Job Title:Director, Strategic Partnerships
Organization: Wellspring Alberta
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Job Type:Full-time
About Wellspring Alberta:
Wellspring Alberta is a charitable organization affiliated with the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering individuals living with cancer---as well as their caregivers. We offer a wide range of evidence-informed programs and services, all provided free of charge, to help navigate the many challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. Our vision is that no one has to face cancer alone. Wellspring Alberta is fueled by philanthropy and made possible through the generous support of the community, allowing us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
About the role:
Wellspring Alberta is seeking an experienced and dynamic fundraising leader to join our team as director of strategic partnerships, a key role designed to accelerate our impact and advance our mission.
Success in this role will directly support Wellspring Alberta's vision and mission by aligning business strategies that expand awareness, increase influence, and grow and diversify revenue streams. This position leads the strategic partnerships team, working in close collaboration with colleagues across the organization to build strong, mission-driven relationships.
As the leader of a high-performing team, you will oversee a diverse portfolio that includes major gift prospects, individuals, corporations, family and public foundations, and government funding opportunities. Reporting to the chief development officer, you will manage a province-wide team of fundraising professionals, providing mentorship to junior fundraisers while fostering a culture of learning and excellence.
Key responsibilities include managing budgets, contributing to the development of operational plans, establishing performance metrics, and identifying opportunities and challenges in partnership with the Chief Development Officer.
As a member of the senior leadership team, you will also play a vital role in shaping and sustaining Wellspring Alberta's organizational culture. You will work collaboratively with fellow leaders to nurture an inclusive, values-driven environment that promotes a strong culture of philanthropy, unity, and shared purpose.
Responsibilities:
Strategic leadership:
- Lead the development and execution of Wellspring Alberta's strategic partnership strategy, while contributing to organization-wide strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives.
- Establish clear goals and objectives for the strategic partnerships function, including annual revenue targets, resource planning, and performance metrics.
- Provide strong leadership and mentorship to the strategic partnerships team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and philanthropy.
- Partner with the senior leadership team to design and implement a comprehensive fund development plan focused on gifts of $10,000 and above.
Relationship management:
- Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors---including individuals, corporations, and foundations---to achieve both personal and team fundraising targets.
- Support the government and foundation grant portfolio by securing multi-year funding and negotiating terms and conditions for proposals and agreements.
- Collaborate with the team to design and implement personalized engagement strategies that strengthen donor relationships, improve retention, and grow philanthropic support.
- Ensure a high-quality donor and funder experience through accurate and timely reporting, proactive communication, and innovative engagement approaches.
- Partner with the director, community development to identify planned giving prospects and implement tailored engagement strategies.
Prospect identification and engagement:
- Conduct targeted research to identify and qualify prospective donors and strategic partners across Alberta.
- Lead and coordinate regional travel to cultivate relationships with donors, prospects, and community partners, representing Wellspring Alberta with professionalism and purpose.
- Develop and implement effective moves-management strategies to engage, cultivate, and solicit support from new prospects and partners.
Engage others in our vision:
- Champion and elevate Wellspring Alberta's mission and brand presence across the province.
- Position Wellspring Alberta as a recognized leader in community-based, wraparound support for individuals facing cancer and their families.
- Forge meaningful partnerships with local businesses, community leaders, and influencers to amplify awareness and inspire community engagement.
- Serve as a trusted ambassador and liaison between Wellspring Alberta and the communities we support, fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships.
Cross department collaboration:
- Collaborate with the communications teams to develop compelling materials that highlight the community impact of philanthropic partnerships.
- Partner with the program team to effectively communicate the real-life outcomes of initiatives for individuals and families affected by cancer.
Qualifications:
- Passion for the mission and vision of Wellspring Alberta.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; CFRE designation an asset. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Proven success in partnership development and revenue growth.
- Strong leadership experience with high-performing, diverse teams.
- Demonstrated expertise in fundraising, donor and community relations.
- Experience in soliciting donations and cultivating relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Willing to travel occasionally within Alberta.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
Compensation:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- A meaningful role, making a difference every day for people living with cancer.
- A workplace culture where collaboration and innovation are fostered.
- Strong promotion of work-life balance and flexible work environment.
- Benefits package included.
How to apply:
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to Emily Lennstrom, chief development officer, at emilyl@wellspringalberta.ca.
Inclusion statement:
Wellspring Alberta is committed to being an inclusive organization. We are in a process of expanding the diversity of identities and lived experiences, to be more reflective of the communities in which we work and live. To support this process, we've become an employer partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, developed an Advisory group, and we are taking action as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We understand we are on a journey, which will take time, and that increasing equity in our organization and in cancer care is critical. We encourage applications from groups that are typically under-represented in cancer-serving organizations including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, 2SLGBTQ identifying individuals, persons with disabilities, and candidates from all equity seeing groups.
We welcome you to contact us for a conversation about accessibility and accommodation throughout the recruitment process.
We know that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single requirement. If you're excited about the role, but your qualifications don't match perfectly, we encourage you to apply. We appreciate your interest in Wellspring and warmly welcome all applications.
