Chief Development Officer
Position Overview
Organization: Mackenzie Health Foundation
Title: Chief Development Officer
Reports to: President & CEO
Team: Six
Key Internal Relationships: Hospital Public Affairs, Marketing and Communications Team, Chief Financial Officer, VP Operations
Key External Relationships: The Board of Directors, Community relationships as a senior leader and ambassador of the Foundation
Location: Hybrid work model, currently minimum 2 days in office. When in office: 955 Major Mackenzie Drive West, Vaughan, Ontario. Note: office relocation is expected in early 2026, with the intention that the organization will remain in the Vaughan/Richmond Hill area.
Compensation: $180,000 – $220,000, plus additional perquisites. Salary will be determined commensurate with experience.
Is this you?
You are a visionary and strategic fundraising leader with a passion for healthcare philanthropy and a proven track record of securing transformational gifts. You thrive in complex, mission-driven environments and are energized by the opportunity to build, scale and lead high performing teams that deliver meaningful impact.
You are a data-informed decision-maker who understands that past performance informs future strategy. You bring a sharp analytical lens to fundraising, using insights to guide donor engagement, forecast revenue and shape long-term growth.
You are a collaborative leader who believes that fundraising is a team sport. You’ve built strong, loyal teams through mentorship, transparency and a shared commitment to excellence. Your colleagues and direct reports would describe you as someone who leads with integrity, empathy and an investment in their success.
Donors trust you because you are authentic, strategic, and deeply committed to their philanthropic journey. You know how to build lasting relationships, craft compelling cases for support and steward donors with care and creativity. You follow through on your commitments and bring polish and professionalism to every interaction. You are a builder at heart and get ‘fired up’ by the opportunity to grow an organization’s major and transformational gifts portfolio, bringing your successful campaign experience to the table.
You are a strong communicator and persuasive writer, with a knack for elevating proposals and donor materials. You are comfortable providing feedback and raising the bar for bold storytelling and donor engagement across the organization.
You understand that stewardship is not an afterthought. It’s a strategic imperative. You embed high-touch, personalized stewardship into every donor journey, ensuring that supporters feel valued, inspired and connected to the impact of their giving.
If you’re energized by the opportunity to lead transformation and major gifts fundraising for a dynamic and growing hospital foundation, and to help shape the future of healthcare in the community, read on.
The Organization
Mackenzie Health Foundation has experienced remarkable success with the historic completion of the $250M Ultimate Campaign. Today, Mackenzie Health Foundation continues to ride the momentum of success generated by the campaign while also retooling in response to post-campaign priority shifts. With the arrival of their President & CEO, Nicole McCahon (2023), Mackenzie Health Foundation is set up for continued growth and transformation.
Mackenzie Health Foundation raises vital funds to support Mackenzie Health’s two hospitals – Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. Each has a full-service emergency department, core services and specialized services to provide members of the community with the care they need. Woman and Child, Inpatient Mental Health and Inpatient Integrated Stroke programs are available at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. An extensive range of outpatient clinics, chronic kidney disease care, complex continuing care and rehabilitation are available at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital.
Mackenzie Health has faced unprecedented demands for patient care in recent years. One year after Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital opened its doors to the public, patient volumes surpassed projections – three years ahead of schedule. York Region is one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada, with more than 550,000 residents. Mackenzie Health is responding to the increasing needs by expanding operations, renovating Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and partnering with York University on a medical school, while concurrently planning for updates at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital as it reaches the typical 5–7-year lifecycle of its equipment. Mackenzie Health is preparing for significant funding needs over the next decade, and the Foundation will need to increase its financial support separate from, and in addition to, current revenues.
Having recently completed the Strategic Plan for 2025 – 2029, the Foundation will focus on four key areas, which are: Elevate their culture of philanthropy, build capacity, maximize fundraising and boldly tell their story.
Their purpose statement is to be a leader in health care philanthropy to inspire community support of patient care excellence at Mackenzie Health.
This is where you come in.
The Position
In this newly created role, reporting to and working closely with the Foundation’s President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer will oversee the major and transformational gifts team. The Chief Development officer will serve as a key member of the Foundation Executive Team.
Mackenzie Health Foundation is undergoing an exciting transformation, rebuilding its philanthropic programs to create a lasting impact on healthcare in their community. As the organization solidifies its strong senior leadership team, the Chief Development Officer will be the final key addition, bringing strategic vision and fundraising expertise to elevate donor engagement and revenue growth.
Reporting to a highly accomplished President & CEO who is a strong major gifts fundraiser, this role will work in close partnership to design and expand high-impact philanthropic initiatives. The Chief Development Officer, in partnership with the President & CEO, is accountable for the full philanthropic revenue portfolio – with the intention to raising $20M+ per year.
While Mackenzie Health is currently between major campaigns, there remains a strong and growing need for philanthropic support. Several critical priorities require immediate attention – from advancing patient care and expanding capacity to investing in innovative medical technologies and funding essential programs that improve health outcomes. One such priority is their $10 million Mental Health Campaign, Together, We Shine Brightest, focused on expanding and strengthening mental health services across their hospitals. The Chief Development Officer will play a key role in ensuring donors remain connected, engaged and inspired to support these vital initiatives.
