Lead the Growth of Transformational Philanthropy Across Canada
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven fundraising leader to build and grow, our national major gifts program. This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping the vision, leadership, and strategy to expand philanthropic revenue, strengthen donor engagement, and build a sustainable pipeline of transformational giving across Canada.
This role will lead a team of major gift professionals while personally managing relationships with high-capacity donors, volunteers, and philanthropic partners. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of major gifts fundraising at LLSC and advancing the mission. If you are energized by developing high-performing fundraising teams, securing transformational gifts, and building programs that create lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
About LLSC
At the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, we are committed to improving the lives of Canadians affected by blood cancers through research, advocacy, support services and community engagement. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are investing in a modern philanthropy program focused on meaningful donor relationships, long-term engagement, and transformational giving opportunities that advance our mission.
We offer a flexible, collaborative, and mission-driven environment where employees are empowered to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful difference.
About the Role
The National Director, Business Development & Advancement provides strategic leadership for LLSC’s national major gifts program. The role is responsible for designing and implementing the strategies, systems and donor engagement approaches required to grow major gift revenue across Canada.
The Director will lead a team of major gift professionals while maintaining a select portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects capable of making transformational philanthropic investments. The successful candidate will be an experienced fundraising leader, who combines strategic thinking with strong relationship building skills and a proven ability to develop people, programs and revenue results.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Set the vision and direction for LLSC’s National Business Development & Advancement program (Major Gifts)
Drive program growth, revenue performance, and long-term philanthropic investment
Team Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing advancement team
Establish goals, accountability measures, and fundraising best practices
Fundraising & Relationship Management
Personally manage and cultivate a portfolio of high-capacity donors
Secure transformational and multi-year philanthropic investments
Program Development
Build scalable strategies, processes, and donor engagement plans that strengthen and mature the major gifts program
Organizational Partnership
Collaborate across LLSC to connect donor interests with mission priorities and organizational funding needs
What Success Looks Like
In this role, success means:
Growing philanthropic revenue through major gifts and transformational giving
Expanding and strengthening LLSC’s national donor pipeline
Building a sustainable and scalable major gifts program
Developing a high-performing fundraising team
Increasing donor retention and long-term engagement
Strengthening cross-functional collaboration and philanthropic culture
Advancing LLSC’s mission through meaningful donor partnerships
What You Bring
Experience
7-10+ years progressive experience in fundraising, philanthropy, advancement or major gifts
Demonstrated success securing major and transformational gifts
Experience leading fundraising teams and managing performance
Proven track record building and growing fundraising programs, pipelines and revenue results
Experience managing complex donor relationships and high-value portfolios
Experience developing fundraising strategies and translating them into measurable outcomes
Knowledge & Skills
Strong understanding of major gifts fundraising principles, donor engagement and moves management
Exceptional relationship building and influencing skills
Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision and day-to-day execution
Strong coaching and leadership capabilities
Excellent communication, presentation and storytelling skills
Experience working with CRM systems, fundraising analytics and pipeline reporting
Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, volunteers and donors
Personal Attributes
Relationship focused and highly collaborative
Strategic, innovative and growth-oriented
Results-driven while maintaining a donor-centered approach
Comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity
Passionate about mission-driven work and community impact
Primary Location:
As this role has a national scope, candidates may reside in any province where LLSC operates.
Preference may be given to candidates located in the Greater Toronto or Metro Vancouver area.
Regular travel across Canada is required to support donor engagement, fundraising activities and team leadership.
This is a highly relationship-based role with significant time dedicated to donor meetings and external engagement.
Flexible and hybrid work environments are supported.
Preferred Qualifications
CFRE designation or equivalent fundraising credentials considered an asset
Experience with campaign fundraising, principal gifts or planned giving initiatives
Bilingual (English/French) is an asset