Philanthropy Officer, Major Gifts & Events

H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable community organization in Kelowna is seeking a Philanthropy Officer Major Gifts & Events to develop relationships with donors. The role involves securing investments of $10,000 or more and managing fundraising events. Candidates should have at least 4 years of experience in major gifts fundraising and strong relationship-building skills. This opportunity includes competitive compensation and additional benefits.

Benefits

Competitive vacation and paid wellness days

Eligibility for extended health and dental

Free YMCA gym membership

Generous employer matched pension plan

Extensive Employee Assistance Program

Training and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong experience in major gift fundraising.
• Minimum 4 years of fund development experience in major gifts.
• Understanding of the philanthropic landscape in Southern Interior BC.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fund development plans.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Lead and manage all fundraising events.

Skills

Relationship-building

Self-motivated

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Post-secondary degree or certification related to fundraising

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Other donor relationship platforms

Job description

Overview

Reporting to the VP Marketing & Philanthropy the Philanthropy Officer Major Gifts & Events will play a key role in establishing and developing long term philanthropic relationships with prospects, donors and sponsors focusing on the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a portfolio of major gift prospects with the capacity and interest in providing financial support to the YMCAs events, programs and services.

The Philanthropy Officer Major Gift & Events will work with individuals and corporate partners to secure investments of $10,000 or more. This role supports coordination of strategic moves to help the YMCA reach its financial goals and requires collaboration with the Marketing Department and Program Delivery teams while encouraging a culture of philanthropy and collaboration.

If this sounds like a meaningful day at work, this job might be for you!

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the VP of Marketing & Philanthropy to develop and implement a robust fund development plan for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gift prospects.
• Develop and implement strategies for soliciting, securing and stewarding major gifts from individuals, groups, foundations and corporations to support YMCA events, programs and services.
• Build, develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects (75-100), scheduling face-to-face meetings for moves management, discovery, cultivation and solicitation.
• Ensure donor recognition, acknowledgment and stewardship programs are in place and adhered to; serve as primary solicitor as appropriate.
• Research potential new prospects and follow up with new donors solicited through events; prepare proposals, implement stewardship protocols and coordinate follow-up for solicitation calls.
• Secure sponsorship support for signature events to expand the donor database and raise public awareness.
• Lead and manage all fundraising events with a focus on developing and nurturing strong community and staff relations.
• Implement a professional and strategic approach to donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship to deepen relationships and build donor loyalty and retention.
• Lead in the development and execution of annual event campaigns with awareness of current social, political and environmental influences and fund development trends.
• Ensure all donor interactions and information are accurately recorded, kept confidential, and maintained in donor management software.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong relationship-building skills with donor cultivation and solicitation experience.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in a team, with strong communication skills and strategic thinking.
• Proven success in major gift fundraising with discretion handling confidential information and high ethical standards for donor-centered fundraising.
• Minimum 4 years of fund development experience in major gifts.
• Post-secondary degree or certification is an asset.
• Understanding of the philanthropic landscape in the Southern Interior BC.
• Experience with design and execution of capital campaigns and planned giving programs would be an asset.
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge and/or other donor relationship platforms.
• Driver's licence and reliable vehicle is required.

Compensation

• Starting hourly wage range of $36.04-$39.69 depending on experience
• Competitive vacation and paid wellness days for you and your family
• Eligibility for extended health and dental
• Free YMCA gym membership to YMCA facilities for you and your family
• Generous employer matched pension plan
• Extensive Employee Assistance Program
• Training and professional development opportunities

Required Competencies

• Commitment to Mission, Vision and Values: Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the YMCA of Southern Interior BC’s mission, vision and values.
• Service Oriented: Deliberately identifies and creates opportunities to enhance the YMCA experience; develops action plans to resolve service gaps.
• Relationship Building and Collaboration: Builds positive interactions, listens attentively, and communicates effectively to foster open communication; shares information, best practices and resources with colleagues.

The YMCA’s Commitment to Trust, Safety and Equality

As part of a trusted charitable organization you can expect to receive excellent services and safety training throughout your YMCA career. You will be required to:

• Provide 3 professional references (e.g., employer, supervisor, colleague, teacher, coach).
• Provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check / Vulnerable Sector Search issued no later than six (6) months before your start date. The YMCA will provide applicable instructions and paperwork.

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is an equity employer and encourages applications from all individuals who may contribute to the diversity of our workplace, including persons with diverse abilities, persons of colour and ethnicity, Indigenous persons (First Nations, Métis and Inuit), and people of all sexual orientations and genders.

Application Process

This is an exciting time for the YMCA. Candidates are invited to send cover letters and resumes by September 4, 2025 directed to:

Tammie Watson, VP Marketing & Philanthropy

Required Experience: Unclear Seniority