President, Foundation of the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum

The Opportunity

The Board of Directors of the Foundation of the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum is seeking a strategic development leader and accomplished fundraiser to serve as the inaugural President of its newly established philanthropic foundation. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a national fundraising entity in support of the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum, two of Canada’s most significant cultural institutions.

Reporting to and working closely with the Foundation’s Board of Directors, in close collaboration with the President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum (CMH) and senior museum colleagues, the President of the Foundation of the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum (CMHCWM Foundation) will establish and lead the Foundation’s fundraising strategy and operations.

The President will provide strategic leadership to build a focused, high-impact, and sustainable philanthropic program aligned with the Museums’ strategic priories. The new incumbent will demonstrate the knowledge, experience and executive abilities to put in place the governance, systems, and resources required to support long-term success. A strong relationship manager and collaborative leader, the President will foster a culture of accountability and shared purpose, enabling people to work effectively towards common goals.

Drawing on strong communication abilities, the President will play a central role in articulating the value and relevance of the Museums to donors, partners, sponsors and volunteers. Serving as the public face of the Foundation, the new incumbent will cultivate trusted relationships with donors, Board members, volunteer leaders, and partners across the country, while ensuring governance, compliance, and accountability that reflect best practices for foundations linked to Canadian Crown corporations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Development

Develop the Foundation’s inaugural strategic and multi-year fundraising plan, aligned with the Museums’ vision and priorities.
Lead the further development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising campaign, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, fundraising events and sponsorships.
Identify, cultivate, and solicit a portfolio of major donors, corporations, foundations, and government partners nationally and internationally.
Establish measurable fundraising priorities and targets, ensuring sustainability and diversification of revenue streams.
Implement a strategic and comprehensive fundraising program including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and donor stewardship.
Develop in collaboration with the Museums’ management an updated recognition naming policy program and guidelines.
Oversee development of compelling cases for support, donor communications, and stewardship strategies, aligned with Museums’ communications policies
Work in partnership with the CMH Marketing and Communications team to ensure integrated activities that enhance brand and promote a positive fundraising climate.
Engage, leverage, and support the Board members and other volunteers in fundraising initiatives.
Act as the official spokesperson of the Foundation, representing it at national and international philanthropic, business, and cultural events.

Governance, Compliance & Accountability

Steward the operating agreement (MOU) between the Foundation and the Museums, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, information-sharing, brand use, and donor privacy.
Ensure compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency’s fundraising guidelines.
Oversee the preparation of audit-ready financial statements and reports for both Boards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to the highest standards of governance.
Uphold ethical fundraising practices in alignment with the Donor Bill of Rights and the AFP’s Code of Ethical Principles and Standards.

Board Governance

Report to and work closely with the Foundation Board to seek and support their involvement in fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of the Foundation.
Provide the Board of Directors with the tools, insights, and strategies to actively participate in donor engagement and fundraising.
Serve as liaison with the Museums’ senior leadership team, ensuring fundraising priorities support institutional strategy and are aligned with donor interests and private funding streams.
Build strong, transparent relationships with government partners, community stakeholders, and sector associations.

Team Leadership, Financial & Operational Management

Oversee the recruitment and retention of the Foundation staff team, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development.
Develop and manage annual budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and donor intent.
Implement robust systems for donor management, reporting, and compliance.
Develop and implement adequate measures to meet the fiscal needs of the Foundation to conserve its assets, and to maintain an effective system of budgetary control.
Oversee the preparation of monthly financial reports and reconciliation, and an annual report.

Qualifications and Competencies

Experience & Knowledge

Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, philanthropy, or advancement, with a proven record of securing major gifts and leading campaigns.
Experience working with or within a cultural, educational, or Crown corporation environment is an asset as is national scope fundraising experience.
Knowledge of the CMH’s mission, and a clear understanding of its value.
A proven history of recruiting, developing, and leading high performing fundraising staff teams.
Experience recruiting, inspiring and supporting senior volunteers to achieve fundraising goals.
Demonstrated experience leading a full range of fundraising programs, including major gifts, corporations & foundations, planned giving, events, and annual fund initiatives.
Strong financial literacy, with experience managing budgets, donor funds, and investment policies.
Knowledge of CRA regulations for charities, governance practices, and sector standards.
Experience supporting or reporting to a Board of Directors in governance and fundraising contexts.
Technological fluency, including Microsoft Office and donor database software.

More Information

KCI Search + Talent has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of the Foundation of the Canadian Museum of History and Canadian War Museum. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Sylvie Battisti, Senior Vice President, KCI Search + Talent by email at CMHCWM@KCITalent.com.

All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence. Interested candidates should send resume and letter of interest to the email address listed above by August 3, 2026.

To view the full executive brief, visit: www.kcitalent.com

The hiring range for this role is $200,000 – $250,000 plus incentive compensation to be determined during contract negotiations.

The Foundation is committed to creating an organizational culture that fosters an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment for all.