In 1980, Terry Fox landed in St. John’s, Newfoundland to embark on his Marathon of Hope, an ambitious journey across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Forty years later, over $825 million has been raised in Terry’s name, with more than 10,000 Terry Fox Runs in 33 countries, 3,500,000 participants, 250,000 donors and 20,000 enthusiastic volunteers raising money for cancer research every year. Established in 1988, the Terry Fox Foundation (TFF) is a national fundraising organization with deep roots in the community and the second largest non-governmental funder of cancer research in Canada, having funded well over 1,300 cancer research projects to date. TFF raises money for cancer research primarily through the annual Terry Fox community runs and school events. Recently TFF has developed new programs to encourage memoriam donations and planned gifts, as well as an active program for major gifts.
The Foundation funds the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) which invests in world-class, collaborative cancer research teams and partnerships to transform cancer research in Canada. Recently, TFF and TFRI embarked on the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centre Network, a five-year, $300 million project with the goal of accelerating the adoption of precision medicine for cancer. With one out of every two Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, now is the time to accelerate the pace of discovery and provide new hope to all cancer patients in Canada. Currently, the Terry Fox Foundation is inviting applications/nominations from outstanding business and community leaders for a new Executive Director to lead the Foundation. This is an opportunity to work with passionate employees and dedicated volunteers to build on an amazing brand that has been nurtured over the past four decades. In this challenging pandemic environment, the Foundation has been a leader in Canada by actually increasing its digital contributions from Terry Foxers across Canada.
Role of Executive Director
Reporting to the Terry Fox Foundation Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads the strategy and operations for the Foundation and serves as a passionate ambassador for the Foundation across the country and the world. Trusted and authentic with a demonstrated history of achieving ambitious fundraising objectives and energizing national teams, the Executive Director will motivate Foundation employees and volunteers to raise funds for cancer research in exciting, transformative and enduring ways. Results-oriented with a track record in fundraising and with 10-15+ years of leadership experience in the not-for-profit, private or public sectors, the incoming Executive Director is an inspiring, collaborative, well-networked executive leader with the drive to continue Terry’s heroic cancer-fighting mission and the ability to engender in others a passion for the legacy of Terry Fox.
The incoming Executive Director will develop an ambitious, comprehensive and measurable strategic plan for raising money for cancer research that includes both short and long-term fundraising goals, key operational and team leadership deliverables, and a captivating fundraising, marketing and communications strategy in keeping with Terry Fox’s mission, vision and values. With deep experience fundraising at grassroots and corporate levels, the Executive Director is able to translate their passion for Terry Fox into significant financial support for the Foundation, using new digital techniques, marketing channels and new events and partnerships to raise significant funds for the Foundation. A consensus builder with the proven ability to rally teams and bring key internal and external stakeholders together around a common mission, the new Executive Director will share Terry’s story and inspire volunteers, donors, and employees alike.
Building on strong governance principles and to support the Foundation’s transformative philanthropic leadership in the pursuit of curing cancer, TFF also invites applications/nominations for upcoming appointments to the Terry Fox Foundation’s Board. These are outstanding volunteer opportunities for exceptional board, business and community leaders who share a passion for the Terry Fox mission of furthering cancer research and are motivated and personally committed to making a significant difference to the Terry Fox Foundation.
Role of Board Members
Dedicated to ensuring the Foundation is future ready, TFF Board Directors will possess the fundraising, marketing and strategic planning skills to leverage TFF’s incredible history and brand in keeping with the Foundation’s mission, vision and values.Experienced Board Directors with philanthropy and fundraising experience are highly desired. Marketing and digital transformation, finance, risk management, and legal expertise, combined with an understanding of and exposure to complex, multi-stakeholder environments and/or foundations or volunteer boards, are each valuable skill sets for the TFF Board.
If you are excited about transforming cancer research and wish to explore either of these exciting Terry Fox Foundation opportunities further, please provide a detailed resume and cover letter highlighting your senior leadership and/or board experience to Lisa Heidman LL.B. ICD.D, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Arlington Partners International at lisaheidman@arlingtonpartners.com. A detailed position profile highlighting desired key competencies will be provided to all candidates under consideration.
