Fund Development & Donor Relations Director

Position Title: Fund Development & Donor Relations Director

Reports To: Executive Director

Location: Alberta Aviation Museum [Hybrid]

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary: $70,000 annual + health benefits after probationary period

Position Summary

The Fund Development & Donor Relations Director leads fundraising and donor engagement efforts to support the Alberta Aviation Museum’s mission and long-term sustainability. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Fundraising Committee, and select volunteers, the Director develops and implements fundraising strategies, cultivates and stewards relationships with donors, sponsors, grant-making organizations, members, and community partners, and supports fundraising campaigns, sponsorship development, and grant activities. The role helps foster a culture of philanthropy by ensuring supporters feel valued, informed, and engaged.

Key Responsibilities

Fund Development

o Develop and implement annual and multi-year fundraising strategies, including major gifts, individual giving, monthly donors, corporate partnerships, grants, and events.

o Research and pursue new funding opportunities to diversify revenue streams.

o Prepare compelling funding proposals, impact reports, and donor communications.

o Manage grant applications, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and timely reporting.

o Assist in developing and implementing annual fundraising plans and revenue targets.

o Coordinate fundraising campaigns, donor appeals, and special fundraising initiatives.

o Identify and research prospective donors, sponsors, foundations, and grant opportunities.

o Support major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaign activities.

o Maintain a fundraising pipeline and prospect tracking system.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

o Cultivate, engage, and steward relationships with donors at all giving levels.

o Implement recognition programs and personalized stewardship strategies to enhance donor retention. Ensure timely processing of donations and issuance of charitable tax receipts.

o Coordinate donor events, site visits, and appreciation activities.

o Ensure donor communications are timely, meaningful, and aligned with organizational values.

o Build and maintain positive relationships with donors and supporters.

o Organize donor appreciation events and engagement opportunities

Sponsorship Development

o Identify and cultivate corporate sponsorship opportunities.

o Prepare sponsorship proposals and partnership packages.

o Maintain relationships with corporate partners and sponsors.

o Ensure sponsorship benefits and recognition commitments are fulfilled.

Grant Support

o Research grant opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and corporations.

o Assist with preparing grant applications and supporting documentation.

o Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and outcomes.

Membership and Annual Giving

o Support membership recruitment and retention initiatives.

o Coordinate annual giving campaigns and donor appeals.

o Analyze participation trends and recommend growth strategies.

o Promote recurring and monthly giving programs.

Events and Community Engagement

o Support fundraising events, campaigns, and community outreach activities.

o Recruit and coordinate volunteers for fundraising initiatives as required.

o Represent the Museum at community events and networking opportunities.

o Assist in developing fundraising-related promotional materials.

Database Management & Reporting

o Maintain accurate and confidential donor records in the fundraising database.

o Track fundraising progress, donor engagement, pipeline development, revenue performance and provide regular reports to leadership and the board.

o Use data insights to inform strategy and improve donor experience.

o Ensure compliance with privacy legislation and fundraising best practices.

Collaboration & Representation

o Work closely with program staff to gather stories, impact data, and outcomes to share with donors.

o Collaborate with communications/marketing staff to ensure consistent messaging in campaigns and appeals.

o Represent the organization at networking events, donor meetings, and community functions.

Education

o Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Fundraising, Communications, Business, Nonprofit Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).

o Minimum 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development or a related role.

o Demonstrated success in securing individual and corporate gifts, as well as managing donor portfolios.

o Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills (verbal and written).

o Proficiency with donor management systems and fundraising CRM software.

o Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

o Knowledge of ethical fundraising principles and CRA/IRS charitable receipting guidelines (as applicable).

Core Competencies

o Strategic thinker with results-oriented mindset.

o Donor-centered relationship management.

o Strong storytelling and persuasive writing skills.

o Team player who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

o High integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

o Strong organizational and project management abilities.

o Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

o Knowledge of donor stewardship and fundraising best practices.

o Proficiency with donor databases and CRM systems.

o Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and fundraising software.

o Strong attention to detail and confidentiality.

o Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Desired Attributes

o Passion for history, aviation, museums, or heritage preservation.

o Initiative and creativity in developing fundraising opportunities.

o Professionalism and diplomacy when working with donors and stakeholders.

o Commitment to exceptional donor service.

o Enthusiasm for community engagement and relationship development.

o Alignment with the Museum's mission and values.

Working Conditions

o Occasional evening and weekend work for events and donor activities.

o Attendance at community functions and fundraising events.

o Some local travel may be required to meet with donors and partners.

o Hybrid, may complete some work from home

Salary range: $70,000 per annum

Benefits: full health benefits after 3-month probationary period

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to ***email_hidden*** .