The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario has been serving our local communities for over 180 years and we are committed to supporting our local families, children, adults, youth and seniors in our various programs and services today.
At the YMCA, our values and purpose drive everything that we do. As a charity, we’ve championed values of empathy, health, trustworthy, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility. Helping people develop a healthy spirit, mind and body and inspiring a sense of social responsibility is the cornerstone of our legacy of caring.
To learn more about our programs and services offered please visit our website.
This job posting is for an existing vacancy and is intended to fill a current position within our organization.
Shine your light on a role that shapes our community’s future!
At the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario, we believe in the limitless potential of people and the power of connection to spark lasting change. As our next Vice President of Philanthropy & Brand, you’ll be at the forefront of advancing our mission, leading transformative fundraising, forging impactful partnerships, and inspiring a bold, unified brand presence. Guided by our vision and values, you’ll bring together strategy, relationships, and storytelling to fuel the Y’s growth, deepen our community impact, and champion our place as a leading charitable organization.
Given the nature of this role, we are seeking a candidate with deep local connections in the Northeast, including established community relationships and a strong understanding of the northern landscape. The ideal individual will be familiar with regional opportunities and well-acquainted with key partners, enabling them to strengthen our brand presence and expand our impact within the region.
Under the leadership of the Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth & Advancement, the Vice President of Philanthropy & Brand serves as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and plays a pivotal role in driving the YMCA’s advancement and impact. This role is focused on business development, relationship cultivation, and strategic positioning of the Y as a leading charitable organization. The Vice President provides leadership and direction in the areas of philanthropy, particularly major gifts and capital campaigns, partnership development, marketing, and external communications. They are responsible for advancing the Association’s charitable purpose by securing funding, guiding public and government relations efforts, and building strong relationships with agencies, stakeholders, and community partners. The role also oversees the development and execution of advertising strategies and provides high-level guidance across brand and communications functions. This position includes direct supervision of staff within these departments and functions, ensuring alignment with the YMCA’s Strategic Plan, charitable purpose, vision, and values.
START DATE: September 22, 2025
LOCATION: Northeastern Ontario
RATE OF PAY: $95,000 - $120,000 per year
HOURS: 40 per week
Major Responsibilities
Strategic Brand & Communications Leadership:
Position the YMCA as a leader and credible voice in public, government, and sector-wide conversations related to health, wellness, youth, and community development
Guide the Association’s strategic communications, marketing, and advertising strategy with a focus on impact, influence, and reach
Oversee and strengthen the YMCA brand, ensuring alignment with national standards and strategic priorities
Provide support and direction for proactive and crisis communications across the Association
Business Development & Advancement:
Lead the identification, cultivation, and development of strategic partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, donors, and funders
Develop and implement strategies to expand the YMCA’s charitable reach, funding sources, and visibility
Actively promote the YMCA’s mission and charitable case to attract new supporters and collaborators
Identify and pursue opportunities for innovation and growth that align with the Association’s Strategic Plan
Philanthropy, Campaigns & Major Gifts:
Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all philanthropic activities, including capital and annual campaigns, major gift initiatives, and donor recognition strategies
Partner with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to position philanthropy as a central driver of sustainability and impact
Donor & Stakeholder Engagement:
Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors, volunteers, stakeholders, and partners.
Foster a culture of philanthropy and donor stewardship across the Association
Identify and remove barriers to philanthropic engagement, ensuring inclusive and innovative approaches to fundraising and relationship building
Team Leadership & Department Oversight:
Recruit, lead, and support a high-performing team across the Philanthropy, Marketing, and Communications portfolios
Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development for direct reports
Operational Integration & Strategic Execution:
Contribute to Association-wide operational planning and decision-making as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, grant requirements, and internal policies
Qualifications
University degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Fundraising, or Non-Profit Management Education *for education completed outside of Canada, applicants are asked to submit an educational evaluation (WES, ICAS, etc.) with their application
10+ years of progressively senior leadership experience, ideally within the non-profit, public, or charitable sector, with demonstrated success in:
Major gift fundraising and philanthropic strategy
Marketing, branding, and communications leadership, including oversight of campaigns and advertising strategy
Business development, partnership building, and external stakeholder engagement, including working with government, media, and community organizations
Valid G Class Drivers License and Access to a vehicle for travel between sites and to attend community meetings and events
CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) designation considered a strong asset
Additional training or certification in brand management, government relations, or public affairs is an asset
Strong understanding of the Canadian philanthropic landscape, including CRA regulations for charities, donor ethics, and fundraising best practices
In-depth knowledge of strategic communication, media relations, and brand positioning
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with a high degree of emotional intelligence
Ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, staff, senior leaders, and government representatives
Strong business acumen with the ability to identify opportunities for organizational growth and increased charitable impact
Proficient in relevant software and platforms, including CRM/fundraising databases (e.g., Razors Edge, Bloomerange, NPSP), Microsoft Office Suite, and digital marketing tools
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation in leadership and engagement strategies
Bilingualism in both official languages an asset
Current and satisfactory Police Record with Vulnerable Sector Check
What We Offer:
Free Personal Membership and Family Membership
Discounts for day camps and recreational programs, summer camp and licensed child care for toddlers up to school-age
Paid vacation and sick/personal days
Extended Health and Dental Care Program that includes coverage for Vision and Professional Services such as those performed by Dieticians, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists,
Psychologists, Naturopaths, and more!
Employee and Family Assistance Program that includes short-term mental health supports such as counselling and online courses, and lifestyle coaching which includes legal and financial counselling
Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment & Long-Term Disability Benefits
YMCA Federation Pension Plan
Mileage reimbursement
Team bonding and employee recognition events
Professional development opportunities
Opportunity to explore a wide range of jobs and functions
Flexible hours and scheduling, and hybrid work options, depending on role
HOW TO APPLY
If you would like to work in a family friendly environment, please apply, by website only, with a cover letter and resume by September 1, 2025 to the attention of the Personnel Committee.
Please ensure that your cover letter and resume both specify the job title of the position that you are applying for.
All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted and you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, you must advise the Human Resources Department.
Please note that successful candidates will be required to submit a current and satisfactory Police Record with Vulnerable Sector Check for review prior to starting employment. Police records are reviewed on an individual basis, and any offences are considered in relation to the nature of the position and its responsibilities, particularly in working with children and vulnerable populations. A positive record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.
Please note that candidates invited for an interview will be required to submit three professional references.
YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is an equal opportunity employer that is dedicated to maintaining a fair and equitable work environment. All of our employees and job applicants will be promoted or employed solely on the basis of their abilities and qualifications.
Educational credentials completed outside of Canada require an Educational Evaluation along with your credentials. If you do not have an evaluation document, please visit https://www.wes.org/ca/. or https://www.icascanada.ca. Applications submitted without an evaluation document may not be considered.
