Are you a changemaker? Come on INN!
Who Are We?
We’re an amazing team, doing amazing things every day. Inn from the Cold is the largest organization in the Calgary region dedicated to supporting families experiencing a housing crisis.
At Inn from the Cold, we offer more than a job; we provide an opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of families in need. Our values guide us — compassion, accountability, respect, inclusivity, courage, and innovation. We are driven by our vision of a thriving community where every child and family has a safe and stable place to call home.
We prioritize people, recognizing the uniqueness and worth of everyone who walks through our doors. Our commitment to reconciliation and equity is not just a statement; it's a journey we're dedicated to, actively working alongside Indigenous peoples and marginalized communities to dismantle oppressive structures. As a trauma informed organization, we create a safe and supportive environment, promoting healing and resilience.
We are a multidisciplinary team united by a shared vision, mission and values. Collaboration is at the heart of our work, and we believe that diverse perspectives drive our success. It is this diversity and the respect and value we have for each other and our community that makes us stronger.
If this sounds like a place where you would want to work, please review the position below to see if there’s a fit with your skills and experience.
What Are We Looking For?
- Position Title Vice President, Philanthropy & Engagement
- Job Type Full Time
- Department External Relations
- Reports to CEO
Position Overview
The Vice President, Philanthropy & Engagement is a strategic executive leader responsible for advancing the organization’s revenue, reputation, and stakeholder relationships through the development and execution of integrated fundraising, communications, and engagement strategies.
As a member of the Executive Team, reporting directly to the CEO, the VP provides leadership across fund development, marketing and communications, and community engagement, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and long-term sustainability. The role requires the ability to build and sustain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, public and private funders, Board members, and community leaders. Working in close partnership with the CEO and Board, the VP leverages organizational capacity and strategic partnerships to deepen donor engagement, elevate the organization’s profile, and advance sustainable growth in revenue and community impact.
This role requires a forward-thinking, collaborative leader with strong fundraising expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to balance operational excellence with governance, long-term strategy, and continuous improvement.
What You’ll Do
As VP Philanthropy & Engagement, you will be responsible for:
1. Strategic Leadership: driving growth through functional expertise.
Develop, implement, adapt, and expand integrated strategies to pursue and reach goals for revenue, brand awareness, and community activation.
- Lead a multi-year philanthropic strategy (individual, corporate, foundations, events) that generates annual revenue of $6 million+.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Executive Team on fundraising, communications, and community engagement.
- Support the CEO with high-value stakeholder efforts and government relations.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors and the Advancement Committee on fundraising strategy and opportunities to contribute to fundraising success.
2. Revenue Generation and Growth: advancing relationships, impact, and innovation.
- Personally manage a high-value donor portfolio with an emphasis on transformational gifts from individuals and foundations.
- Secure, steward, and renew 6+ figure gifts with multi-year agreements.
- Advance The INN’s planned giving program and solicit expectancies from loyal supporters.
- Identify and engage philanthropists who give through donor-advised-funds and family foundations with customized solicitation strategies and stewardship plans.
- Deepen The INN’s use of digital tools and data analytics – including high-quality AI platforms – to advance reach and revenue.
- Ensure full compliance with CRA guidelines, Donor Bill of Rights, ethical charitable giving practices, and The INN’s mission, vision, and values.
3. Marketing and Communications: leveraging brand, awareness, and reputation.
- Lead integrated marketing and communications to elevate The INN’s brand identity while broadening and deepening reach and results among key stakeholders.
- Oversee the development and execution of an integrated communications plan for internal and external audiences.
- Provide strategic communications counsel to the CEO and Executive Team.
- Drive donor engagement through communications that connect to mission, demonstrate impact, and inspire loyalty and generosity.
4. Community Engagement: creating pathways for new relationships and revenue.
- Oversee volunteer program strategy to advance organizational priorities.
- Lead team to strategically connect individuals, corporations, and organizations with programs that support clients – eg: food and nutrition, essential items.
