Chief Development Officer – 12-Month Fractional Contract - Toronto, Ontario

Empire Club Foundation · Chief Development Officer – 12-Month Fractional Contract · The Opportunity · The Empire Club Foundation invites proposals · for a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead and accelerate the Foundation's philanthropic growth during a critical phase of organ ...

Job description

Empire Club Foundation

Chief Development Officer – 12-Month Fractional Contract

The Opportunity

The Empire Club Foundation invites proposals
for a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead and accelerate the Foundation's philanthropic growth during a critical phase of organizational evolution. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for an accomplished fundraising executive with deep expertise in major gifts, grants, partnerships, and revenue strategy. This is a new position offered as a 12-month fractional contract with the potential to renew, based on performance and organizational needs.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CDO will be accountable for leading and accelerating the Foundation's philanthropic growth and revenue performance. The successful proponent will:

·      Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising and partnerships strategy aligned with the Foundation's charitable and educational mandate.

·      Lead the full fundraising cycle—from prospect identification, qualification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship—personally driving senior donor and partner relationships.

·      Build the systems, discipline, and performance tracking required to scale revenue sustainably.

·      Bring deep knowledge of Canada's charitable and sponsorship landscape to steward and grow strategic relationships while developing new funding streams.

·      Operate within a cross-functional ecosystem and bring strong collaboration to ensure fundraising is fully aligned with programming, positioning, and organizational priorities.

The Foundation operates in a lean, growth-oriented environment that will appeal to a builder mindset—someone energized by shaping strategy, creating infrastructure, and scaling impact. The successful proponent will thrive in a dynamic setting where strategic leadership and hands-on execution go hand in hand.

About the Empire Club Foundation

For more than 122 years, the
Empire Club of Canada has been the nation's trusted forum for conversations that shape our world—welcoming leaders such as Winston Churchill, Indira Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, Margaret Atwood, and Bill Gates. The Club's mission is to connect people to ideas and productive dialogue on diverse topics that impact Canadians and the world.

The Empire Club Foundation is the charitable arm of the Club. It exists to empower students and emerging leaders across Canada by expanding access to ideas, education, networks, and national dialogue. Through hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and real-world exposure, the Foundation's programming—including the Student Table Program, the Hal Jackman Future Nation Builder Awards, and the Youth Ambassadorship Initiative—equips students to lead with confidence and help shape Canada's civic, social, economic, and cultural future.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising & Partnership Strategy

·      Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive philanthropy and partnerships strategy with defined revenue targets.

·      In partnership with CMO, refine and articulate the Foundation's case for support and donor value propositions.

·      Design and manage a diversified fundraising portfolio including individual major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and legacy opportunities.

·      Plan and direct an annual fundraising campaign, special appeals, and targeted requests in support of specific Foundation priorities within the contract term.

·      Personally lead qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects.

·      Secure significant, multi-year gifts and partnerships that directly support the Foundation's mission and programs.

·      Serve as strategic development advisor to senior leadership and the Board.

2. Relationship Building & Donor Relations

·      Develop and implement comprehensive relationship‑building strategies to deepen engagement with existing and prospective donors, sponsors, and partners.

·      Leverage the Empire Club's national platform and credibility to unlock new philanthropic relationships.

·      Represent the Foundation externally with donors, corporate leaders, and institutional funders.

3. Strategic Leadership & Profile Building

·      Actively cultivate external visibility and thought leadership opportunities that strengthen the Foundation's presence and relevance within philanthropic, business, and civic networks.

·      Partner closely with Board members on prospect strategy and solicitations.

·      Activate volunteers and senior leaders in fundraising efforts.

·      Work collaboratively alongside the Foundation Chief Marketing Officer and Manager of Programs and Operations to align fundraising strategy with programming, marketing, positioning, and sponsorship narratives.

·      Coordinate with the Empire Club revenue team and CEO to ensure alignment and clarity of value proposition and holistic prospect outreach strategy.

