Job Posting – Director, Philanthropy (BC Women's Health Foundation)

BC Women’s Health Foundation (BCWHF) is BC’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the full spectrum of women’s health. Its mission is to ensure women and newborns in BC have access to world-class healthcare at all life stages, through support of groundbreaking care at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre (BCWH) and transformative research initiatives at the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI). BCWH, the province’s only women’s hospital, serves 80,000+ patients annually through 60+ specialized clinics and programs devoted to women’s and newborn health.

For over 30 years, BCWHF has funded groundbreaking research, delivered state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and enhanced family-centred care for women and newborns across BC. The Foundation’s dedicated team of 20 staff raised a record $6.2 million in 2026, and with income from government, investments, and other sources, total revenue reached $8.4M – an increase of over 45% from fiscal 2025. Building on a proven Major Gifts program, named funds that resonate, and a loyal donor core, the Foundation is now in the planning stages of a significant, multi-year comprehensive campaign.

To support this work, the Foundation is seeking a Director, Philanthropy. Reporting to the Vice President, Philanthropy, the Director leads the planning and execution of the assigned major gifts fundraising portfolio, including key initiatives and campaigns that advance BCWHF’s priorities across NICU care, Menopause + Midlife Health, and Perinatal Mental Health.

The Director actively manages and builds a pipeline of major gift prospects – initially donors of $10,000 and up, with the aspiration of working with donors capable of giving substantially more – and is responsible for meeting annual revenue and activity targets. The Director also works cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and hospital leadership to strengthen an organization-wide culture of philanthropy, and plays a contributing role in the upcoming campaign in partnership with the VP.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser to:

• Bring their energy and verve to a compelling and meaningful cause.
• Leverage their major gifts fundraising experience for lasting impact on women’s and newborn health in BC.
• Lead a small and dedicated fundraising team.
• Help shape the Foundation’s major gift strategy, identifying new opportunities, working with hospital and research partners, and helping the program grow.
• Work in a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture.

For more information, please view the full briefing here:  https://thediscoverygroup.ca/portfolio/bc-womens-health-foundation-2/

Key responsibilities include:

Major Gifts & Donor Relations

• Manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects; develop and execute customized strategies to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships.
• Secure multi-year commitments and inspire increased giving over time; achieve annual revenue and activity targets aligned with operational plans and budgets.
• Prepare high-quality proposals, presentations, briefing notes, and correspondence for donor engagement and solicitation.
• Strategically involve the VP Philanthropy, President + CEO, and key volunteers in donor relationship development and stewardship.
• Partner with stakeholders to align donor interests with priority opportunities.

Strategy, Programs, and Campaign Support

• Under the direction of the VP Philanthropy, develop and implement a multi-year growth strategy and annual workplans for major gifts.
• Work with development leadership to strategize, develop, and implement fundraising programs, initiatives, and campaigns aligned with Foundation needs.
• Identify and implement new and innovative ways to engage major donors and prospects.
• Report on program performance, pipeline health, and ROI; use data to adjust strategy and optimize results.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and direction to two philanthropy team members, supporting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Strengthen coordination with Donor Relations, Corporate Partnerships, Marketing/Communications, Finance/Operations, and other Foundation team members to ensure an integrated donor experience.
• Contribute to campaign planning and knowledge-sharing; support training and development of team members.

Administration, Reporting & Systems

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor activity, moves management, and reporting in Raiser’s Edge (or comparable CRM).
• Oversee administrative duties associated with major gifts activity, including meeting coordination, contact reports, proposal tracking, and portfolio reporting.
• Monitor progress against revenue, activity, and pipeline goals; prepare regular reports and analysis for leadership.

Organizational Leadership & Values

• Actively support Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity + Inclusion (REDI) efforts, demonstrating respect for differences and seeking diverse perspectives when creating solutions.
• Build and maintain collaborative, respectful relationships with internal and external contacts, and handle confidential information with judgment and tact.
• Participate in Foundation signature events and other key activities as required, including occasional evenings and weekends.

The ideal candidate will have:

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Significant progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success securing five-figure gifts and preferably six-figure gifts and above.
• Proven success managing a major gifts portfolio across the full donor cycle (identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).
• Confidence and credibility with high-profile donors, influential volunteers, families, patients, and community members.
• Collaborative, inspiring leadership that fosters a supportive culture balancing accountability and empowerment.
• A strategic, analytical, and highly organized approach, with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling cases for support and persuasive proposals.
• Knowledge of Imagine Canada fundraising principles and CRA regulations related to charitable giving, and a commitment to ethical fundraising standards.
• A passion for women’s health and close alignment with the Foundation’s mission.
• Experience in healthcare fundraising, knowledge of the BC philanthropic landscape, CFRE designation, and experience with Raiser’s Edge are considered assets.

This search is being led by BCWHF’s search partner, The Discovery Group. Please submit a cover letter/expression of interest and resume/CV in the same document to Christoph Clodius at christoph@thediscoverygroup.ca.  Questions and enquiries prior to applications are welcome.

Before applying, please view the full brief here:  https://thediscoverygroup.ca/portfolio/bc-womens-health-foundation-2/

Compensation & Benefits:

The successful Director, Philanthropy can expect a salary range of $130,000–$150,000, depending on experience and ability. A comprehensive health benefits package through PHSA includes extended medical and dental coverage, enrolment in the Municipal Pension Plan, four weeks of vacation, a flexible work-from-home arrangement, and a nine-day fortnight option.

Location:

This role is based at the Foundation’s offices at 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, with a hybrid work environment of three days in the office. A free shuttle runs often from the King Edward SkyTrain station, and PHSA offers a transit subsidy benefit.