Manager, Major Gifts - Foundations and DAFs

Summary

Organization:	Plan International Canada
Reports to:	Senior Manager, Major Gifts
Location:	Toronto (Hybrid)
Status:	Permanent, full-time
Contact level:	B

The Position

As part of the Philanthropy team, the Manager, Major Gifts is responsible for a split portfolio –50% developing and engaging a portfolio of major gift philanthropists and private foundation giving and 50% leading and expanding the donor advised fund (DAF) portfolio at Plan Canada. The key focus will be on raising funds toward annual revenue goals through the successful cultivation, stewardship and solicitation of foundations, donors and prospects.

Not only will our successful candidate have strength in grant writing and working with private foundations in Canada, our candidate will also be excited to lead the DAF strategy, growing relationships with DAF Donors and host Foundations. Working both with the Philanthropy team and our partners in Mass Marketing and Donor Payments, this candidate will create segmented approaches for DAF donors across Canada.

We are looking for a candidate with an entrepreneurial mindset; who will foster a high-growth approach to philanthropy; someone comfortable leading solicitation with current donors and cultivating new prospects and foundations that are as committed to gender equality as we are. Our successful candidate will have experience working with and engaging with foundations and grant writing and securing current gifts as critical factors for success.

What success looks like?

Private Foundations Portfolio-

Cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a robust qualified and optimized portfolio of foundation donors and prospects who have the desire and capacity to give at gift levels of $10K+.
Implement creative cultivation and solicitation strategies that inspire donors, prospects and foundation to make multi-year commitments.
Prepare proposals to secure funding for high priority projects, humanitarian needs and strategic appeals. This includes writing grant proposals in partnership with our Programs team and providing critical impact reporting for foundation donors according to their reporting mandates.
Develop meaningful relationships with foundations to promote prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of new major donors.
Maintain up-to-date and accurate donor, prospect, foundation, advisor profiles and records of contact.
Acts as a liaison and resource for other teams at Plan International Canada and works collaboratively toward common goals.

Donor Advised Funds Portfolio–

Lead, enhance and coordinate implementation of the Plan Canada DAF strategy
Drive growth and cross-team collaboration across the Philanthropy portfolio
Monitor and report on performance and progress toward annual goals
Develop and co-create DAF resources (e.g. collateral, templates, messaging)
Lead external engagement with DAF foundations, advisors, and donors
Represent Plan at relevant DAF events, panels, and networking opportunities
Stay current on sector trends via webinars, industry reports, and training
Collaborate with Mass and Mid-Tier to ensure alignment and cross-team learning
Share emerging insights and trends with the broader Philanthropy team
Guide stewardship strategies and CRM development for major DAFs in collaboration with Donor Services

As our ideal candidate you will have:

Demonstrated experience in relationship-based fundraising, grant writing, and/or corporate partnerships. Bachelor’s degree in a related field an asset.
Deep attention to detail for grant writing and impact reporting.
As lead of the DAF strategy, tenacity and drive to be part of Plan’s growth and evolution, focused on donor relations with an eye to continually improving efficiencies and ways of working during this phase of strategic, sustainable program growth.
Superior networking and negotiation skills with the ability to interpret the concerns and interest of donors translating them into attractive investment opportunities.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills paired with the ability to inspire confidence and trust in donors, stakeholders and co-operation amongst colleagues.
Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and CRM systems (Salesforce).
Excellent organizational, research and project management skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
A flexible and adaptable work style; open to collaboration with strong and diverse personalities and professionals; thrive in a fast-paced, always evolving work culture.
A passion for mission-driven work and personal values aligned with those of Plan International Canada’s values.

How to Apply:

To express interest in this exciting opportunity, submit your resume and cover letter to https://plancanada.ca/apply by October 26, 2025.

Plan International Canada is a hybrid workplace. You will work from the office and from home.

The salary range for this position is anticipated to be between $64,000 and $80,000. We comprehensively evaluate a variety of factors to determine fair compensation, including experience, specific job-related skills, and relevant educational or professional training. Additionally, we ensure that compensation is equitable across our team and aligns with current market trends. This role also qualifies for an extensive benefits package and generous paid time off.

Plan International Canada hires based on merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and to providing an inclusive workplace. Plan International Canada especially welcomes applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

If you have a disability that may affect your ability to perform in a role in which you are interested, we will be happy to discuss with you what adjustments or arrangements we can make to accommodate your needs. If your disability is likely to affect you adversely within the application process itself, please let us know (as soon as you feel comfortable to do so) by emailing gethired@plancanada.ca so that we can consider any adjustments to the process that will allow you to be considered fairly for the role.

Consistent with our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including the vulnerable sector screen.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the work term. Proof of eligibility will be required.

What can you expect from joining a leading organization in the global movement to advance children’s rights and equality for girls?

Plan International Canada is the first non-profit organization to ever be inducted into Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame by Waterstone Human Capital. Here’s why: together, we have created a climate of trust and inclusivity – where diversity in people, ideas and approaches is not only respected, it’s encouraged.

We remain agile amid an ever-changing global landscape. Though we continue to evolve, our mission and strategic ambition will not change – and our work has never been so imperative. We will never stop believing in the multiplying power of girls and that every child deserves that right to learn, lead, decide and thrive. Our future success will be founded upon Plan International Canada’s 80+ year history of focusing on our mission, our core values, responding to challenges and seizing opportunities with purpose, relevance and impact.

Apply now »