Director, Philanthropy / Directrice ou directeur de la philanthropie

The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is seeking a highly strategic, driven and accomplished fundraising leader for the newly created role of Director, Philanthropy. The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for developing, managing, and growing a portfolio of principal and major gift donors and prospects across Canada. With a current regional focus on Quebec and Atlantic regions, the role is accountable for securing transformational philanthropic investments from high-net-worth individuals, private and family foundations, and select corporate and institutional partners in support of the RHF’s national mission and priorities.

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Director of Philanthropy leads sophisticated donor engagement and relationship management strategies across the full donor cycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, negotiation, and stewardship. The role manages a pipeline of qualified prospects and works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to advance fundraising priorities.

This position is based in Ottawa at the RHF offices, with flexibility for some remote work if necessary. RHF Leaders are expected to maintain a regular office presence. The successful candidate will be either Ottawa-based or will be required contractually to be in Ottawa for onboarding and as needed until they move to Ottawa within 4 to 6 months after completion of the probationary period. Additionally, this position will require regular travel to meet with staff, donors, partners, and volunteer leaders across the country.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Fundraising and Portfolio Management: Manage and grow a portfolio of principal and major gift prospects and donors across Canada with regional focus to be assigned as required. Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for high-capacity donors and partners. Secure philanthropic investments through face-to-face engagement, strategic proposals, and tailored opportunities aligned with the RHF’s priorities.
• Donor Engagement and Relationship Building: Serve as a trusted relationship manager for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, private foundations, and senior corporate leaders. Develop donor experiences, briefings, and engagement opportunities that connect donor interests with the RHF’s mission, impact and priorities.
• Collaboration and Organizational Leadership: Work collaboratively across the RHF to deliver an integrated donor experience. Contribute to annual fundraising planning, revenue forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Employee Management and Development: Supervise and support direct reports, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment. Provide regular coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities aligned with individual performance goals and organizational priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Bilingualism and proficient written and verbal skills in French and English required, knowledge of Indigenous languages an asset.
• Solid understanding of the Canadian philanthropic landscape.
• Strong relationship-building, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Minimum of 8 years progressive fundraising experience in a national charitable, educational, healthcare, public policy, or cultural organization with demonstrated success in principal and major gifts fundraising.

Working Conditions: Flexibility to work select evenings and weekends as required and available for travel across Canada. Successful completion of police/security checks and clearances, based on operational needs and policies as required by RHF.