Senior Vice President of Development & Communications

McKinley Children's Center; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 199,000 - 262,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Canada is seeking a Senior Vice President of Development & Communications to lead fundraising and communications strategies. The role demands strong leadership in securing sustainable revenue growth, developing integrated communications that enhance brand visibility, and partnering with stakeholders for donor engagement. Candidates should possess significant experience in nonprofit development and strategic communications, along with a bachelor's degree. The salary range is $145,000 – $190,000 with hybrid work flexibility.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement plan with employer contribution

Generous PTO and holidays

Relocation assistance for exceptional candidates

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit development and philanthropy.
• Demonstrated success in leading comprehensive fundraising programs.
• Proven experience developing integrated communications strategies.

Responsibilities

• Drive sustainable revenue growth aligned with mission expansion.
• Develop and execute communications strategies that elevate brand visibility.
• Lead enterprise-wide fundraising across various channels.

Skills

Nonprofit development

Philanthropy

Strategic communications

Fundraising programs

Brand visibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Senior Vice President of Development & Communications

McKinley | Southern California

125 years in—and we’re just getting started.

TURN UP THE VOLUME

We are expanding programs, opening new clinics, and deepening our ecological, trauma‑informed model of care across Southern California. With that growth comes the opportunity—and responsibility—to secure sustainable philanthropic investment and to tell our story with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

This is a moment that calls for ambitious fundraising, strategic communications, and bold leadership.

It is time to Turn Up the Volume—on our mission and the resources that make it possible.

A Legacy Built on Care. A Future Fueled by Investment.

Founded in 1900, McKinley has spent more than a century evolving to meet the needs of children, families, and communities. We have grown into a multi‑service human‑services organization providing mental health, educational, residential, and supportive services across multiple locations throughout Southern California.

Our longevity reflects trust. Our growth reflects relevance.

Our future depends on strong partnerships, engaged supporters, and visionary leadership.

How We Care. How We Lead. How We Build the Future.

McKinley’s work is grounded in an ecological, trauma‑informed model of care—recognizing that healing happens in relationships, communities, and systems.

Our approach to philanthropy and communications mirrors this philosophy: holistic, relational, and values‑driven.

Our HUMAN values guide every decision and every relationship:

Hopeful — investing in possibility and long‑term change

Understanding — listening deeply and honoring lived experience

Moral — stewarding trust, resources, and reputation with integrity

Awesome — embracing creativity, excellence, and bold ideas

Nurturing — building relationships that sustain people and mission

These values shape our culture—and the way we invite others to invest in our work.

Why This Role Exists:

For generations, McKinley has done extraordinary work.

Today, growth demands amplification and investment.

New programs, new regions, and new opportunities require us to build philanthropic momentum while ensuring McKinley’s story is told authentically and powerfully.

The Senior Vice President of Development & Communications exists to:

• Drive sustainable revenue growth aligned with mission expansion
• Position McKinley as a compelling philanthropic investment
• Strengthen donor confidence, engagement, and long‑term partnership
• Ensure communications and fundraising move forward as one integrated strategy

Turning up the volume means building both voice and viability for the future.

The Vision for the Role:

This role sits at the intersection of philanthropy, storytelling, and strategy.

As Senior Vice President of Development & Communications, you will:

• Lead enterprise‑wide fundraising across individuals, foundations, corporations, and campaigns
• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that elevate brand visibility and donor engagement
• Partner with the CEO and Board in donor cultivation, stewardship, and advocacy
• Shape high‑impact campaigns, initiatives, and signature events
• Build and lead a sophisticated, relationship‑centered development and communications team

Your leadership will directly shape McKinley’s financial sustainability—and how its impact is understood and supported.

Who Thrives Here:

You are a senior leader who believes that fundraising and communications are inseparable forces for change.

You are equally comfortable building donor relationships, shaping organizational narrative, and guiding teams toward ambitious goals. You bring both discipline and imagination, and you are drawn to organizations with history, momentum, and purpose.

You want your leadership to:

Leave a legacy

This is a senior executive role for a leader ready to steward both legacy and growth.

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

7–10+ years of progressive senior leadership experience in nonprofit development, philanthropy, and strategic communications.

Demonstrated success leading comprehensive fundraising programs, including major gifts, foundation and corporate giving, campaigns, and special initiatives.

Proven experience developing and executing integrated communications strategies that elevate brand visibility, donor engagement, and public trust.

Track record of aligning storytelling, marketing, and messaging with fundraising and organizational strategy.

Experience partnering with Boards, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.

Ability to lead, mentor, and scale high‑performing development and communications teams.

Strong strategic, financial, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate mission and outcomes into compelling narratives and investment opportunities.

Salary Range: $145,000 – $190,000 (commensurate with experience)

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision; retirement plan with employer contribution; generous PTO and holidays.

Relocation Assistance: Available for exceptional candidates.

Location: Southern California (hybrid flexibility with regular on‑site presence)

JOIN US

If you are ready to lead with strategy and story—

If you believe generosity fuels transformation—

If you want to help shape the next chapter of a 125‑year legacy—

Join McKinley.

Help us Turn Up the Volume on impact, investment, and possibility—for the next 125 years.