Position: National Director, Philanthropy

Full-time: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday (occasional evenings/weekends for events)

Location: Remote (Head Office London, ON)

Reports To: Executive Director

About Defeat Duchenne Canada

Defeat Duchenne Canada is the country’s only national charity dedicated exclusively to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Throughout our 30-year history, we have provided leadership in research, advocacy, education and family support. Our organization began in 1995 as Jesse’s Journey, founded when John Davidson embarked on a remarkable trek across Ontario, pushing his son Jesse in his wheelchair to raise awareness and funds for Duchenne research.

Today, Defeat Duchenne Canada raises approximately one million dollars annually and is proud to be the largest funder of Duchenne research in Canada. As we enter a period of strategic growth, we are committed to significantly expanding our philanthropic revenue to strengthen essential education and support programs and to advocate for equitable access to treatments and high-quality care for every person living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy across Canada.

About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 boys. In Canada, we estimate that roughly 1,000 individuals are living with Duchenne. It is a progressive, rare genetic disorder caused by the absence of dystrophin, a protein essential for muscle function and repair. While it primarily affects males at birth, Duchenne has a profound impact on families, communities and healthcare systems.

The treatment landscape has expanded exponentially over the past decade, yet there remains an urgent need for both a cure and comprehensive, lifelong support. Access to equitable treatments in Canada continues to be a challenge, and coordinated adult care is limited for many in our communities. Philanthropic investment plays a critical role in accelerating research, strengthening care, and ensuring families receive the support they need at every stage of their journey.

Role Overview

The National Director of Philanthropy is a senior leader responsible for shaping the next era of impact for Defeat Duchenne Canada. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned fundraising leader to build and execute a national philanthropy strategy in a rapidly evolving field of rare disease research and care. You will join a small but highly passionate and committed team, bringing vision, discipline, and creativity needed to grow and diversity revenue in service of a clear urgent mission.

This role is ideal for a relationship-driven strategist who thrives in both building systems and engaging donors at the highest levels. You will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, volunteers, and community partners to elevate our national presence and unlock transformational giving opportunities.

The Director will cultivate and steward donor relationships, ensuring meaningful engagement and recognition that deepens long-term commitment. They will also collaborate with the Executive Director to design a robust, high-return on investment fundraising strategy and lead a Fund Development Volunteer Committee to expand capacity and community reach.

A strong understanding of Raiser’s Edge is essential to effectively manage donor relationships, optimize database functionality, and provide oversight and support to Defeat Duchenne Canada’s Database Administrator.

Key Professional Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of a multi-year national fundraising strategy that significantly increases philanthropic revenue.
Build and steward a robust pipeline of major donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community supporters.
Strengthen and expand national fundraising programs, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, planned/legacy giving pipeline, and signature events.
Partner with the Executive Director and Board to cultivate high-value relationships and secure mission-advancing investments.
Develop compelling cases for support, donor communications, and impact reporting that reflect our mission and commitment to inclusive storytelling.
Establish systems, metrics, and processes that support sustainable revenue growth and donor stewardship excellence.
Provide leadership and mentorship to staff and volunteers engaged in fundraising activities.
Represent Defeat Duchenne Canada at national events, conferences, and donor engagements

The Ideal Candidate

A senior fundraising professional with a track record of securing major gifts and leading multi-channel philanthropy strategies.
Skilled at building authentic, trust-based relationships with donors, partners, and community members.
Strategic and entrepreneurial, with the ability to design systems while also rolling up your sleeves in a small-team environment.
A compelling communicator who can translate complex scientific and healthcare concepts into accessible, inspiring narratives.
Experienced in national or multi-regional fundraising, ideally within health, research, or mission-driven organizations.
Committed to equity, accessibility, and inclusive practices in all aspects of fundraising and community engagement.
Motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for children, adults, and families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Why Join Us

Joining Defeat Duchenne Canada means becoming part of a small but mighty team driven by purpose, compassion, and a commitment to meaningful impact.

You will:

Lead philanthropy for a national organization at a pivotal moment of growth.
Shape a strategy that accelerates research, improves care, supports families across Canada.
Work alongside a values-driven team that prioritizes collaboration, compassion, and impact.
Enjoy flexibility and trust with a supportive environment that recognizes the importance of balance.
Contribute to a mission where every dollar raised brings us closer to a future without Duchenne.

Compensation and Benefits

Defeat Duchenne Canada offers a competitive and equitable compensation package that reflects the seniority and national scope of this role. The anticipated salary range is $80,000– $100,000, with adjustments make to account for regional cost of living differences across Canada.

Employees receive comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, along with employer-paid insurance supports that promote overall well-being. Paid time off includes three weeks of vacation to start, sick and personal days, and additional paid closure during the December holiday period. Staff also enjoy our Summer Friday program, which provides Fridays off leading into each long weekend between Victoria Day and Thanksgiving.

We offer a flexible work environment with remote work support, a professional development budget to encourage ongoing learning, certification, and sector engagement, and reimbursement for approved travel and work-related expenses.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years fundraising leadership experience in the charitable sector across multiple fund development channels, (peer to peer/events, major gifts, direct mail, legacy giving, etc.)
Relevant post-secondary degree; Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset.
Proven ability to engage, cultivate and secure major gifts, experience navigating government relations/funding an asset.
Experience scaling revenue in a growing organization
Experience working with volunteer committees and boards
Data-driven decision making
Strong storytelling ability
Experience in health care, rare disease an asset
Raiser’s Edge experience (or similar CRM software)

Please submit your resume and cover letter to: careers@defeatduchenne.ca, no later than Friday, April 3rd, 2026.

Defeat Duchenne Canada

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National Director, Philanthropy