Manager, Fundraising and Member Relations

The Opportunity

The C.D. Howe Institute is seeking a Manager of Development and Member Relations to ensure the effective implementation of fundraising strategies, donor engagement and the management of key external relationships. Reporting to the Director of Programs and Member Relations, this role will be instrumental in cultivating and strengthening relationships with the Institute’s existing members, driving member attraction and retention, fostering loyalty, and promoting their participation in the Institute's initiatives.

 Key Responsibilities

• Identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors and members.


• Conduct comprehensive research to identify potential new members, leveraging both internal and external networks.


• Responsible for building and nurturing strong relationships to achieve and exceed revenue targets through strategic account management.


• Oversee the renewal and collection of an annual membership portfolio of individual, corporate and governmental organizations.


• Foster strong relationships with existing members and donors, ensuring ongoing engagement, support, and loyalty through effective communication, recognition, and stewardship programs.


• Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and our valued members, building and nurturing strong connections.


• Assist in the creation and execution of strategic fundraising programs.


• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify and pursue new development opportunities, ensuring all activities align with the Institute's mission and strategic priorities.


• Represent the Institute at various events to promote its mission and fundraising goals.


• Prepare and present regular reports on development progress, member and donor engagement to senior leadership.

The Candidate

Must-haves

• Bachelor’s or Business degree in a related field


• 3 - 5 years of experience in fundraising, business development, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a managerial role


• Strong knowledge of Canadian public policy


• Understanding of the Institute’s mission.


• Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor relations


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate the Institute's mission and impact effectively.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect easily, build trust, and foster meaningful relationships.


• Commitment to upholding high standards and maintaining non-partisanship in all aspects of outreach and communication.


• Excellent software skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office


• Experience in managing a sales pipeline  


• Bilingual French and English an asset

• Previous CRM experience an asset (C.D. Howe uses Salesforce)

 We Offer

• Competitive compensation package


• Opportunities to do challenging and meaningful work


• Defined Benefit Pension Plan with employer match


• Annual wellness account


• Learning and Development account


• Group benefit plan including health and dental benefits as well as life insurance


• Hybrid work environment with prime downtown Toronto location close to transit

The expected annual base salary range for this position is $70,000–$90,000 CAD. The final base salary offered will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience, expertise, and qualifications.

The Organization

The C.D. Howe Institute is Canada's leading economic think tank. It is an independent not-for-profit organization whose overarching mission is to raise Canadians’ living standards by fostering economically-sound public policies. Non-partisan in nature and national in scope, the Institute commissions authoritative peer-reviewed papers by recognized experts on emerging issues and convenes policy events that bring together private and public sector leaders.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to BambooHR directly

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Our hiring process may occasionally use AI-assisted tools to help review applications based on job-related criteria; however, all final hiring decisions are made by our hiring team. This is an active vacancy for immediate hire.

Our Commitment

C.D. Howe Institute welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We are dedicated to building a more diverse and inclusive team that supports the people and communities that we serve and where we live. We embrace everyone and encourage job applications from every community.