Pacific Public Health Foundation (the Foundation) raises funds for public health research, helps facilitate and implement programs, and supports evidence to drive policies that have an immediate and measurable health impact in communities across BC. Our programs and projects are grounded in the most pressing public health priorities for BC, like the toxic drug poisoning crisis, emerging pandemics, Indigenous health, the impacts of climate change, and more. The Foundation works in partnership with, but is distinct from, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), as well as the broader public health sector and communities in BC, to improve population health here in our province, and beyond.
We are the only charitable foundation in BC actively fundraising for public health initiatives. As an independent, non-governmental organization we focus on authentic, trust-based philanthropy. We engage and invest in innovative, collaborative, and evidence-based initiatives that improve population health. Our unique and nimble role allows the Foundation’s staff and board to deploy philanthropy, funding, partnerships, engagement, and advocacy to achieve better public health outcomes.
We are in a crucial time for public health in BC. Therefore, it is exciting for the Foundation to recruit a new Director of Fund Development to oversee all aspects of our fundraising. The successful candidate for this role will focus on building the Major Gifts fundraising program, through the establishment and execution of robust fundraising strategies, and building strong relationships with donors and partners.
Scope of Position
The Foundation is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Director of Fund Development to lead our fundraising growth and philanthropic impact.
Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the COO, Board of Directors, and Foundation staff, the Director will provide leadership for the Foundation's fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on building and accelerating a major gifts program capable of supporting long-term growth and transformational public health initiatives across British Columbia. The role includes direct supervision of two team members and responsibility for building a high-performing, donor-centered fundraising function that supports the Foundation's strategic goals.
As the Foundation's senior fundraising leader, the Director will develop and execute an integrated fundraising strategy encompassing major gifts, foundations and grants, corporate partnerships, legacy
giving, annual giving, and donor stewardship. The successful candidate will cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, funders, community partners, and public health leaders while helping advance the Foundation's visibility, influence, and impact. The Director will collaborate closely with all Foundation staff, and in particular the marketing and communications team, to ensure brand alignment and a consistent voice for all external-facing products.
This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished fundraiser who enjoys building programs, identifying new opportunities, and working within a growing organization committed to health equity, social justice, and strengthening public health systems.
Information for Candidates
Application Timing and Selection Process:
Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2026. We encourage interested candidates to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may begin before the closing date. The search will continue until the most suitable candidate is identified.
Please submit your cover letter (or expression of interest) and resume/CV as a single document to Shellina Lakhdhir, Chief Executive Officer, at shellina.lakhdhir@pphf.ca. We welcome inquiries from prospective candidates and look forward to hearing from individuals who are passionate about advancing our mission.
Compensation and Benefits:
The Director’s salary range is $100,000 - $115,000. As the Foundation is still in its growth stages and does not yet have a benefits plan, an additional 10% salary will be paid to support the Director’s choice of benefit and retirement planning.
The Foundation also offers:
- Laptop, monitor, and other equipment
- One-time stipend for home office needs
- Paid sick days, additional wellness days for personal and care responsibilities, option to participate in a fortnight Friday schedule
- Generous vacation package
- Access to a professional development budget for continued learning and education
- Cellphone reimbursement
- Mentoring and coaching
- A collaborative, supportive team environment
Location:
This is a full-time permanent hybrid position based at the Foundation’s offices within the BC Centre of Disease Control at 655 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver.
Our Workplace Welcomes Everyone:
We live our values, ensuring that everyone on our team is engaged, respected, and supported in their work. Solutions-focused and forward-thinking, we ground our work in advancing equity, promoting social justice, anti-racism, Truth and Reconciliation, and championing public health.
Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if potential candidates are excited about this role but your experience or competencies don’t align perfectly with every desired trait listed above, we encourage you to reach out anyway. You may in fact be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
We acknowledge and show gratitude that we are able to work, live, and play on the traditional and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lo and SəÌílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and that our work humbly extends to all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples across what we call British Columbia. We make our commitment to continue on our path of learning and reconciliation and where welcomed to do so, to work with communities to support undoing inequities that have harmed and continue to harm Indigenous Peoples across the stolen and colonized lands of Turtle Island, or what we now call Canada.
About Pacific Public Health Foundation
We lead, we fund, we make change. We’re transforming public health.
Our Mission: To be a leader in public health philanthropy, engaging and investing in innovative, collaborative, and evidence-based initiatives that improve population health.
