Vice President, Grants and Community Initiatives

As the largest of the 191 community foundations in Canada, and among the leading community foundations in North America, Vancouver Foundation has harnessed the gifts of energy, ideas, time, and money to make meaningful and lasting impacts in communities for over 75 years.

Last year, Vancouver Foundation and its donors invested over $57 million to support over 4,900 programs, projects and organizations in areas such as: arts and culture; education; issues related to children, youth and families; the environment; animal welfare; health and medical education/research; health and social development; and disability supports for employment.

Reporting to the President & CEO, and as a valued member of the Executive Team, the Vice President, Grants and Community Initiatives facilitates granting in order to enhance and improve the community. In doing so, Vancouver Foundation acts as an important conduit between donor wishes and community needs. The Vice President will deliver on the strategic priorities of the department and provide ongoing support for a highly capable and experienced team. In addition to leading a dedicated team of 17, the Vice President works closely with volunteer advisory groups in the community, bringing key learnings back to the Executive and promoting maximum efficacy and efficiency around the inspiring work of the department.

The ideal candidate brings senior leadership experience with an emphasis on building impactful programs in the community. This experience could come from a range of community serving organizations such as foundations, corporate social responsibility or granting bodies, government, academia or from a not for profit organization. What is key is that the next leader brings a systems approach to the work. This is someone who brings both administrative expertise as well as currency with the pressing needs of the community. He/she is equally comfortable liaising with thought-leaders, community advocates, and the philanthropic community. Strong in process optimization, analytics and budgeting, this individual will bring the leadership seasoning to ensure achievement of the strategic goals of a large and complex department passionate about their work in the community.

This is a unique opportunity to continue one’s work in the community from within a highly strategic and well-respected community foundation and to inform and strengthen the mission of Vancouver Foundation in the future.