Chief Development Officer / Chef ou Cheffe du Développement

at  Trans Canada Trail Sentier Transcanadien

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our Chief Development Officer (CDO) at Trans Canada Trail is responsible for leading, strategizing, and implementing initiatives to enhance philanthropic engagement. Reporting to the CEO, the CDO plays a critical role in expanding Trans Canada Trail’s philanthropy portfolio, driving financial support for its mission, and fostering a culture of philanthropy within the organization, including both Trans Canada Trail and the Trans Canada Trail Foundation. The CDO is a member of the Senior Management Team and leads a growing staff team of currently six direct reports in the areas of Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Corporate Partnerships/Sponsorships and Planned Giving.
This is an exciting time to join and lead the Trans Canada Trail Philanthropy team as we embrace the ambitious goals outlined in our new strategic plan (2024-2029) and leverage our next major comprehensive fundraising campaign led by the Foundation, to support our key funding priorities and initiatives.
This represents an opportunity for the new Chief Development Officer to make their mark in leading our comprehensive campaign (attempt goal of $75m over the next six to seven years) and a growing team of highly passionate professionals who have been working to extensively plan and prepare the ground for the execution of Trans Canada Trail’s most successful comprehensive campaign in its history. The final keys are being put on the Case for Support and the volunteer cabinet is in recruitment phase so that our new CDO will have the opportunity to shape and fine tune our plans and quickly move forward with the full engagement and support of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation Board, Trans Canada Trail Board and our executive management team.
The successful candidate’s fundraising experience will include a successful track record in securing major gifts and extensive knowledge about all aspects of the donor cycle and across all giving vehicles (annual gifts, major gifts, planned gifts, corporate partnerships and foundation grants). The new incumbent will build strong relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and will be skilled at communicating with diverse individuals and groups across the country. As an action-oriented, results-driven professional, the CDO will lead and inspire a staff team remotely to excel in their fundraising roles as they work to build support for this unique national legacy that is the Trail.
The CDO will be a skillful storyteller and have an inspirational citizenship mindset. They will be excited about our mission, a leader in the field and be able to apply their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and strong understanding of the charitable sector to help donors, communities and partners across the country make charitable contributions and understand the true impact of their gifts to Trans Canada Trail for all Canadians’ health, mental and social well-being.
Together on the Trail, we experience the restorative power of nature, we gain perspective from one another, and we affirm what it means to be a part of the Canadian community. The Trail is for everyone and our new CDO will join us as we continue to strengthen our commitment to ensuring that the Trail is a place where everyone, regardless of age, ability or background, feels welcome and can enjoy the experiences it offers.
Trans Canada Trail offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for this role, including extended health benefits and RRSP contributions. Contingent on demonstrated experience, qualifications, and competencies, the hiring salary for this role is in the range of $175,000 to $190,000.
This role can be carried out remotely from any location in Canada close to a major airport. The CDO must be able to work in the EST time zone where the Senior Management Team members are located and the CDO will be ready to travel an estimated 5 days per month based on business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Experience and Education

• Minimum of 10 years of significant fundraising experience at a senior management or executive level. National scope experience will be considered an asset.
• Proven track record of driving fundraising growth and revenue, particularly in soliciting and stewarding major donors at the six and seven figure gift level or more.
• Experience with traditional and innovative fundraising methods for individuals, corporations and foundations.
• Team leadership and team building experience with proven success in motivating and empowering staff to excel in their roles; developing, coaching and retaining talent as well as fostering a positive work environment.
• Significant management and leadership experience with senior executives, volunteers, and Board members.
• Superior English verbal and written communication skills, with strong public speaking abilities. Abilities in French will be considered an asset.
• CFRE designation is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Visionary with an innovative spirit.
• Personal and energetic.
• Results oriented with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong leadership skills with a strategic focus.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Extensive knowledge of fundraising and nonprofit sector trends and best practices.

