Chief Philanthropy Officer

Join Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Toronto Branch as Chief Philanthropy Officer.

CMHA Toronto is seeking a highly motivated, experienced and hands on Chief Philanthropy Officer to lead the growth of our philanthropic work and strategy.

About the Organization :

Established in 1953, CMHA Toronto has grown to operate 18 sites across the city, employing over 450 staff and serving over 15,000 individuals each year.

Our vision is for mentally healthy people in a healthy society. We are on a mission to improve the mental health of all with services, advocacy and leadership that create belonging and hope.

About the Opportunity :

Two years ago, CMHA Toronto assessed its current communication and philanthropy practice and developed a plan to strengthen the foundations and then grow these activities and revenue related to them significantly over the next 5 years.

We are now looking to hire a senior leader dedicated to serving the mission of CMHA Toronto through refining and implementing our philanthropy work strategy.

We are looking for a senior leader who understands healthcare philanthropy, especially in the Toronto market, and whose practice has embraced trust-based philanthropy, or who is willing to learn about and integrate trust-based philanthropy into their philanthropy practice at CMHA Toronto.

This leader will be comfortable preparing the CEO, Chief Clinical Officer, Chief Research Officer and other leaders across the organization to present CMHA and our opportunities to donors.

They will build upon the culture of philanthropy that exists within CMHA and our approach to working with clients for our external philanthropy work while minimizing any increased demands or workloads for our client-serving teams.

They will lead a highly effective and lean team investing strategically in both internal and external resources to advance CMHA Toronto’s philanthropy strategy.

CMHA Toronto recognizes that strategic investments are essential to generating revenue, while adhering to AFP Code of Ethical Standards and Trust- Based Philanthropy Principles.

Our current fundraising efforts are focused mostly on event fundraising (peer-to-peer and third party) and we have recently hired an expert in grant writing.

The Chief Philanthropy Officer, reporting to and working in close partnership with the CEO, has an opportunity to establish a trust-based philanthropy practice and department that leverages existing and emerging technology and the strengths of CMHA Toronto to build meaningful relationships with supporters and community to advance CMHA’s mission.

They will implement our current philanthropy strategy which focuses revenue growth from major gifts, monthly (or repeated) giving, and grants from private foundations.

They will be comfortable both providing strategic leadership and working in the minutia required by lean and mighty philanthropy teams.

Growth of the revenue from philanthropy will enable growth of the philanthropy team in smart and strategic manners. Currently, the department has one manager, fundraising focused on event and annual giving, one manager focused on grant writing, a vacant, part-time administration position and with possibilities to expand the team as required.

The Philanthropy Department also has access to and is a key customer of our communications team (currently comprised of the Senior Manager, Communications and a Communications Coordinator).

The CEO is committed to working in close partnership with the CPO and has articulated a commitment to the board and other executive leaders at CMHA Toronto that approximately 20% of the CEOs time will be available for philanthropy work.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned philanthropy professional to advance CMHA Toronto’s vision and mission and to work within a nation-wide federation.

The Ideal Candidate :

We are looking for results-driven CPO who is committed to advancing CMHA Toronto’s vision and mission. They will have a demonstrated commitment to trust-based philanthropy.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in philanthropy or have similar success in sales and marketing.

They will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the power and privilege that comes with money and what is required, from an equity lens, to minimize the impact of that power and privilege on staff from other parts of the organization.

They will have experience in building and managing high-performing teams. They should possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a strategic mindset, while being willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work.

All senior leaders at CMHA Toronto are also doers. The ideal candidate should be able to think creatively, build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and work collaboratively to achieve goals.

The Chief Philanthropy Officer needs experience building and managing relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and other stakeholders (or with major clients if your background is in sales and marketing) in the health and social sector, to secure funding for the organization's programs and services, especially through supporting other senior leaders and influencers across the organization in being the face’ of CMHA Toronto for different donors.

The CPO will work closely with their team, the CEO and Board of Directors to identify new funding opportunities and develop philanthropy goals (financial and non-financial) and strategies.

The incumbent will also have the opportunity to build and manage a high-performing philanthropy team, monitor and analyze philanthropy results, and represent the organization in the philanthropic community and among the CMHA federation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned philanthropy professional to support CMHA Toronto as we make significant impacts on the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities in Toronto.

Why Choose CMHA Toronto?

Working at CMHA Toronto provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

By joining us, you can advance CMHA Toronto’s mission. We have a positive and engaged workplace culture, where staff are provided with opportunities for learning and advancement.

Our benefits include :

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), a predictable, secure monthly income upon retirement with inflation protection (see here for details)

Comprehensive Group Health Insurance Health, Dental, Vision, Paramedicals

Short-term and Long-term Disability programs and life insurance to protect your income upon illness or injury

Work-life balance and flexibility to ensure you have time for the things that matter to you

Annual Professional Development Funding for career learning and advancement

Working with like-minded, passionate individuals and make an impact on mental health service delivery

Building genuine and authentic connections, with colleagues, clients, and supporters with the goal of making a difference

The opportunity to mentor, coach and develop a philanthropy and communications team

This position is eligible for hybrid working arrangements. This position, however, is required to meet in-person with prospects, donors, and other stakeholders and have a physical presence in CMHA Toronto offices.

The incumbent will be required to attend in-person meetings from time to time and occasional overnight travel may be required (less than 25% of the time).

To qualify for and maintain extended health benefits, the incumbent must reside in the province of Ontario.

CMHA Toronto is committed to promoting a workplace culture of inclusion, openness, mutual respect, and a no blame and just’ environment.

Our staff report that they value the flexibility in work schedules and the work-life balance CMHA Toronto encourages. They appreciate the training and development opportunities provided to staff and the encouragement for continuous learning.

Staff often comment on on a culture of respect and collaboration that exists throughout the organization.

CMHA Toronto is committed to an equitable, diverse, inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive workforce reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work and is an equal opportunity employer.

As such, we encourage equity-deserving candidates to apply, especially those who identify as black, Indigenous, people and women of colour, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ or women.

We recognize and honour the intersectionality of equity-based identities. If you are contacted by our offices regarding a job opportunity, please advise prior to the interview should you require any accommodation.

To be eligible for this role candidates will be required to adhere to our COVID-19 policy and provide proof of vaccination.