Vice President, Philanthropy - Longueuil

The Ottawa Cancer Foundation is an independent charitable organization dedicated to providing direct support, practical services, and compassionate care to individuals and families affected by cancer across Eastern Ontario. For more than 30 years, the organization has played an important role within the region’s cancer care landscape, initially through funding research and clinical trials, and more recently through the evolution of a community‑based model focused on improving quality of life for those navigating the realities of cancer.

Today, the Foundation operates as a growing cancer support organization delivering programs, services and resources for cancer patients, caregivers and families both within its Community Cancer Hubs and through a broad network of community partnerships. Through this collaborative model, the organization is able to extend its reach and provide access to a wide range of support services while remaining responsive, accessible and deeply connected to the needs of the people it serves. Following the recent opening of a second location in Ottawa’s west end, the Foundation continues to broaden access to care and strengthen its presence across the region.

Following significant investments in systems, infrastructure and organisational alignment, the Foundation is entering an important period of growth and external engagement. Supported entirely through philanthropy, sponsorship, events, foundations and community giving, the organization is focused on strengthening long‑term donor partnerships, enhancing visibility across the region, advancing several facility and infrastructure initiatives and building awareness around the evolving needs of those impacted by cancer.

Summary of the Role

Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President of Philanthropy will lead the Foundation’s philanthropy function during a period of organisational momentum and increasing external engagement, helping strengthen awareness, deepen donor confidence and expand philanthropic investment in support of cancer care services across the region.

As a member of the executive leadership team, you will advance the Foundation’s philanthropic priorities and long‑term vision. You will provide leadership across all areas of fundraising and donor engagement, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, sponsorship, events, foundations, planned giving and future campaign initiatives. You will oversee the development and execution of fundraising strategies designed to strengthen long‑term philanthropic support, with particular emphasis on cultivating sustained donor relationships, increasing multi‑year commitments and supporting the Foundation’s future capital and infrastructure priorities.

Working closely with the CEO, the Chief Mission Officer, the VP of Finance and Operations, Board committees and other senior leaders, you will help align fundraising efforts with evolving organisational needs, operational priorities and future growth plans. As one of the organisation’s key external ambassadors, you will strengthen the Foundation’s visibility and presence throughout the region, engaging donors, community leaders, corporate partners, volunteers and stakeholders to foster trust, increase awareness and elevate the organisation’s profile within the broader philanthropic and healthcare landscape.

Internally, you will provide leadership and guidance to the philanthropy team, strengthening alignment, communication and operational effectiveness across functions. You will foster a collaborative and accountable environment that supports both day‑to‑day execution and long‑term planning, ensuring the team delivers a high standard of donor experience and engagement.

Ideal Candidate

You are an accomplished leader with a demonstrated track record of leading sophisticated fundraising strategies, cultivating high‑value donor relationships and advancing long‑term philanthropic growth within complex organisations. You have successfully balanced strategic leadership with hands‑on fundraising execution and bring experience across major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, foundations, planned giving, campaign activity and donor stewardship.

You are relationship‑oriented, confident and professional, comfortable engaging with donors, volunteers, Board members, corporate leaders and community stakeholders. You are an authentic communicator who builds trust naturally, navigates sensitive conversations with maturity and empathy, and is energized by external visibility, attending events, speaking publicly and cultivating relationships.

You combine strategic perspective with practicality and sound judgment, operating at both a high level and within the operational realities of a growing organisation. You understand the importance of proactive communication, cross‑functional alignment and maintaining strong working relationships across teams and leadership groups. You are resilient, emotionally intelligent and comfortable navigating evolving environments that require adaptability, diplomacy and thoughtful leadership.

Valuing purpose‑driven work and compassionate, people‑centred leadership, you recognise the realities individuals and families face when impacted by cancer. Whether through professional experience or personal connection, you are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation focused on improving access to care, connection and support across the region. Experience within healthcare, cancer care or the charitable sector would be beneficial, but the Foundation equally values leaders who bring transferable fundraising expertise and strong leadership capability.

Employment Type

This is a permanent full‑time position with The Ottawa Cancer Foundation.