THE POST

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Trans Canada Trail is responsible for the leadership, strategy and implementation of programs that support philanthropic contributions. Reporting to the CEO, the CDO plays a critical role in expanding Trans Canada Trail’s philanthropic portfolio, securing financial support for its mission and fostering a culture of philanthropy within both Trans Canada Trail and the Trans Canada Trail Foundation. As a member of the senior management team, the CDO leads a growing team of six people who currently report directly to the CDO and are responsible for the following files: annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships/sponsorships and planned giving.
This is a great time to join and lead the Trans Canada Trail philanthropy team, as we have just adopted the objectives of our new 2024-2029 Strategic Plan and are looking forward to our next major Foundation-led fundraising drive to fund our priority projects.
The new CEO will be able to make his mark by leading our major campaign (interim target of $75 million over six to seven years) and a growing team of passionate professionals who have worked to plan and lay the groundwork for the execution and success of the largest campaign in Trans Canada Trail history. We are now finalizing the case for support and are in the process of recruiting the volunteer committee; this will allow our new CEO to refine and finalize the project and move forward quickly with the full participation and support of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation Board of Directors, the Trans Canada Trail Board of Directors and senior management.
The successful candidate will have proven experience in obtaining major gifts and a solid knowledge of all aspects of the donor cycle and all types of gifts (annual gifts, major gifts, planned gifts, corporate partnerships and foundation grants). He or she will build strong relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and will have good communication skills that allow him or her to easily interact with diverse individuals and organizations across the country. Focused on action and results, this professional in the field will lead and motivate a team of employees working remotely and will ensure that each one excels in his or her fundraising mandate by contributing as best as possible to support this national heritage jewel: the Trail.
A master communicator of ideas, the CD will display an inspiring civic attitude and approach our mission with enthusiasm. A leader in his field, he will draw on his creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of the charitable sector to help donors, communities and partners across the country give to Trans Canada Trail and realize their true impact on the mental and social health and well-being of Canadians.
Together on the Trail, we feel the transformative power of nature, gain perspective on one another, and affirm what it means to be part of the greater Canadian community. The Trail is for everyone, and our new CD will join us in continuing our commitment to making it a place where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, feels welcome and can enjoy what it has to offer.
Trans Canada Trail offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for this position, including a supplemental health insurance plan and RRSP contributions. Based on experience, qualifications and demonstrated skills, the starting salary for this position is between $175,000 and $190,000.

The expected work can be done remotely from any location in Canada served by a major airport. The CD must be able to work in the EST time zone, which corresponds to the geographic area of the members of the senior management team. The CD will be required to travel approximately five days per month depending on the needs of the organization.

• In this document, the use of the masculine to designate people has no other purpose than to lighten the text.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Experience and training

• At least 10 years of relevant fundraising experience at a senior management level
• National experience, an asset
• Demonstrated ability to drive fundraising growth and scale, particularly by soliciting and retaining major donors (6-7 figures or more)
• Experience with both traditional and new methods of fundraising from individuals, corporations and foundations
• Experience in leadership and team building, with proven success in motivating and empowering staff to excel in their roles; developing, coaching and retaining talent, complemented by promoting a positive work environment
• Significant management and leadership experience with senior executives, volunteers and board members
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with great ease in public speaking. French skills an asset.
• CFRE certification, an asset

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Visionary personality combined with an innovative, results-oriented spirit
• Friendliness and dynamism
• Results-oriented and able to thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
• Leadership capabilities and strong strategic direction
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and great ability to create relationships
• In-depth knowledge of trends and best practices in fundraising and the nonprofit sector

FOR MORE INFORMATION*

Trans Canada Trail has retained the services of KCI Recruitment + Talent to conduct this search. For more information on the position, please contact Sylvie Battisti, KCI Vice President of Talent Management and Research, by email at STC@kcitalent.com .
To download the full version of this job description, visit www.kcitalent.com .
Interested persons should send their CV and a cover letter to the email address mentioned before August 30, 2024. As applications will be reviewed as they are received, we invite you to inform us of any requests for clarification and to send your application as soon as possible. All applications and requests for information will be treated in a strictly confidential manner.
The salary range for this position is between $175,000 and $190,000, depending on experience. Trans Canada Trail offers a competitive benefits package including group RRSP contributions, health insurance, dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible work location and schedule, and a generous bank of paid time off, statutory holidays and sick days.
Trans Canada Trail is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive and barrier-free workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential. The diversity of our workforce is key to our success, and we understand that different experiences, skills and ways of thinking create an optimal context for understanding the world we all live in together.
Throughout the selection process, accommodations will be available upon request. If you have any accommodation needs, please inform the KCI advisor

