The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is seeking a highly strategic, driven and accomplished fundraising leader for the newly created role of Director, Philanthropy. The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for developing, managing, and growing a portfolio of principal and major gift donors and prospects across Canada. With a current regional focus on Quebec and Atlantic regions, the role is accountable for securing transformational philanthropic investments from high-net-worth individuals, private and family foundations, and select corporate and institutional partners in support of the RHF’s national mission and priorities. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Director of Philanthropy leads sophisticated donor engagement and relationship management strategies across the full donor cycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, negotiation, and stewardship. The role manages a pipeline of qualified prospects and works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to advance fundraising priorities. This position is based in Ottawa at the RHF offices, with flexibility for some remote work if necessary. RHF Leaders are expected to maintain a regular office presence. Additionally, this position will require regular travel to meet with staff, donors, partners, and volunteer leaders across the country.

ABOUT THE RIDEAU HALL FOUNDATION

The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), a non-partisan national charitable organization, invests in Canadians through programs, grants and awards that help people realize their ambitions and shape Canada’s future.

Established in 2012, the RHF amplifies and supports the past, present and future impact of Canada’s Governor General, and seeks to engage all Canadians in the core elements of Canadian democracy. By working in partnership, the RHF celebrates excellence while creating opportunities and connecting communities, all towards the shared purpose of a better Canada.

The founding purpose of the Rideau Hall Foundation holds as true today as it did a decade ago: mobilizing ideas, people and resources across the country to tap into our national spirit and to help realize our shared ambition.”

RHF’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan – Creating Opportunities, Connecting Communities

Deepening the country’s trust in and understanding of Canada’s public institutions. The RHF seeks to address the current democratic deficit and build greater awareness of and engagement with Canada’s democratic institutions as a source of national pride.

While many young Canadians receive an education beyond high school, significant gaps persist in the post-secondary participation and attainment rates of many young people, including those with a lower family income, those living in rural areas, some visible minority groups, and Indigenous youth. The RHF is committed to celebrating Canadian innovation success stories, both national and locally relevant, in a broad and inclusive manner, and to inspiring the next generation of dreamers and doers. Celebrating Canadian excellence in innovation needs to be paired with real financial resourcing, the right tools and mentorship,



and material connections for innovators across sectors, regions, and stages. Strengthening civil society and Canada’s culture of volunteerism. The RHF strives to encourage all Canadians to become active in strengthening community, through volunteering and mentoring; getting involved in public life; and by ensuring the health and vibrancy of Canadian civil society.

REALIZE AMBITION – A RIDEAU HALL FOUNDATION CAMPAIGN

Realize Ambition is a $250 million national campaign to ignite our collective ambition, to connect and galvanize Canadians, causes and organizations who share a common belief in, and commitment to, a better Canada for all. Thanks to the visionary commitments of community leaders from coast to coast to coast, the Realize Ambition Campaign is well on its way to its $250 million goal. This national campaign is anchored in core values and objectives from the RHF’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan – Creating Opportunities, Connecting Communities. Invest in Canadians where it matters most, especially in young people and in emerging leaders to unlock their potential to build a more vibrant future for themselves and for the country.

- Activate communities to respond to local challenges and to address pressing national issues.
- Scale what works to inspire positive change and nation-building.

Canadian innovation is celebrated, at home and on the world stage.

Communities are strengthened by engaged and active citizens.

Strategic Fundraising and Portfolio Management

Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects through the fundraising pipeline.

Build multi-year fundraising strategies designed to increase donor engagement, philanthropic revenue, and long-term partnership value.

Maintain accurate pipeline activity, revenue forecasting, and donor engagement plans within the CRM system.

Donor Engagement and Relationship Building

Serve as a trusted relationship manager for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, private foundations, and senior corporate leaders.

Coordinate and support senior leadership, board members, campaign volunteers, and subject matter experts in donor cultivation and solicitation activity.

Strengthen and expand the RHF’s philanthropic presence and donor networks as directed across Canada.

Lead complex gift opportunities, including multi-year commitments, campaign investments, endowed support, and strategic partnerships.

Collaborate with leadership to identify funding priorities and develop compelling proposals and cases for support.

Support campaign planning and execution, including prospect strategy, volunteer engagement, and leadership gift development.

Monitor philanthropic trends, donor interests, and regional market opportunities to inform fundraising strategy.

Contribute to annual fundraising planning,



revenue forecasting, and performance reporting.

Support a culture of philanthropy, collaboration, accountability, and donor-centered engagement.

Participate as a member of staff committees in support of organizational initiatives as required.

Supervise and support direct reports, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.

Provide regular coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities aligned with individual performance goals and organizational priorities.

Conduct performance management activities including goal-setting, check-ins, and annual reviews.

Support team well-being and engagement through explicit communication, workload and PTO management, and recognition of contributions.

Promote RHF’s values and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of team leadership.

Bilingualism and proficient written and verbal skills in French and English required, knowledge of Indigenous languages an asset.

Solid understanding of the Canadian philanthropic landscape.

Strong relationship-building, interpersonal, and influencing skills.

Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a complex fundraising environment.

Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across philanthropy, program communications, donor relations, and executive leadership.

Ability to supervise staff, provide guidance and feedback, support performance and development, and foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Education and Work Experience

Minimum of 8 years progressive fundraising experience in a national charitable, educational, healthcare, public policy, or cultural organization with demonstrated success in principal and major gifts fundraising.

Experience managing, coaching, and supporting direct reports or fundraising staff.

Demonstrated experience managing complex donor portfolios and advancing fundraising strategies for key donors and prospects through responsible relationship development, moves management and pipeline accountability.

Experience engaging high-net-worth individuals, private and family foundations, and corporate partners.

Experience working with, activating and supporting senior executives, campaign volunteers, and board members.

Working knowledge of CRM and donor relationship management systems, donor moves management strategies and pipeline management practices.

Experience supporting capital campaigns or transformational fundraising initiatives is preferred.

Post-secondary degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.

Strategic thinker with strong analytics and planning skills.

Leadership, collaboration, and relationships-building abilities.

Strong service orientation and responsiveness.

Flexibility to work select evenings and weekends as required and available for travel across Canada.

Successful completion of police/security checks and clearances, based on operational needs and policies as required by RHF.

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📌 Work From Home Fundraisers needed! (Ottawa)
🏢 Indigenous professionals
📍 Ottawa