4. Program Support and Operational Excellence

·
  In collaboration with the Program Manager, lead partner activation, project coordination, and communications related to Foundation-supported programs, high-profile events, and special initiatives.

·      Work with colleagues and volunteer leaders to identify funding opportunities aligned with programming priorities and match them with appropriate prospects.

·      Develop and manage annual revenue targets, fundraising budgets, and forecasts in collaboration with senior leadership and the Board.

·      Provide regular written and verbal reporting on fundraising performance, pipeline development, progress against targets, and the status of key relationships.

·      Establish and strengthen fundraising systems, processes, and tools, including CRM, prospect tracking, structured moves management, and performance dashboards.

·      Ensure sponsor and donor recognition, benefits, and deliverables are executed to a high standard across print, digital, and in-person platforms, consistent with Foundation and Club brand standards.

Success in this role will be measured by revenue growth, pipeline strength, and the establishment of clear fundraising systems and discipline.

Proposal Requirements

Interested proponents are asked to submit a concise proposal (PDF) including:

1. Cover Letter and Resume
2. . Proposed Approach

·      Your proposed approach to designing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising and partnerships strategy and a 12-month work plan to bring this to life.

·      How you would build and manage a diversified fundraising portfolio

·      How you would engage the Board, volunteers, and senior leadership

·      How you would establish CRM systems, pipeline tracking, and performance reporting

·      A high-level 12-month roadmap outlining:

o  Key phases and milestones

o  Timeline

o  Expected deliverables

3. Financial Proposal & Fee Structure
Your proposed fee structure for the fractional 12-month contract, including:

·      Total annual fee

·      Payment structure (e.g., monthly retainer)

·      Any assumptions related to scope or expenses

Experience & Qualifications

The ideal proponent will bring:

·
   10+ years of progressive senior experience in fundraising and partnerships, with a proven record of personally securing major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants and foundation funding.

·      Demonstrated success designing and executing fundraising strategies that result in multi-year commitments and sustained revenue growth.

·      Experience working closely with Boards, CEOs, and senior executives, including engaging volunteer leaders in fundraising efforts.

·      Deep knowledge of philanthropic strategy, donor cultivation, stewardship, and revenue pipeline management.

·      Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development and senior-level presentations.

·      Proficiency with CRM systems and fundraising performance tracking tools.

·      Knowledge of, or strong interest in, youth empowerment, Canadian public affairs, business, and civic life.

·      Ability to be based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for meeting and appointments; hybrid flexibility.

Leadership traits & competencies:

·      
Strategic thinking and credibility
— Ability to influence at senior levels and manage a wide range of stakeholders (donors, sponsors, funders, Board members, event speakers, advisors, volunteers).

·      
Negotiation and goal orientation
— Proven skill in setting, pursuing, and achieving ambitious revenue targets and partnership agreements in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.

·      
Relationship-driven leadership
— Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to foster trusting, collaborative relationships as a spokesperson and advocate for the Foundation's mission.

·      
Entrepreneurial mindset
— Comfortable operating with autonomy and ownership in a lean, high‑impact environment; motivated to scale impact responsibly and sustainably.

·      
Time and priority management
— Ability to prioritize and complete tasks efficiently to meet deadlines and deliver on commitments within a defined contract term.

·      
Flexibility and adaptability
— Capacity to respond quickly to changing circumstances, opportunities, and organizational needs.

·      
Collaboration and accountability
— Ability to work cross-functionally, take ownership, and deliver against defined milestones while maintaining high standards of integrity.

Evaluation Criteria

Please see our website for details.

Contract Terms

·      
Term:
12-Month Fractional Contract (Approx. 3 Days/Week)

·      
Location:
GTA preferred; hybrid flexibility

·      
Reporting:
Foundation Board Designate

Submission Deadline

Please submit your proposal to

with the subject line "RFP Chief Development Officer"

Deadline: March 16, 2026 – 11:59 PM EST

The Empire Club Foundation is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.