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute annual and multi-year strategies, plans, and budgets for the philanthropy program which includes Annual Giving, Corporate Partnerships/Sponsorships, Planned Giving and a Comprehensive Campaign (in the planning stage).
• Engage the CEO, members of both Boards, and campaign volunteers in prospect identification and solicitation.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors, building and sustaining strong relationships to secure significant contributions.
• Monitor and report on performance against plans and budgets.
• In coordination with the CFO, ensure compliance with ethical, fiscal, and legal standards in all fundraising activities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Ensure appropriate staffing and resources for the philanthropy function.
• Provide leadership, support, coaching, and mentoring to the philanthropy team.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations for all philanthropy staff.
• Set and achieve annual objectives aligned with the organization’s strategic plan and budget requirements.
• Support and maintain Trans Canada Trail’s Imagine Canada accreditation.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Facilitate active participation by both Boards and campaign volunteers in major gift prospect identification, stewardship, and solicitation.
• Partner with members of both Boards to support donor conversations and meetings.
• Establish procedures for effective recruitment, training, onboarding, and evaluation of TCT Foundation Board members and volunteers.
• Establish procedures for effective recruitment and philanthropic development training for TCT Board members.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies and processes for fundraising activities.
• Provide administrative support to the Trans Canada Trail Foundation Board, including agenda and material preparation for meetings.
• Implement onboarding processes for new Foundation Board members.
• Support the CFO in the annual audit of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation.
• Ensure Memorandum of Understanding (defining the relationship between TCT and TCT Foundation) is respected and followed.

Financial & Risk Management

• Develop and monitor the annual budget in collaboration with senior management and in consultation with the Trans Canada Trail Foundation Board.
• Ensure consistent reporting to the Boards and leadership.
• Monitor vendor agreements and manage associated risks.

Data Management & Evaluation

• Implement tools, systems, and protocols for effective donor management, prospect research, gift processing, and stewardship.
• Establish and maintain accountability for fundraising metrics and benchmarks.
• Present statistical analyzes to the CEO, senior management, and the Boards.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Revenue Growth

• Develop and implement annual and multi-year strategies, plans and budgets for the philanthropic development program, targeting annual giving, corporate partnerships/sponsorships, planned giving and a major capital campaign (currently being planned), among others
• Involve the CEO, both boards of directors and campaign volunteers in identifying and soliciting potential donors
• Manage a portfolio of major donors by creating and nurturing strong relationships with them to obtain significant contributions
• Monitor and verify results achieved against plans and budgets
• In collaboration with the CFO, ensure compliance with ethical, tax and legal standards applicable to fundraising

Team Leadership and Development

• Ensure that the Philanthropic Development component has sufficient staff and resources
• Provide leadership, supervision and support to the philanthropy team
• Conduct annual evaluations of team members assigned to philanthropy
• Set and achieve annual objectives reflecting the organization’s strategic plan and its budgetary reality
• Manage and preserve the Imagine Canada Trans Canada Trail accreditation

Board of Directors and Volunteer Involvement

• Facilitate the active participation of the two boards of directors and volunteers associated with the campaign in the activities of identifying, retaining and soliciting major donors
• Collaborate with members of both boards of directors to foster connections and meetings with donors
• Establish effective processes for recruiting, training, integrating and evaluating members of the Foundation’s board of directors and volunteers
• Establish a recruitment and training process in targeted philanthropic development aimed at members of the Trans Canada Trail board of directors

Administrative responsibilities

• Develop and implement various policies and procedures applicable to fundraising activities
• Provide administrative support to the Trans Canada Trail Foundation Board of Directors, including ensuring the preparation of the agenda and documents distributed at meetings
• Establish a process for integrating new members of the Foundation’s board of directors
• Support the financial management in the annual audit of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation
• Ensure full compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding specifying the relationship between the Trans Canada Trail and the Trans Canada Trail Foundation

Financial and risk management

• Develop and monitor the annual budget in collaboration with senior management and in consultation with the Board of Directors of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation
• Ensure regular reporting to boards and management
• Verify agreements with suppliers and manage associated risks

Data management and evaluation

• Implement tools, systems and protocols to ensure effective donor management and retention, prospecting and donation processing
• Establish a process for measuring the different stages of fundraising and ensuring its monitoring
• Provide statistical analyses to the CEO, senior management and boards of directors