The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) has spent 27 years curating the world's most innovative and compelling cinema for Calgary audiences. Now, we're looking for a senior leader to help shape what the next chapter looks like. We are seeking a senior leader to serve as Director of Development: a critical member of CIFF’s leadership team responsible for driving the organization’s philanthropic and sponsorship revenue strategy, and a passionate advocate for the power of cinema to connect, inspire, and build community.

This is as senior leadership role requiring a motivated fundraising professional with a proven ability to operate at an executive level: shaping strategy, leading teams, cultivating major donors, and advancing an impactful philanthropic vision. The Director’s primary portfolio centres on Major Gifts (gifts of $25,000+) and presenting partnerships, with direct responsibility for building and deepening CIFF’s most valuable relationships. Alongside individual giving, the Director will lead the team in executing a corporate partnership growth strategy.

The Director of Development joins at an exciting moment of departmental growth, with one of their first opportunities being the chance to hire and shape a team of two, setting the tone for a agile Development team that matches the ambition and spirit of the organization they'll be part of. CIFF is in Year 2 of a five-year Philanthropic Strategy targeting $400,000+ in annual contributed revenue by 2029 — and the foundation is strong. With a fiercely loyal donor community, an established annual giving program (the Giving Reel), 100 festival partners, and 30,000 film lovers filling venues each September, this is an organization with a compelling story to tell.

The Director of Development will be the bridge between that story and the donors, partners, and community members who want to be part of it. permanent, year-round position with a target start date of January 15, 2026 (open until a suitable candidate is found). Serve as relationship lead for CIFF’s Presenting Partner and other key strategic funders Oversee implementation of CIFF’s Holiday Fundraising Campaign and other signature individual giving initiatives Oversee delivery of accurate and timely processing of gifts, charitable tax receipts,



and donor acknowledgements Serve as a senior leader within CIFF’s management team, contributing to organizational strategy, decision-making, and cross-departmental collaboration Represent CIFF externally as a senior ambassador for the organization’s philanthropic mission Lead the hiring and onboarding of two new Development Officers as part of CIFF’s departmental restructure, with both positions coming on in the early months of this role Provide ongoing mentorship, strategic direction, and performance accountability to both Development Officers, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented team culture aligned with CIFF’s values and goals Contribute to Organizational Strategy and Budget Planning documents Create, maintain, and manage an annual Development strategic plan and departmental budget, in alignment with CIFF’s five-year Philanthropic Strategy Lay the groundwork for a planned giving program, including identifying prospects and building toward a Legacy Circle Lead the Development team in the design and execution of a corporate partnership growth strategy, with the goal of meaningfully expanding CIFF’s corporate revenue base Oversee and direct the corporate partnerships portfolio in collaboration with the Development Officer (Corporate Partnerships), ensuring strategic alignment and a consistent, relationship-first approach Identify, cultivate, and secure new corporate partners, including through employee giving programs, cause marketing, and in‑kind partnerships Provide senior‑level stewardship for CIFF’s most significant corporate relationships, including the Presenting Partner and key institutional funders Work closely with the Board of Directors, providing senior leadership on fundraising initiatives, supporting board members in cultivation and solicitation, and ensuring board accountability Prepare briefing documents, presentations, gift agreements,



and other materials for board and donor engagement as required Data Management & Operations Oversee the Development team’s use of Keela (CIFF’s data management system), ensuring data integrity, consistent processes, and effective use of the platform across all donor programs A minimum of five years experience in senior fundraising roles, with demonstrated growth in scope, leadership, and revenue impact over time Experience in a senior leadership role, with the ability to contribute to organizational strategy and operate effectively at an executive level Strong background in donor solicitation, relationship management, and portfolio stewardship across individual giving and corporate partnerships;

experience leading a partnership growth strategy is a strong asset Proficiency with fundraising data management systems;

experience with Keela is a strong asset Experience in the non‑profit or arts sector is a strong asset Bachelor’s Degree and/or Master’s Degree preferred in arts management, non‑profit development, or a combination of relevant training and experience A clear picture of your trajectory in fundraising — how your responsibilities and revenue impact have grown over time, and what senior leadership has looked like in your career How you have used data management systems to drive donor strategy, track portfolio performance, and support team accountability How you approach organizational strategy and philanthropic planning in a resource‑conscious, mission‑driven environment, including how you have developed or led a partnership growth strategy It is understood that shift work, weekend work, and work on statutory holidays may or will be required. This role is full time (1.0 FTE) A senior leadership seat at one of Calgary’s most beloved cultural institutions with real influence. Deep roots in Calgary’s arts and cultural community — and a front‑row seat to the city’s most exciting annual event Our competitive time off and flexible workplace policies OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION CIFF is committed to an inclusive hiring process grounded in respect, dignity and equity.

We welcome applicants of every race, ancestry, origin, ability, identity, creed, sexuality, gender, age, marital or family status, immigration status, health, learning style, accent, language, appearance, stature or socio‑economic background #

📌 Head of Development & Production (Winnipeg)
🏢 Calgary International Film Festival | CIFF
📍 Winnipeg