Director of Development

Company Description

The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation actively supports Island Health by raising funds for crucial healthcare initiatives across central and northern Vancouver Island. Established in 1977, the Foundation works to advance innovative healthcare solutions through community engagement and philanthropy. Supporting institutions such as Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and other vital health centers, the Foundation bolsters healthcare in the region. Additionally, it operates enterprises like Lifeline Nanaimo and Code Brew Café, with proceeds aiding fundraising efforts.

Role Description

We’re looking for an energetic and results-driven Director of Development to lead and grow our annual fundraising efforts in support of increasing healthcare excellence across Central Vancouver Island. As we enter an exciting period of growth and increased philanthropic investment, this role will drive innovative, multi-channel fundraising campaigns, strengthen donor relationships, and expand our annual giving program (gifts under $10,000). You’ll use data-informed strategies to increase donor acquisition and retention—while building a strong culture of philanthropy across the hospital.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you’ll provide strategic leadership to a talented development team, set clear goals, monitor performance, and foster a collaborative, high-accountability environment. You’ll work closely with marketing, clinical leaders, board members, and community partners to deliver compelling campaigns, meaningful donor experiences, and measurable results.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate fundraising leader who thrives on innovation, teamwork, and impact—and who’s excited to help shape the future of healthcare philanthropy in our community.

As the Director of Development, your responsibilities will include:

Annual Giving Management:

• Design, lead, and implement targeted annual fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, digital solicitations, and donor communications by leveraging segmentation of data based on donor behavior to encourage repeat and increased giving.
• Oversee strategy and implementation of all development appeals including direct mail, digital campaigns, donor events, peer-to-peer fundraising, grateful patient programs, grant applications and physician-led initiatives. 
• Oversee the annual stewardship strategy, including the development of new and existing donor walls. 
• Manage and collaborate with marketing and communications team to ensure consistent branding and compelling storytelling. 
• Works closely with Director of Marketing to establish annual calendar. 
• Engage Board members, physicians, and hospital leadership in campaign visibility and solicitation efforts. 
• Analyzing campaign performance, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting on results to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage and nurture strong relationships with current and prospective donors to identify key donor interests.
• Create and implement a strategy to identify growth opportunities within existing donor segments (annual, mid-level, major)
• Oversee the planning and execution of corporate and community events, including signature, donor appreciation and third party.
• In partnership with the Manager of Business Enterprise and Hospital Liaison, design and implement philanthropic awareness at NRGH to engage Island Health staff. 
• Drive growth in donor acquisition, retention, and upgrade rates through data-informed strategy.
• Maintain and expand the Monthly Giving Program. 
• Work with the CDO and CEO to design and implement an overarching strategy for creating a sense of mindful community amongst Foundation supporters.
• Manage delivery of Donor Newsletters and Donor Stewardship Impact Reports.
• Stay up to date on current and emerging industry tools and implement new technology for efficiency.

Development Team Management:

• Drive strategic conversations and motivate the development team to leverage innovation and fundraising initiatives. 
• To build a culture around reporting and identifying trends with data analysis. 
• Ensure fundraising revenue targets are met and/or exceeded while expenses are managed within approved budgets 
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain high-performing development professionals. 
• Establish clear roles, performance expectations, and individual revenue goals for team members. 
• Create annual work plans and revenue targets aligned with Foundation priorities. 
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, pipeline reviews, and performance evaluations. 
• Coach team members in donor cultivation, solicitation strategy, and stewardship best practices. 
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 
• Identify professional development opportunities to strengthen team capacity. 
• Ensure proper portfolio management across annual giving, grants, and events. 
• Monitor team progress against KPIs and adjust strategies as needed. 

Qualifications and requirements:

• Experience in fundraising, with demonstrated success in leading multi-channel annual campaigns. 
• Experience with coaching and mentoring diverse fundraising teams. 
• Experience working with brand guidelines and professional marketing & communications. 
• Ability to see the “big picture” while managing the fine details of execution. 
• Advanced experience with donor management software (Raiser’s Edge, Sales Force or similar) and a strong understanding of data-driven-decision making.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to engage authentically with donors, staff and Island Health employees.
• CFRE Designation Preferred. 

What we offer:

• Competitive Salary (Salary Range $87,550 – $128,750) 
• Performance and Goal Bonus Program 
• Comprehensive Benefits Package 
• Municipal Pension Plan 
• Generous Vacation Time 
• Flexibility on Work from Home
• And More!

How to apply:

If you would like to be part of our growing team, and have the skills and expertise outlined above, please submit your cover letter and resume to View email address on ca.talent.com by April 24, 2026.