Leading a high-performing team of six, the Chief Development Officer will champion excellence across all major and transformational giving initiatives. They will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future by retaining top talent, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation and building capacity needed to drive sustained philanthropic growth.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of fundraising within a dynamic organization, backed by an engaged and influential fundraising board. The ideal candidate will be an innovative leader with a proven track record in building programs, fostering donor relationships, and developing top tier fundraising talent to drive strategic revenue growth and support Mackenzie Health’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Growth
- Drive the strategic development of Mackenzie Health Foundation’s philanthropic programs, ensuring strong donor engagement and long-term revenue growth.
- Lead fundraising efforts with an annual revenue accountability of $2.5M – $5M, securing major gifts from $500,000 to $1,000,000, while cultivating transformational giving at $1,000,000+.
- Collaborate closely with a highly accomplished major gifts fundraiser, leveraging their expertise to enhance high-level donor stewardship and campaign execution.
- Work alongside an engaged and influential fundraising board, harnessing their networks and influence to accelerate philanthropic success.
Prospect Strategy & Pipeline Development
- Lead the development and execution of a robust prospecting strategy to identify, qualify and engage high-net-worth individuals, corporations and foundations with the capacity to make major and transformation gifts.
- Build and manage a dynamic pipeline of prospective donors, ensuring alignment with MHF’s strategic priorities and funding needs.
- Collaborate with the CEO, board members and senior volunteers to leverage networks and open doors to new philanthropic opportunities.
- Utilize data-driven insights and prospect research to inform cultivation strategies and prioritize outreach efforts.
- Ensure a seamless transition from prospect identification to active engagement, working close with team members to advance relationships through the donor cycle.
- Monitor and report on pipeline health, activity metrics and revenue projections to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
Philanthropic Priorities
- Lead the design and evolution of high-impact fundraising initiatives in close collaboration with hospital and Foundation partners, positioning Mackenzie Health Foundation for sustained donor investment.
- Strengthen philanthropic programs during organizational rebuilding, ensuring continued donor engagement and momentum between major campaigns.
- Collaborate with hospital and foundation leadership to identify and align on priority funding needs—supporting approved strategic initiatives with philanthropic investment in urgent care advancements, innovative medical technologies, and essential patient programs.
High-Impact Stewardship & Donor Relations
- Develop and implement comprehensive stewardship strategies to ensure long-term donor retention and ongoing engagement.
- Create personalized stewardship plans for major donors, ensuring they feel valued, recognized, and directly connected to the impact of their gifts.
- Collaborate with leadership and board members to execute meaningful donor experiences, including site visits, tailored impact reports, and exclusive engagement opportunities.
- Strengthen reporting and recognition efforts, ensuring donors receive clear and compelling communications that demonstrate the difference their philanthropy is making.
Planned Giving & Legacy Strategy
- Lead the development and growth of planned giving programs, helping donors leave a lasting legacy through estate gifts, bequests, and structured philanthropic commitments.
- Work closely with donors, financial advisors, and legal professionals to create customized legacy giving strategies that align with individual donor intentions.
- Promote long-term philanthropic sustainability by integrating planned giving into the Foundation’s overall fundraising vision.
- Ensure donors receive expert guidance and stewardship throughout the planned giving process, reinforcing Mackenzie Health Foundation’s ability to make a lasting impact.
Team Leadership & Talent Strategy
- Oversee a high-performing team, setting strategic direction and driving operational excellence in all development functions.
- Play a key role in recruiting best-in-class talent across philanthropy and fundraising, ensuring the team remains innovative, high-achieving, and well-positioned for success.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and strategic goal alignment.
Donor Engagement & Relationship Building
- Lead major gift cultivation, managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and securing transformational gifts.
- Develop customized engagement strategies to deepen donor relationships and inspire continued investment in Mackenzie Health.
- Represent the Foundation at key stakeholder meetings, donor events, and community engagements to reinforce philanthropic impact.
The Ideal Candidate
- 10+ years of senior development and campaign experience, preferably in a large health care or academic setting
- A proven track record of major and planned gift success at the six and seven figure level
- Practical gift planning experience with an understanding of Income Tax Act, Canada Revenue Agency rulings and guidelines
- Will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills, coupled with the discipline to oversee and manage robust fundraising procedures and systems
- A proven ability to work in a complex organization and receptive to change
- An analytical and organized thinker who posses the ability to plan, manage, set priorities, and focus on the detail while not losing sight of the big picture, meet deadlines and work collegially in a team setting
- An excellent presenter, communicator, and persuasive writer with high attention to detail
- A mentor with strong interpersonal skills, commitment to excellence and a balanced work ethic
- Excellent project management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
- Outstanding leadership and communication skills; demonstrated results-oriented approach
- Valid driver’s license required
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required; master’s degree considered an asset but not required; CFRE designation considered an asset as well as involvement in a professional association
Application Instructions
Mackenzie Health is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer committed to providing accommodations for applicants upon request at any stage of the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Preston Human Capital Group is conducting this search on behalf of Mackenzie Health Foundation. 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 Lindsay Preston at lindsay@phcap.ca. The posting closes on July 10, 2025. Please note that only qualified respondents will be contacted. Thank you for your interest.