Director, Philanthropy

ABOUT FRASER ACADEMY
Fraser Academy Association (FA) in Vancouver, BC was founded to serve a vital community need. Since 1982, it has become recognized as a leader in North America by leveling the playing field for students with dyslexia, primarily as an independent school (Fraser Academy). Today, FA has expanded its impact through an Outreach and Training Centre (FAx) reaching across BC, Canada and the world.

Leading a pioneering initiative and Campaign to establish Canada’s first Centre for Dyslexia, it is now on an exciting journey to deepen its commitment to the community.

As a non‑profit and charity, we serve a gap in the system where approximately 20% of the general student population is under‑served by mainstream education. While people with dyslexia have skills and strengths that are in demand in the 21st century, when unsupported, they are vulnerable to social and emotional risks such as mental health issues, substance abuse, homelessness, higher drop‑out rates, and poverty/underemployment.

We are proud to be at the forefront of educational and training practices with the most effective research‑based methods. Our track record shows what’s possible in setting children and youth with dyslexia up to thrive in education and life.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Fraser Academy is seeking a strategic and energetic fundraising professional to join its Advancement team as Director, Philanthropy. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the new Director will play a key leadership role in advancing the School’s philanthropic priorities at a pivotal moment of growth and momentum.

This is an exciting time to join Fraser Academy (FA) as we continue to move forward with our bold aspiration to leave no child behind and our plans to establish Canada’s 1st Centre for Dyslexia. The new Director will be instrumental in realizing this strategic priority that will have real impact for children and their families across BC, Canada and the world and across various domains including education, and health.

The role will primarily focus on major gift discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The Director will manage and cultivate a diverse existing portfolio of donors and prospects, including alumni, current and former parents, grandparents, and external supporters including individuals, foundations and corporations, building meaningful relationships and securing philanthropic support aligned with the School’s campaign priorities.

The new incumbent will drive strategic portfolio expansion by identifying and qualifying new prospects through day school enrollment, the FAx outreach program, and proactive data mining in collaboration with volunteers and prospect research support.

In addition, the Director will oversee the annual giving and alumni relations programs, ensuring the continued implementation of a strategic approach to donor engagement and stewardship, fostering strong stakeholder relationships and growing a sustainable donor pipeline.

The successful candidate will be a thoughtful, resilient and inspiring development professional, committed to strengthening a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. They will bring exceptional relationship‑building skills, a demonstrated track record of hands‑on experience securing 6‑figure gifts and more – ideally within Campaigns – and a broad background across key advancement functions, including Annual Giving, Donor Relations and Alumni Relations.

An effective communicator who will have strong skills in story‑telling to champion the strengths and successes of our students and alumni, the Director will have highly developed writing abilities including demonstrated success in crafting compelling funding proposals and donor engagement materials.

An entrepreneurial self‑starter who thrives in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment, the ideal candidate will have a passion for social impact and will inspire donors through authenticity, a strategic mindset, and deep commitment to their philanthropic journey. The successful candidate will build lasting relationships and steward donors with care and creativity, bringing professionalism to every interaction.

This…