- Build community partnerships that advance mission, awareness, and revenue.
5. People Leadership and Culture: building high-performing and collaborative teams.
- Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to five direct reports across fundraising, communications, and community engagement teams.
- Build team capacity through skills development, stretch opportunities, and dynamic leadership practices aligned with The INN’s revenue goals and organizational priorities.
- Commit to self-development and growth as a results-driven professional with presence and influence across the organization and throughout the community.
- Promote a psychologically safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace aligned with The INN’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Exercise strategic discernment on opportunities to involve CEO in high-value donor conversations and community engagements.
- Actively contribute as a member of the Executive Team, modelling strong cross-departmental collaboration and shared accountability for organizational culture and outcomes.
This position description reflects the general duties of the position, but it is not intended to be a detailed description of all duties that may be inherent in the position. The Vice President, Philanthropy & Engagement may be asked to perform other duties as required or assigned.
What You Bring to Our Mission
Education
- Post secondary education, a minimum of Bachelor’s degree required
Professional Credentials
- CFRE designation achieved or in progress required
Experience
- 8 – 10 years of progressive leadership experience in philanthropy with 3+ of those years at the Senior Director or VP level
Fundraising Track Record
- Proven ability to secure 6+ figure gifts through strategic cultivation and solicitation.
- Exceptional skills in and passion for stewardship and engagement.
- Experience in leading million-dollar campaigns that exceed revenue targets and retain donors.
Team Leadership
- Senior level experience at successfully leading senior philanthropy teams across all fundraising activities and donor audiences while excelling at delivering portfolio goals.
- Experience leading or collaborating with marketing teams to advance brand, reputation, and stakeholder communications.
Data & Digital Skills
- Passion for data analytics as a key driver of strategic growth.
- Proficiency with fundraising CRM software and communications platforms.
What We Offer
We provide people with meaningful work and are committed to offering equitable benefits and total compensation to all staff, including:
- Competitive salary, where all employees are paid a living wage at minimum
- Focus on health and wellbeing, including access to employer paid extended health benefits, dental benefits, annual health spending account and employer matched RRSP contributions
- Commitment to your mental wellbeing with free and confidential support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program
- Work life balance, including paid vacation starting at four weeks, wellness days, and 12 paid statutory holidays
- Supportive and flexible work environment, with ongoing training and development opportunities
- Potlucks, celebrations, employee engagement initiatives and plenty of fun
- Strong commitment to advancing reconciliation, aligning with the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Recognition that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person and harnesses the strength in diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.
Values-Driven Culture
The INN’s values infuse all aspects of our work and interactions. We value and uphold compassion, respect, accountability, inclusivity, and innovation.
Work Environment
This role is primarily based in office with some flexibility for work from home. Attendance at meetings and events outside regular office hours can be expected and balanced with the flexibility and opportunities offered at this senior level.
Reputation for Integrity, Impact, and Excellence
- Awarded Charity Intelligence Top 100
- One of HRD Canada’s Best Places to Work 2025
- Accredited by the Canadian Accreditation Council
Our Commitment
Join us in a workplace where your actions contribute to breaking down barriers, fostering equity, and creating a truly inclusive and antiracist space. At Inn from the Cold, you're not just an employee but a crucial part of a community, making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The INN is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is valued and prioritized. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are passionate about our mission and can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We value unique perspectives and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of talents and skills. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, place of origin, source of income, mental and physical disability, age or veteran status.
Join Our Team
We are excited to hear from you! We invite you to join the movement to end family homelessness in our city. If you are passionate about making a difference, please visit our website – innfromthecold.org/careers - to submit your cover letter / expression of interest and resume / CV.
Application Deadline: All submissions should be received by June 6, 2026. Early submissions and enquiries are encouraged and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Inn from the Cold is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact us at [email protected] before your interview.
The successful candidate must satisfactorily complete a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and a Child Intervention Record Check.
