, Donor Perfect or other CRMs is essential.
• Knowledge of the Edmonton philanthropic and business community is considered a strong asset.
• CFRE designation or commitment to professional development in fundraising is an asset.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Organizational Fundraising Strategy:

• Develop and implement a multi-year philanthropy strategy aligned with the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and financial objectives.
• Establish annual fundraising goals, budgets, metrics, and performance targets.
• Identify opportunities to diversify and grow philanthropic revenue.
• Develop strategies for major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, signature events, foundations, annual giving, campaigns, and donor stewardship.

Donor Relations and Stewardship:

• Build and personally manage a portfolio of major and prospective donors.
• Cultivate authentic, long-term relationships with donors and prospective donors.
• Lead the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts.
• Engage donors through meaningful experiences, personal communications, impact reporting, and recognition.
• Work closely with organizational leadership and Board members to maximize their networks and philanthropic relationships.

Corporate and Community Partnerships:

• Develop strategic relationships with the Greater Edmonton Area and northern Alberta businesses, corporations, foundations, professional advisors, and community leaders.
• Create customized partnership opportunities that align organizational needs with corporate social responsibility objectives.
• Represent the organization at community events, donor meetings, networking opportunities, and public engagements.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire philanthropy and development staff.
• Establish clear expectations, priorities, and performance measures.
• Work closely with communications, programs, finance, and senior leadership to ensure consistent messaging and strong donor experiences.
• Support and engage Board members and volunteers in philanthropic activities.

Contribute to Organizational Leadership:

• Act as a trusted ambassador—engaging with donors, partners, community, and media to elevate our mission and strengthen our presence in Alberta.
• Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, participating actively in data driven organizational decision-making and business planning. Effectively translate strategic decisions and the ‘why’ behind them to the team, ensuring clarity, consistency, and unified action.
• Work collaboratively with Marketing & Communications to ensure all campaigns, materials, and digital communications are fully aligned with Kids with Cancer Society’s branding.

We understand and appreciate our clients’ ever-increasing desire for candidates to reflect the communities in which they work and live. The Vogel Group is committed to inclusivity and diversity as we search for outstanding leadership talent for our clients.

We encourage candidates of all ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, physical challenges, sexual orientations, and identifications to feel confident in exploring and declaring candidacy for any of our search assignments.

For a full profile or to apply, please contact:

Rick Vogel, ICD.D                       

Founding Principal                       

780.665.4965 ext. 101                  rick@thevogelgroup.ca