The BC Cancer Foundation – the fundraising partner of BC Cancer – is positioned to lead the charitable sector and drive health care transformation to elevate cancer care for all British Columbians and beyond. The Foundation is driven by a collective purpose to be a catalyst, powering world-class innovation while supporting deeply personal cancer patient journeys.

The Foundation just concluded its incredibly successful Beyond Belief campaign, where over 284,000 people gave over $529 million over the course of the 5-year campaign. The Foundation now has a new strategic plan and refreshed vision to innovate for the future.
Part of this innovation is to build on its already exceptional gift and estate planning program, so the BC Cancer Foundation is now seeking a strategic and visionary Executive Director, Gift and Estate Planning, to lead and expand the program. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, the Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and growth of the Foundation’s province-wide strategy for planned giving and ensuring the long-term health of the organization through meaningful legacy gifts.

In this new role, the Executive Director will lead a team of eight high-performing professionals, provide strategic leadership across fundraising efforts, and support estate administration. As one of the Foundation’s senior-most fundraisers and strategists, the ED will participate in collective efforts across the Foundation and model best-in-class fundraising work. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader, seasoned fundraiser and subject matter expert leveraging innovative philanthropic initiatives.

This is an electrifying new leadership opportunity to:
• Lead the province-wide expansion strategy for the Gift & Estate Planning program;
• Join a passionate and dedicated team driving cancer care innovation in British Columbia;
• Oversee a well-established Gift and Estate Planning program in one of BC’s – if not Canada’s – strongest and most sophisticated fundraising foundations;
• Ensure BC Cancer Foundation remains at the forefront of legacy philanthropy work;
• Work with an engaged donor community of people wanting to save lives and support individuals and families facing their own cancer journeys.

Competencies and Traits

The new ED will ideally be:
• Innovative, creative, and constantly seeking to improve; an ambitious and results-focused builder who sees possibility and seeks solutions.
• Highly relational and adaptive to different people and contexts; a dynamic and engaging presence.
• An exceptional colleague and partner across the Foundation; works with tact and diplomacy to get others aligned with GEP goals.
• A collaborative, experienced, and inspiring leader who can foster a supportive team culture. Collaborative and open to new ideas; non-hierarchical and shares credit.
• A proponent of metrics, accountability, and a culture of achievement.
• Strategic and thoughtful; balances the Foundation’s big-picture strategic goals with the specific GEP program needs and development.
• Outcomes and impact-focused; exceptionally committed to the Foundation’s mission with an unquestioned belief in the value of research, medical interventions, and the value of philanthropy in enabling them.
• Succinct and concise; able to communicate with clarity and precision.
• An exceptional translator of complex financial contexts for varied audiences.
• Data-driven and data-minded, with a history of making decisions based on data, evidence, and best practices.
• Decisive and brave; willing and able to make decisions in the best interests of the Foundation and its people.

Skills and Background
• Significant experience in a leadership role overseeing major or planned giving programs, with a track record of securing significant gifts.
• Frontline experience in fundraising or a related field, with a focus on planned and major gifts, and managing a personal pipeline of donors.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring a fundraising team.
• Deep understanding of Canadian tax law, estate planning, and various gifting vehicles, with the ability to communicate complex concepts to donors and staff.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with high-net-worth individuals, financial advisors, and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse portfolio of prospects, prioritize tasks, and achieve measurable fundraising goals.
• Legal, financial planning, or estate planning background or experience collaborating with estate professionals is an asset.
• Familiarity with fundraising metrics, moves management best practices, and fundraising accountability frameworks.
• Proficiency in standard computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite), fundraising software and donor management systems.
• A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution or equivalent experience, volunteering, and/or training.
• Ability to travel throughout BC, including access to a vehicle for local meetings, and work variable hours based on key donor activities.

How to Apply:
This search is being led by the BC Cancer Foundation’s search partner, The Discovery Group. If you or someone you know is interested or curious, please connect with Christoph Clodius at christoph@thediscoverygroup.ca. We welcome questions and enquiries.

Application Timing and Selection Process:
All submissions should be received by December 12, 2025. Please apply with a cover letter/expression of interest and resume/CV in the same document.

Early submissions and enquiries are encouraged and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Compensation & Benefits:
The successful ED can expect a starting salary between $120,000 – $160,000 and is eligible for the Foundation’s Leadership Incentive Pay For Performance Plan. Time off includes five weeks’ vacation, additional office closure during the winter holiday, and extra time off before each statutory holiday.
Generous comprehensive benefits include extended health and dental coverage, and the Municipal Pension Plan.

Location:
BC Cancer Foundation offices are located in Vancouver’s west side at 686 W Broadway; offering a hybrid work environment, with some travel throughout the province will be expected.

Read the full Candidate Brief Here: https://thediscoverygroup.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BCCF-ED-GEP-Candidate-Brief.pdf