Director, External Relations & Development

Distress Centre Calgary • Calgary, AB

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director, External Relations & Development is a strategic leadership role reporting to the CEO, responsible for directing DCC’s fundraising, government relations, communications, and community engagement efforts to advance the organization’s mission and impact. While the ideal candidate should have a broad understanding of development, government relations, communications, and community relations, they are not expected to be an expert in every area. Rather, they must possess the competence and leadership ability to oversee all functions while demonstrating deep expertise in at least one or two domains, such as major gift fundraising or strategic communications.

This role requires building and leading a high-performing team, cultivating relationships with internal counterparts, donors, sponsors, and community partners, and aligning external relations strategy with organizational goals. The successful candidate will champion a culture of philanthropy, enhance DCC’s public presence, and ensure integrated, impactful campaigns and events while supporting the CEO and Board in key relationship development.

With 10+ years of progressive experience and strong strategic, operational, and interpersonal skills, the Director will provide vision and direction across fundraising, brand storytelling, and community outreach, leveraging systems and collaboration to drive sustainable growth and measurable impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in fund development, communications, marketing, or government relations, with a general knowledge of all areas.
• Proven experience in government relations, public policy, or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Demonstrated success in securing six-figure gifts and managing a portfolio of major donors.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to cultivate trust across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
• Experience building processes and systems that support cross-functional integration and organizational effectiveness.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences and contexts.
• Strong interpersonal and cultural competency skills to work effectively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Champion a culture of philanthropy and collaboration, aligning fundraising, communications and program goals across the organization.
• Support the CEO and Board of Directors in building relationships with key donors, community partners, and government stakeholders.
• Hire, lead, manage, and develop a high-performing fundraising and communications team (approximately 5 staff).
• Strengthen systems, processes, and data practices to support effective donor management and decision-making.
• Lead the development and execution of an integrated fundraising strategy.
• Build, cultivate, and steward strong relationships with individual donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Oversee donor stewardship practices and manage a portfolio of key donor relationships for long-term engagement.
• Identify and pursue new revenue streams including events, campaigns, and partnership opportunities.
• Lead the communications strategy to elevate DCC’s visibility, voice, and community impact.
• Manage public relations and media engagement to strengthen community awareness and reputation.
• Monitor and evaluate communications performance to support planning and decision-making.
• Provide strategic leadership for major fundraising events and campaigns to drive revenue and community engagement.
• Maintain and build strong relationships with all orders of government, municipal, provincial, federal and Indigenous.
• Monitor government priorities, policy changes, legislation and funding opportunities relevant to DCC.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and correspondence for the CEO and executive team.
• Maintain a government relations calendar and stakeholder engagement plan.
• Represent DCC at government, sector, and community meetings as appropriate.
• Ensure alignment of messaging across government relations, programs, communications partnerships and fundraising.

Benefits

• Generous Vacation Entitlement
• RRSP matching and Health Spending Account
• Extended health and dental benefits
• Access to on-site gym at no cost
• Paid development days and a staff development fund
• A supportive, mission-driven workplace where you can grow, take on new challenges, and collaborate with colleagues that value integrity, hard work, and making a meaningful community impact

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director