Director of Fundraising and Development (or Chief Development Officer)
About Community Integration Services Society
Located in the Downtown Eastside, Mission Possible is a Vancouver-based non-profit and social enterprise that transforms lives through meaningful work. The organization is widely recognized as one of the most successful social enterprises in British Columbia.
For over three decades, Mission Possible has walked alongside individuals facing barriers such as homelessness, poverty, trauma, substance use, and disabilities, providing supportive, transitional employment opportunities.
At the heart of its approach is the Employment Readiness Program, which bridges precarious life situations with stable employment through coaching, training, and on-the-job work experience. Mission Possible also owns and operates two social enterprises—MP Property Maintenance and MP Neighbours—that together provide transitional jobs to over 130 individuals each year.
Mission Possible operates with a $3M budget, about half of which is generated through its social enterprises and the remainder through fundraising. Their work is rooted in values of tenacity, empowerment, compassion, humility, and support. As a community economic development agency, they are committed not only to meeting immediate needs but also to fostering lasting transformation and dignity through work.
For more information, please visit their website.
The Opportunity
Director of Fundraising and Development (or Chief Development Officer)
Mission Possible is seeking a proven strategic fundraising leader to join their team as Director of Fundraising and Development (the “Director”). While titled as Director, the organization is open to considering other senior titles for this role such as Chief Development Officer for candidates with commensurate experience.
As a member of the senior leadership team and reporting to the CEO, the Director will oversee a committed Development and Communications team, including a Grant Writer, Communications Manager, and two Coordinators. With a recent financial infusion and a supportive team culture, Mission Possible is well-positioned for growth. This role offers the flexibility to shape the fundraising strategy and elevate Mission Possible’s profile locally and beyond.
This is a unique opportunity to build upon a solid fundraising foundation and take the development program to the next level in a dynamic, community-focused organization with deep roots and ambitious goals, which has included successful expansion beyond the Downtown Eastside.
The new Director will lead and expand Mission Possible’s fundraising efforts, with a primary emphasis on outreach, attracting major gifts and corporate partnerships. Accordingly, the Director will play a leading role sharing Mission Possible’s story and impact with donors and partners, bolstering the organization’s profile in the community.
This role is ideal for a professional with a passion for social impact, a strong track record in fundraising strategy and major gifts, and the ability to inspire action and generosity across diverse audiences.
Key Responsibilities
The Director will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and execution of fundraising and communications initiatives for Mission Possible, including donor engagement, stewardship, grants, events, marketing, and public relations. As a member of Mission Possible’s Leadership Team, the Director will be involved in organizational decision-making and problem-solving, and will be a strong voice supporting their core values, core focus, and culture of care.
The Director’s main responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Fundraising Strategy
Develop and execute a robust and strategic fundraising plan to ensure the targets are met and budgeted funds are raised to meet organizational priorities.
Identify areas for growth among various private and public fundraising sectors to expand funding opportunities and donor base.
Continue to improve and implement effective stewardship strategies to strengthen relationships with existing donors and supporters.
Lead the development of fundraising campaigns, including annual appeals and direct marketing campaigns, to maximize and grow yearly revenue.
Donor Engagement and Cultivation
Manage all aspects of donor acquisition and engagement, including monthly donors, individual giving, grants and foundations, legacy giving, major donors, and corporate and financial community partnerships.
Coordinate and manage partnership and sponsorship opportunities for Mission Possible fundraising events.
Support other businesses and organizations to successfully host third party fundraising events.
Oversee administration of the donor management system and ensure accurate receipting for all charitable gifts in compliance with CRA and ASNPO standards.
Leadership and Collaboration
Participate in the leadership and governance of the organization through weekly, quarterly and annual meetings that provide regular accountability through setting and monitoring of KPIs.
Lead, mentor, elevate, and empower the members of the Development Team, which consists of 4 tenacious individuals, as well as contracted fundraising and communications consultants.
Work with all necessary teams within Mission Possible to identify community needs and align those with funding opportunities.
Demonstrate a positive professional presence, inspiring and building confidence both within MP and among a broad range of constituencies.
Demonstrate a commitment to the MP’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion priorities, ensuring that diverse audiences are represented, promoted, and engaged.
Communications
Oversee and manage all aspects of communications and marketing strategy to enhance brand awareness, donor engagement, and storytelling.
Leverage media and PR opportunities to increase visibility of Mission Possible’s impact.
Ensure consistent branding and messaging alignment with Mission Possible’s values, voice, and mission.
Financial Management
Monitor revenue streams, expenses, and fundraising metrics to track progress and identify areas for enhancement.
Provide oversight and accurate tracking to all funds committed, received, receipted, and reported on as needed.
Report on a weekly and quarterly basis on grant applications, major gifts, and other funding streams to advise on challenges and shortfalls or surpluses expected in order to help with financial planning and foresight.
Essential Qualities and Experience
A minimum of five years of proven success in nonprofit fundraising or equivalent experience, including fundraising strategy, grant writing, donor cultivation and developing new relationships with sophisticated, high-profile funders.
Senior management experience with the ability to establish trust and buy-in among donors, supporters, and staff.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with donors and supporters, and to connect with individuals of diverse abilities and backgrounds.
Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple streams of work independently, and lead a team confidently under pressure.
Knowledge of fundraising best practices, ethical standards, and legal requirements related to charitable giving.
Knowledge of donor databases (Keela or similar), campaign planning, and reporting metrics.
Familiarity with, and compassion for, the complex challenges and demographic of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside; experience working in the DTES community is an asset.
A bachelor’s degree in a related field; CFRE designation is an asset.
Compensation and Search Process
Mission Possible offers a competitive compensation package, including a salary range of $120,000–$160,000 depending on experience, along with comprehensive benefits, RRSP matching, and support for professional development, including executive coaching. The role is full-time, based in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, with a hybrid work arrangement (four days in-office/one day remote).
The search process may include longlist, shortlist, and committee interview stages. Finalists will be asked to provide comprehensive references and complete a thorough background check. We expect to process our first review of applications by Friday, May 30th, 2025.
In respect of inclusion, we encourage candidates who require accommodations to contact us directly with related questions, which can be addressed in confidence.
To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter to info@mosaicsearch.ca. You are also welcome to email Alana Briggs (alana@mosaicsearch.ca) with any related questions.
