POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Director, Campaign & Major Gifts, is responsible for the overall development and management of GNS's major gifts program, providing strategic direction to ensure the successful execution of the school's PW Renewal plan. This position provides consultative expertise to maximize philanthropic support from the GNS community, including the management of a personal portfolio of relationships to secure major gifts.
As an essential member of the team, the Director is a strong collaborator who organizes and supports a dedicated group of professionals and volunteers to achieve the school’s capital fundraising goals. The Director serves on the Senior Leadership Team and acts as an ambassador for GNS, advancing the mission and reputation of the school within the community and beyond.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Capital Campaign Management
- Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of GNS’s capital campaign to advance development priorities and campus renewal projects.
- Oversee the donor prospect pipeline, ensuring effective engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors.
- Establish objectives, timelines, and processes to ensure campaign milestones and best practices are consistently met.
- Manage the activities and engagement strategies for the Campaign Cabinet to support the recruitment, orientation, and support of volunteers engaged in campaign activities.
- Serve as a strategic member of committees of the Society Board, Foundation Board, and capital campaign teams as required.
- Collaborate with the Head of School on campaign plans, budgets and reporting metrics.
Major Gifts Fundraising & Strategy
- Manage a portfolio of major gift donors, personally conducting cultivation visits, solicitation calls, and stewardship activities.
- Lead the development and delivery of a donor-centric major gifts and stewardship program.
- Develop and implement a legacy giving strategy that inspires long-term philanthropic commitments and strengthens the school’s financial sustainability for future generations.
- Provide support and coaching to staff and volunteers in maintaining their own portfolio of qualified major gift donors.
- Develop and maintain policy and procedural documents related to major gifts and campaign management.
- Partner with Marketing and Communications to produce campaign materials that foster engagement and transparency.
- Monitor and report on fundraising plans, donor activity, and campaign progress.
Team Leadership & Operations
- Lead, mentor, and support the Advancement team to ensure operational excellence, professional growth, and alignment with the GNS strategic plan.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations for the Head of School, Society Board, Campaign Cabinet and Foundation Board.
- Oversee the Advancement operating budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation.
School & Community Engagement
- Champion the School’s mission, vision, and values in all advancement activities.
- Serve as a visible ambassador at school and community events, strengthening relationships and representing GNS with professionalism and integrity.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- University degree in Business, Communications, Public Relations, Commerce, or other related discipline.
- CFRE designation or equivalent an asset.
- A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Experience
- 7+ years of professional fundraising experience and demonstrated results in maintaining and upgrading existing donors as well as prospecting and cultivation.
- 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within advancement, fundraising, or related field.
- Demonstrated experience in the strategic planning and execution of a capital campaign.
- Knowledge of, and experience in, rigorous and data-driven processes for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors.
- Proven track record of personally securing major gifts.
- Experience working with non-profit volunteers and committee members.
Knowledge and Skills
- Superior relationship building skills and ability to relate effectively with people at all levels.
- Exceptional communication, public relations, and presentation skills.
- Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
- Ability to think, plan, and execute strategically.
- A strong coach and facilitator with the ability to bring out the best in others.
- Collaborative yet decisive leadership style with a focus on team development and accountability.
- High standards of confidentiality, discretion, and ethical practice.
- Flexibility and resilience in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Understanding of independent school culture and the role of philanthropy within it.
- Proficiency in Google Suite and a working knowledge of relational database software and records management.
BENEFITS
- Salary range of $140,000 - $160,000 per year.
- Work location: In-person role, Victoria, BC.
- Position Type: Full-time; requires occasional evening and weekend availability for in-person events.
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, virtual health care, and other employer-supported benefits
Application deadline: We are accepting rolling applications until the position is filled.
Check the status of the search process here
