The Board of Directors of the Foundation of the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum is seeking a strategic development leader and accomplished fundraiser to serve as the inaugural President of its newly established philanthropic foundation.

The position reports to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and collaborates closely with the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum Presidents and staff.

Location: Gatineau, Quebec (hybrid model available). Requires a valid passport for domestic and international travel. Occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Responsibilities

- Lead the foundation team and establish its governance structure, policies, operations and systems.
- Develop the foundation’s inaugural strategic and multi‑year fundraising plan aligned with the museums’ vision and priorities.
- Drive the planning and launch of a comprehensive fundraising campaign to support the museums’ strategic priorities, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, events and sponsorships.
- Design a strong case for support for the museums and their key programs with clear, distinct impact stories.
- Work in collaboration with the museums’ CEOs on the internal and external profile of the foundation.
- Position the foundation as a trusted philanthropic partner, aligned with best practices, accountability and compliance standards.
- Identify, cultivate and solicit a portfolio of major donors, corporations, foundations and government partners nationally and internationally.
- Establish measurable fundraising priorities and targets, ensuring sustainability and diversification of revenue streams.
- Implement a strategic and comprehensive fundraising program, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and donor stewardship.
- Develop updated recognition naming policy program and guidelines in partnership with museum management.
- Oversee the development of compelling cases for support, donor communications and stewardship strategies.




- Collaborate with the museum’s marketing and communications team to ensure integrated activities that enhance brand and promote a positive fundraising climate.
- Engage, leverage and support board members and volunteers in fundraising initiatives.
- Act as the official spokesperson of the foundation at national and international philanthropic, business and cultural events.
- Steward the operating agreement between the foundation and the museums, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, information sharing, brand use and donor privacy.
- Ensure compliance with CRA fundraising guidelines and uphold ethical fundraising practices aligned with the Donor Bill of Rights and the AFP’s Code of Ethical Principles.
- Oversee audit‑ready financial statements and reports for both boards, ensuring transparency, accountability and adherence to governance standards.
- Report to and work closely with the foundation board to seek and support their involvement in fundraising and increase overall visibility.
- Provide the board with tools, insights and strategies to actively participate in donor engagement and fundraising.
- Serve as liaison with the museums’ senior leadership team, ensuring fundraising priorities align with institutional strategy and donor interests.
- Build strong, transparent relationships with government partners, community stakeholders and sector associations.
- Recruit, retain and develop the foundation staff team, including hiring, training, performance management and professional development.
- Develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and donor intent.
- Implement robust systems for donor management, reporting and compliance.
- Develop and implement measures to meet the fiscal needs of the foundation, conserving assets and maintaining effective budgetary control.




- Oversee the preparation of monthly financial reports, reconciliation and the annual report.

Qualifications

- Minimum ten years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, philanthropy or advancement with a proven record of securing major gifts and leading campaigns.
- Experience in a cultural, educational or Crown corporation environment and national scope fundraising is an asset.
- Knowledge of the Canadian Museum of History’s mission and a clear understanding of its value.
- Proven history of recruiting, developing and leading high‑performing fundraising staff teams.
- Experience supporting and inspiring senior volunteers to achieve fundraising goals.
- Demonstrated experience leading a full range of fundraising programs, including major gifts, corporations & foundations, planned giving, events and annual fund initiatives.
- Strong financial literacy and experience managing budgets, donor funds and investment policies.
- Knowledge of CRA regulations for charities, governance practices and sector standards.
- Experience supporting or reporting to a board of directors in governance and fundraising contexts.
- Technological fluency, including Microsoft Office and donor database software.
- Visionary, entrepreneurial leader with business acumen and resilience to build a new organization.
- Highly skilled in diplomacy and building trusting relationships with internal and external partners.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills; verbal proficiency in French required, full bilingualism considered a strong asset.
- Ethical, transparent and accountable; able to steward donor trust and protect institutional reputation.
- Strategic thinker able to adapt, innovate and mobilize diverse audiences around opportunities.

Advantages & Other Information

- Competitive salary plus incentive compensation.
- Relocation support where required.
- Hybrid work model considered, with occasional evening and weekend commitments.
- Valid passport required; domestic and international travel expected.

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📌 President (Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais Regional County Municipality)
🏢 Canadian Museum of History Foundation
📍 Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais Regional County Municipality