Advancement Manager

Join a Growing Organization Transforming Learning Outcomes Across Canada 

Learn. Develop. Succeed. is one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing education nonprofits, supporting more than 1,250 children, youth, and adults with learning and other brain-based differences.

Through innovative, evidence-informed programming and our groundbreaking RISE Next Generation AI initiative, we are working to transform how individualized instruction is delivered and supported, with the long-term potential to reach over 100,000 learners across Canada.

We are seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Advancement Manager to help accelerate our growth by expanding support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community partners. This is a unique opportunity to join a highly collaborative leadership team and help build the future of personalized learning.

Learn more about our mission and impact here:  

Why Join Our Charity? 

Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, collaborative team that is committed to innovation, impact, and inclusion. You will have the opportunity to:

• Help transform educational outcomes for children, youth, adults, and families.
• Build meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community leaders.
• Contribute to a rapidly growing organization with ambitious goals and national impact.
• Work alongside dedicated educators, researchers, engineers, and nonprofit leaders.
• Play a key role in advancing innovative solutions that combine human connection with emerging technologies.
• Grow professionally while helping shape the future of a mission-driven organization.

Help Shape the Future of Learning

We are currently developing our RISE Next Generation AI initiative, an innovative platform designed to transform how individualized instruction is delivered and supported. The Advancement Manager will have the opportunity to help secure the philanthropic and strategic partnerships needed to advance this ambitious vision.

Purpose of Position

The Advancement Manager plays a critical role in advancing the mission, impact, and growth of LDS. Working closely with the Executive Director, Communications team, Board members, volunteers, and community partners, the Advancement Manager will help cultivate meaningful relationships, secure philanthropic support, steward donors and partners, and identify new opportunities that expand the reach and impact of LDS programs.

The successful candidate will be energized by relationship-building, strategic fundraising, storytelling, and helping a mission-driven organization achieve transformational growth.

Principal Roles and Responsibilities

Working closely with the Executive Director, and with communications, finance, and education team members, you offer foundational support to our advancement, engagement, and fundraising activities in the following key areas:

Grants and Proposal Management

• Research and identify grant or funding opportunities from private family, public and corporate foundations, family offices, and all levels of government.
• Draft grant proposals, and manage all aspects of the grant application, stewardship, follow up, deliverables monitoring, and reporting processes, including budgets and financial reporting.

Advancement and Supporter Engagement

• Listen and engage with supporters to nurture a community of shared purpose and long-term relationships.
• Manage supporter identification and cultivation including being present in meetings and tours, identifying new prospects, attending meetings, and following up with proposals.
• Prepare briefing materials, donor profiles, proposals, and impact reports.
• Support with the creation and implementation of a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy that encompasses short- and long-term fundraising goals, in alignment with our mission and strategic priorities.
• Play a key role in the research, identification, cultivation, and tracking of individual major gift prospects as well as legacy giving activities.
• Significantly grow our recurring donor base (monthly, quarterly, annual).
• Input, manage and report on data related to fundraising campaigns, events, and donor outreach and engagement. Utilize data and metrics to evaluate and enhance the success of all advancement initiatives.
• Draft internal reports using quantitative and qualitative metrics.

Supporter Stewardship

• Draft and distribute regular impact reports for supporters; contribute to our Annual Report as well as other supporter focused publications.
• Using our existing network, as well as newly researched prospects, maximize our tailored outreach to supporters and grow our community of supporters.
• Ensure timely and personalized recognition of and gratitude to all types of supporters.
• Plan and execute events and outreach initiatives, both in person and virtually.
• Attend social and networking events with leadership team members.

*Tasks outside of those explicitly outlined may be expected during times of increased need*

Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English required, other languages welcomed)
• Strong ability to work independently with high accountability
• Clear sense of ownership and pride in delivering excellence
• Collaborative and respectful team orientation
• Comfort working with diverse supporters and teams
• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Strong donor-centred communication and storytelling abilities
• Proactive network‐builder who enjoys initiating and nurturing connections
• Knowledge of CRA regulations and basic accounting principles related to charitable giving
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and discretion when addressing sensitive or confidential matters
• Strong organizational and project planning skills
• Thoughtful, structured approach to problem-solving
• Alignment with the organization’s mission and values

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in a relevant field (e.g., public relations, communications, business, marketing) or equivalent experience
• 5+ years related work experience in advancement, development, fundraising, or a related role within the charitable sector
• Experience leading grant writing and reporting
• Experience with supporter stewardship and prospect research
• Experience managing fundraising campaigns, supporter communications, and events
• Documented success in securing charitable gifts from individuals, foundations, and/or corporations
• Strong networking abilities and skilled at building and maintaining relationships
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort building relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of supporter CRMs (e.g., Keela or similar)
• Eligibility to work in Canada
• Criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening
• CFRE certification, AFP membership considered assets

Start date : July 20, 2026; later start date is possible for an ideal candidate

Reports to : Executive Director

Hours of work : 40 working hours per week, Monday to Friday

Approximate schedule could be anywhere from 8:30 a.m./10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m./7:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings or weekends

What We Offer

• Salary range: $72,000 - $82,000 per year, commensurate with experience and a forty (40) hour work week. The Pay Range is the minimum and maximum starting salary. The top of the pay range is for a successful candidate who is an advancement and fundraising expert with a combination of experience and competencies to perform these job duties at an expert level.
• Financial support for relocation available
• $1,000 RRSP contribution (2026). For reference, our organization is currently researching whether and how we may participate in retirement savings/pension plan options. Updates on this may be offered during the interview process.
• Paid vacation commensurate with experience (starting at 5-6%), plus paid office closure from December 25 - Jan 1 each year which does not count toward your vacation entitlement
• Benefits entitlement after three months that includes Extended Health and Dental, and Travel as well as AD&D, CI, LTD and life insurance
• Neuroaffirming and inclusive workplace
• Inclusive culture and innovative workplace with opportunity for new approaches and growth
• Opportunities for team-wide and individual professional learning throughout the year
• On-site vehicle and bicycle parking and on major SkyTrain and bus routes

Location : Vancouver Learning Centre – 3292 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC, hybrid work from home two days per week available after the probationary period.

Job Type : Full-time, permanent

Equity : We are committed to employment equity and believes that a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve strengthens our ability to achieve our mission. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities, and a range of life experiences to apply.

To complete your application, you will need to: 

Upload a resume and a personalized cover letter

Answer written-response questions about your experience. If you prefer to answer these questions in an audio recording, please email a recording to ***email_hidden***

Expectations & Working Conditions

Position will involve long periods of sitting and using office equipment

Frequent interruptions from team members/donors depending on working location

Depending on time of day, working location may be loud and busy

Join us in helping transform learning and life outcomes for thousands of children, youth, adults, and families.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early applications are encouraged.