Help Build the Future of Community Food Infrastructure
For almost 40 years, the Guelph Food Bank has been a cornerstone of community support, ensuring that individuals and families have access to nutritious food during times of need. Today, we serve more than 9,000 people annually through a network of 16 community food pantries, with demand continuing to grow at an unprecedented pace.
As our community changes, so must we.
The Guelph Food Bank is entering the most ambitious chapter in its history. We are transforming from an emergency food provider into a leader in community food infrastructure - building systems that rescue more food, reduce waste, expand neighbourhood food access, create opportunities for education and workforce development, and strengthen food security for generations to come.
To help realize this vision, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Philanthropy to join our Senior Leadership Team.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape and lead a transformational capital campaign while building a philanthropy program that will support our organization - and our community - for decades to come.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Philanthropy is responsible for leading the organization's fundraising strategy, capital campaign planning, major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, donor stewardship, and fundraising communications.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape the future of the organization while building meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, businesses, government partners, and community leaders.
We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable developing long-term strategy, cultivating transformational gifts, mentoring others, and rolling up their sleeves to help wherever needed.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive philanthropy strategy aligned with the organization's long-term vision.
- Contribute to organizational planning as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Establish fundraising goals, budgets, and performance measures.
- Monitor fundraising performance and identify growth opportunities.
- Champion a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
Major Gifts & Donor Engagement
- Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts of $10,000+.
- Build long-term donor relationships through personalized engagement.
- Prepare proposals, presentations, reports, and donor communications.
Sponsorship & Revenue Growth
- Expand corporate sponsorship and philanthropic partnerships.
- Develop compelling sponsorship opportunities.
- Build relationships with businesses, community leaders, and service organizations.
- Ensure meaningful stewardship and recognition of supporters.
Grants & Institutional Funding
- Support grant and foundation fundraising strategies.
- Oversee grant proposals, reporting, and compliance.
- Build relationships with institutional funders.
Communications & Stewardship
- Provide strategic oversight of donor communications and impact reporting.
- Collaborate on storytelling and public awareness initiatives.
- Strengthen donor engagement through meaningful stewardship.
What Success Looks Like:
During your first year you will:
· Develop a long-term philanthropy strategy that supports organizational growth.
· Build a strong pipeline of major and leadership gift opportunities.
· Strengthen relationships with corporate, foundation, and community partners.
· Help prepare the organization for a successful capital campaign.
· Enhance donor stewardship and fundraising communications.
· Build systems that position the organization for sustained fundraising success.
Qualifications
Education
- Post-secondary education in fundraising, communications, business, nonprofit management, marketing, public administration, or a related field.
- CFRE designation is considered an asset.
Experience
· Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts.
· Experience developing corporate partnerships and sponsorships.
· Experience with grant and foundation fundraising.
· Experience leading teams, projects, volunteers, or cross-functional initiatives.
· Experience with capital campaigns or campaign planning is considered a strong asset.
Skills
- Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
- Strong proposal writing and storytelling skills.
- Strategic thinking combined with practical execution.
- Experience using donor data and fundraising analytics to guide decision-making.
- Familiarity with donor relationship management (CRM) systems.
- Ability to inspire philanthropic investment through a compelling vision.
We're Looking for Someone Who
- Is passionate about building healthier, more connected communities.
- Enjoys relationship building and creating meaningful impact.
- Is collaborative, curious, and solutions-focused.
- Balances strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
- Thrives in entrepreneurial environments where creativity and initiative are valued.
Why Join Guelph Food Bank?
This is more than a fundraising role.
It is an opportunity to help shape one of the most significant transformations in our organization's history.
Together, we are building community food infrastructure that will rescue more food, reduce waste, expand access to healthy food, create opportunities for education and employment, and strengthen community resilience for generations to come.
If you're inspired by ambitious ideas, meaningful relationships, and creating lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $ 70,000 - $82,000 CAD annually (commensurate with experience)
Work Location: Hybrid (Guelph, Ontario)
Please apply by sending an email with your cover letter and resume to [email protected]
