PURPOSE SUMMARY

The Philanthropy Manager – Major Gifts, is accountable for all partnership engagements with major donors and major sponsors to advance Compassion Canada’s revenue and sponsorship objectives. This leader will develop, deepen, and diversify strategic major donor partnerships and coordinate ongoing donor pipeline research and recruitment for largescale outcomes serving children, families, and communities around the world. 

This position reports directly to the Director of Philanthropy and is responsible for overseeing a team of Relationship Managers with major donor and major sponsor portfolios. This position ensures that all Relationship Managers are informed, equipped, and empowered to fulfill their role within the broader partner relations strategy, and the overarching mission of releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

 

MINISTRY FOCUS 

Compassion Canada is a Christian organization, committed to being child-focused, Christ-centered, and church driven. Every Staff member at Compassion Canada will:

• Agree with Compassion Canada’s core documents, including a Statement of Faith.
• Conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner at work and outside the workplace.
• Participate in regular Staff Gatherings which include spiritual practices like worship, Scripture reading, and prayer.
• Pray with staff or supporters when requested or deemed appropriate. 

WHAT YOU DO MATTERS

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Management:

• Lead the Partner Relations Major Gifts team, providing coaching and mentorship for optimal performance, accountability and success.
• Track assignments and staff activities within the Major Gifts team.
• Cultivate a portfolio of donors as advantageous for the organization to grow relationships and revenue.
• Establish regular meeting cadence with team members individually and collectively to share learning and refine lead activities toward relational and acquisition expectations.
• Ensure maintenance of Corporate Customer Relationship Management databases with all relational activities completed & expected upcoming.
• In collaboration with the People & Culture Team, invest in the personal and professional development of Major Gifts team members.

Strategic:

• Develop actionable strategies for meeting and exceeding revenue and sponsorship goals, with a focus on major donors, principal donors, and major sponsors.
• Conduct research to identify potential donors and funding sources and create a flourishing pipeline of major/principal donors.
• Develop strategies to grow the major sponsor portfolio and deepen engagement with this neighbour group.
• Lead as SME for Diaspora philanthropic engagement including but not limited to the Asia region Diaspora.
• Stay updated on donor and giving trends, legal regulations and industry standards, along with Compassion’s programmatic activity.
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in fields relating to Fundraising, Donor Relations, Partnership, and relational support.
• Coordinate logistical and project-management oversight for initiatives and resources within the scope of this role.

Cross Functional:

• In collaboration with Partner Relations Leaders track monthly fundraising, highlight anticipated deviations, and adapt tactics to respond to anticipated shortfalls.
• Liaise with Compassion International colleagues with related efforts to exchange best practices.
• Manage and submit reports for personal expenses, time sheets, and domestic travel.
• Actively participate in weekly Staff Gatherings and prayer meetings.

 

WHO YOU ARE MATTERS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

 

• Model honesty, integrity, confidentiality and leadership discretion.
• Possess exceptional planning, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Thrive as a team player, demonstrate the ability to coach and are open to being coached.
• Honed written and public communication skills with the proven ability to inspire donors (current & potential) to join the cause while demonstrating shared purpose and mutual trust.
• Have a knowledge of non-profit sector and Canada Revenue Agency fundraising rules and guidelines.
• Demonstrate the ability to build and maintain a portfolio of a few hundred (200 – 250) donors.
• Demonstrate the ability to create and implement donor prospect plans and successfully secure five and six-figure donations.
• Have a working knowledge of donor wealth screening software and processes.
• Have a proven track record of building & leading teams of fundraising and/or sales professionals;
• Demonstrate the ability to handle multiple projects and successfully prioritize activities.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Office365), and experience with Customer Relationship Management & Database/Reporting software.
• Willing and able to frequently travel nationally.

WHAT YOU BRING MATTERS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience in fundraising, sales, relationship management, or a similar capacity is required.
• Post-secondary education and/or professional designation in Fundraising, Church Ministry, Sales, Management, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field is required.
• Experience developing and managing major donor portfolios, including principal donors and major sponsors, is required.
• Experience creating and implementing donor prospect plans and securing five and six-figure donations is required.
• Experience building, leading, coaching, and mentoring teams of fundraising or sales professionals is required.
• Experience conducting donor research, identifying funding opportunities, and developing a pipeline of donors is required.
• Experience tracking, analysing, and reporting on fundraising and sponsorship performance is preferred.
• Experience using donor wealth screening tools and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is preferred.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners is preferred.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian non-profit sector regulations, including CRA fundraising guidelines, is an asset.
• Experience in international or diaspora philanthropy engagement is an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS

 

• The role requires the ability to work in a unified, agile, and remote-friendly environment.
• All staff who are not in-office essential default to remote work and are classified as Remote Workplace Staff or Telecommuting Workplace Staff depending on their distance to the Compassion building.
• Staff Gatherings prioritise digital-first and online engagement.
• The position requires frequent national travel to build relationships, meet donors, and support fundraising initiatives.
• Overtime may be required to meet fundraising deadlines, donor engagement events, and organizational priorities.
• The role requires strict confidentiality when handling sensitive donor and organizational information.
• The position requires adherence to Canadian non-profit sector regulations, fundraising legislation, and CRA guidelines.
• The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Partner Relations, Finance, and People & Culture, requiring strong communication, coordination, and responsiveness.
• The position requires exceptional organisational, planning, and project management skills to manage multiple donor portfolios and team responsibilities.
• The role demands high attention to detail, accuracy, and professional discretion in donor communications and relationship management.
• The position may require adaptation to changes in donor trends, philanthropic strategy, and organizational initiatives.

NOTES

The foregoing statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.