
Head of Philanthropy and Campaign
Position Overview
Organization: Parkinson Canada
Title: Head of Philanthropy and Campaign
Reports to: VP, Philanthropy, Brand Marketing and Communications
Team: Four (4) direct reports
- Associate Director, Philanthropy
- Manager, Major Gifts
- Manager, Prospect Research and Development
- Development Coordinator
Location: This is a fully remote position. We welcome applications from across Canada. Parkinson Canada’s head office is at 316 – 4211 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario.
Compensation: $150,000 – $170,000, plus a comprehensive benefit and vacation package. Compensation will be determined commensurate with experience.
Is This You?
You are a collaborative, strategic fundraising leader with a proven track record of driving major gift strategies and leading successful campaigns. You thrive in dynamic environments and are energized by the opportunity to build, scale and elevate a major gifts program. You have experience leading a comprehensive, multi-year campaign, and you understand how a campaign can amplify donor engagement and unlock new levels of philanthropic investment.
You are a visionary who thinks big and navigates ambiguity with confidence. You know how to rally others around bold ideas – even before they are fully formed – and you bring people together to solve problems and create lasting impact.
Donors are inspired by your authenticity, strategic mindset, and deep commitment to their philanthropic journey. You build lasting relationships, craft compelling cases for support, and steward donors with care and creativity. You follow through on your promises and bring professionalism to every interaction.
You are a data-informed decision-maker, and you apply an analytical lens to fundraising, using insights to guide donor engagement, forecast revenue, and shape long-term growth.
You’ve built high-performing teams through mentorship, transparency, and a shared pursuit of excellence. Your colleagues and direct reports would describe you as someone who leads with empathy, integrity, and purpose.
Above all, you are inspired by the mission of Parkinson Canada. By the vision of creating a future where no one is limited by Parkinson’s. If this sounds like you, then please read on…
The Organization
At Parkinson Canada, they envision a world where no one is limited by Parkinson’s. More than 110,000 people in Canada are affected by this complex and deeply personal condition. While there is currently no cure, they are inspired every day by the strength, courage, and individuality of their community.
They exist to empower and inspire people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to live fully and courageously. Through support, advocacy, and innovative research, they are transforming what it means to live with Parkinson’s in Canada.
They’re not your typical non-profit. They bring swagger to everything they do. That means showing up with courage, creativity, and compassion. It means embracing the wobble, speaking up even when your voice trembles, and seeing possibility where others see limits. Their culture is bold, purpose-driven, and deeply human.
Parkinson Canada is in a pivotal phase of strategic growth and transformation. Limitless, their new strategic plan, is a bold and unwavering roadmap that will support their community in reclaiming the narrative of living with Parkinson’s. Moving forward, with purpose, alongside their community, partners and experts, they will transform the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s in Canada. Read more about the strategic plan and priorities here.
The Position
As a key member of the Philanthropy leadership team, the Head of Philanthropy and Campaign will lead the strategic growth of Parkinson Canada’s major gifts program and oversee the planning and execution of a multi-year national campaign to fund priority initiatives. This individual will be responsible for cultivating transformative donor relationships, developing strategic engagement opportunities, and securing high-impact philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Reporting to the Vice President, Philanthropy, Brand Marketing and Communications, the Head of Philanthropy and Campaign will work collaboratively across the organization—engaging senior leadership, volunteers, and external partners—to ensure revenue growth and long-term sustainability in support of Parkinson Canada’s mission.
Primary Accountabilities
Major Gifts Strategy and Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive major gifts strategy to support Parkinson Canada’s mission, ensuring alignment with overall fundraising goals and the organization’s strategic plan.
- Nurture and develop long-term relationships that will result in the highest levels of philanthropic support for Parkinson Canada.
- Manage a portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects and donors through qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding these relationships to grow immediate funding, long term funding and planned gifts, with a focus on gifts at $100,000 and higher.
- Oversee the full Major Gift portfolio to ensure all Major Gift staff are focused on qualifying, cultivating and soliciting new major gift prospects while maintaining ongoing relationships with existing donors for future giving.
- Set annual fundraising targets for major gifts, in conjunction with the Vice President, Philanthropy, Brand Marketing and Communications consistently tracking progress against goals and achieving targets both individually and for the team.
- Build and maintain relationships with prospective and current major donors through personalized communication, in-person meetings, and tailored stewardship plans.
Campaign Leadership
- Serve as the executive lead for Parkinson Canada’s national campaign, including quiet phase planning, case development, and public launch.
- Develop a compelling case for support and integrated campaign materials in collaboration with Marketing and Communications.
- Oversee the campaign volunteer strategy, including a Campaign Cabinet and regional champions.
- Ensure campaign milestones, financial targets, and donor stewardship plans are met.
Organizational Collaboration and Leadership
- Collaborate with senior leadership and across the philanthropy, mission and executive leadership team to develop targeted fundraising strategies and engage the board, volunteers, and other partners in fundraising efforts.
- Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to create impactful messaging and collateral to engage major gift donors.
- Mentor and support junior fundraising staff, providing guidance, training, and feedback to enhance team effectiveness.
- Manage donor data and fundraising progress using the organization’s CRM system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
- Provide regular reports on major gifts fundraising performance, including progress towards goals, donor activity, and strategic adjustments.
The Ideal Candidate
We’re seeking a bold and strategic fundraising leader who thrives on building transformative giving programs and inspiring others to achieve ambitious goals. The ideal candidate will bring:
Vision and Drive
- A visionary mindset and entrepreneurial spirit, energized by the opportunity to shape and scale a major gifts strategy.
- A self-starter who embraces innovation and delivers results through creative, mission-aligned approaches.
Fundraising Expertise
- A proven track record of securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations in support of national priorities.
- Hands-on experience leading capital, comprehensive, or transformational campaigns with measurable success.
- Deep understanding of giving vehicles—major and principal gifts, bequests, estate planning—and the ability to grow a sustainable donor pipeline.
Strategic Leadership
- A strategic thinker with exceptional leadership skills and a collaborative approach.
- High emotional intelligence: self-aware, empathetic, and motivated, with strong communication and presentation abilities.
- A natural coach and team builder, skilled at cultivating high-performance teams and fostering a culture of shared success.
Mission Alignment
- Deeply mission-driven, with a passion for empowering others to deliver on purpose.
- Leads by example, embodying hard work, humility, and integrity.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher; CFRE or ACFRE certification is an asset.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in major gifts, capital campaigns, and leadership fundraising roles.
- Proficiency with CRM databases and donor management systems.
Application Instructions
Parkinson Canada is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer committed to providing accommodations for applicants upon request at any stage of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please advise Lori Radke (lori@phcap.ca).
Preston Human Capital Group is conducting this search on behalf of Parkinson Canada. If you are looking for an outstanding challenge and meet the qualification criteria, we look forward to hearing from you. Please include a cover letter and CV addressed to Lori Radke at lori@phcap.ca. The posting closes on October 1, 2025. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest.