Our Vision is our passion: A healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all.
Our Values:
Integrity: We are true to our values, and our words, actions, and behaviours align.
Accountability: We are fully accountable to the public we serve, partners, funders, donors, and each other.
Transparency: We are open and honest with our public, partners, funders, donors, and each other.
Collaboration: We believe in respectful, mutually beneficial, and authentic relationships and partnerships.
Innovation: We encourage and undertake transformative work.
Compassion: We are kind, considerate, and open-minded in how we approach our work and each other.
Our Strategic Direction 2023 – 2026
Overview of the Position:
Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Growth
· In partnership with the CEO, develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the Foundation's strategic priorities and growth objectives.
· Lead the Foundation's fundraising planning process, establishing annual goals, priorities, performance measures, and revenue targets.
· Advance the Foundation's current strategic fundraising priorities, including the rapid expansion of a sustainable major gifts program.
· Identify and assess emerging philanthropic opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams that support the Foundation's mission.
· Monitor fundraising performance and provide regular analysis and recommendations to the CEO and Board.
Major Gifts, Donor Engagement & Stewardship
· Lead the development, implementation, and growth of the Foundation's major gifts program.
· Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and donors.
· Build and maintain meaningful relationships with philanthropists, foundations, corporate partners, community leaders, and other key stakeholders.
· Develop compelling cases for support, proposals and impact reports aligned with public health priorities.
· Design and implement donor engagement, recognition, and stewardship strategies that strengthen long-term donor relationships and inspire increased giving.
· Partner closely with the CEO and Board members to support donor cultivation and major gift solicitation activities.
· Plan and support donor engagement events and activities that advance philanthropic relationships and fundraising objectives.
· Provide oversight of the Foundation's broader fundraising programs, including grants, corporate partnerships, legacy giving, annual giving, and emerging fundraising initiatives.
Partnerships, Community Engagement & Organizational Leadership
· Build and strengthen collaborative relationships with public health organizations, community agencies, Indigenous partners, academic institutions, and other stakeholders whose work aligns with the Foundation's mission.
· Represent the Foundation at meetings, community events, networking opportunities, and sector forums.
· Serve as a senior leader within the organization, contributing to organizational strategy, planning, and culture.
· Support Board and committee engagement in fundraising activities and philanthropic initiatives.
· Foster a collaborative, equitable, and high-performing work environment that reflects the Foundation's values.
· Support the recruitment, development, and retention of fundraising staff, contractors, and volunteers as appropriate.
Operations, Systems & Accountability
· Ensure the effective use and integrity of the Foundation's donor database, including accurate records, reporting, prospect management, donor privacy, and data governance.
· Oversee fundraising systems, policies, procedures, and operational processes to support organizational effectiveness and growth.
· Develop and manage fundraising budgets, forecasts, and performance reports.
· Ensure compliance with applicable fundraising regulations, ethical standards, Canada Revenue Agency requirements, and Foundation policies.
· Prepare reports, dashboards, and updates for leadership and the Board of Directors.
· Other related duties as required.
Candidate Profile
The new Director of Fund Development will ideally possess the following competencies and traits:
· A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts.
· Proven ability to develop, manage, and grow relationships that result in significant philanthropic investments.
· Experience leading comprehensive fundraising strategies that may include major gifts, foundations and grants, corporate partnerships, annual giving, legacy giving, and donor stewardship.
· Experience building or expanding fundraising programs within a growing organization is strongly preferred.
· Demonstrated capacity to develop fundraising plans, establish measurable objectives, and achieve ambitious revenue targets.
· Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and donor engagement skills.
· Experience supporting CEOs, boards, and senior volunteers in fundraising activities and donor cultivation.
· Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills.
· Experience using donor management systems and fundraising databases; experience with DonorPerfect is considered an asset.
· Understanding of donor stewardship, philanthropic trends, fundraising ethics, and applicable regulatory requirements.
· A values-driven leader who embodies the Foundation's mission, vision, and values and demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and anti-racism.
· Knowledge of public health, healthcare, population health, social determinants of health, or related sectors is an asset; a strong interest in learning about the public health landscape is essential.
· Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
· CFRE designation is considered an asset.
To view the complete position profile and submit your application, please visit our website: Work in Public Health Philanthropy | Pacific Public Health Foundation. We thank all applicants for their interest and wish you success in the application process.