Are you a visionary fundraising leader with a deep passion for community and social justice? The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) is seeking it’s very first Director of Philanthropy to cultivate and grow our community of supporters as we continue to support people who identify as Indigenous that have been directly or indirectly impacted by Indian residential schools and colonial systems to attain spiritual, emotional, cultural, and physical healing that sustains their wellness and that of future generations.

About Us

The IRSSS is a non-profit Society that has been serving First Nations people in B.C. since 1994, just ten years after the last Indian Residential School closed in the province. Recently, the IRSSS has supported survivors and intergenerational survivors with triggering and distressing situations, including the uncovering of unmarked graves at Indian Residential Schools across the country, by providing emotional and cultural support as needed.

The ever-changing and growing team at the IRSSS also provides dedicated and specialized services to support people, families and communities affected by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). In addition, the IRSSS supports intergenerational survivors who seek culture as well as support with building healthy relationships.

As an organization that works with those affected by the trauma of Residential Schools, IRSSS supports a meaningful journey of healing and reconciliation. While our work may not be widely known outside of the intergenerational Residential School Survivors community, we are respected and recognized as the largest organization to deliver impactful support.

Your Impact

As our Director of Philanthropy, you will:

Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the IRSSS’s vision and long-term sustainability.
Lead and expand major gifts, corporate partnerships, on-line giving, event fundraising and legacy giving programs, ensuring robust support for IRSSS’s services.
Build and foster deep relationships with donors, government supporters, Indigenous leaders, and corporate partners who share our vision.
Oversee fundraising campaigns, exclusive donor events, and sponsorship opportunities that engage the community and embrace our values and commitments.
Provide inspired leadership in fundraising to our broader team, ensuring alignment with our strategic plans and organizational goals.
Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in all philanthropic activities, embedding Indigenous ways of being into our fundraising approach.

What You Bring

Three (3) to Five (5) years of philanthropy and fundraising experience, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
Post-secondary certification in Fundraising Management; Project Management; Business Administration or equivalent years of experience in a fundraising/development role within a non-profit organization.
A relevant bachelor’s degree will be considered an asset.
Experience working in a cross-cultural environment, and with First Nations organizations and communities.
A commitment to and understanding of trauma-informed care and services.
Proven success in securing major gifts, capital campaign contributions, and corporate sponsorships.
Deep knowledge of and strong connections to the local and national funding landscape.
Exceptional storytelling and relationship-building skills, with the ability to convey the emotional and cultural impact of IRSSS to donors and patrons.
Proficiency in fundraising CRMs (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and donor data analysis.
A creative, strategic, and results-driven mindset with a deep commitment to the transformative healing journey.
Ability to thrive in a collaborative, values-based environment, working closely with senior leadership and the program services team to grow and sustain a culture of philanthropy.
A strong multi-tasker who works well under pressure to meet deadlines and maximize efficiency.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a Society that celebrates creativity and champions diverse cultural voices.
Lead fundraising efforts for an organization providing critical services to support the intergeneration trauma of Residential Schools.
Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where healing and philanthropy intersect.
Enjoy a competitive salary, extended medical and dental benefits, life insurance, long-term disability, pension contributions, and generous vacation entitlements.

Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $130,000 – $150,000 per year + Comprehensive Benefits & Pension Plan.
Position type: Full-Time, Permanent (Hybrid – In-Office 3 Days/Week).
Location: Downtown Vancouver or Park Royal, West Vancouver.

Application deadline: We are accepting rolling applications until the position is filled.

Check the status of the search process here

Indian Residential School Survivors Society

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Director of Philanthropy