Brianna (Anna) Polden
Coquitlam,BC
Summary
Mission-driven fundraising leader with a dynamic background in broadcast media, public relations, and nonprofit management. Over seven years of progressive experience in fundraising, partnership development, and strategic communications across health, conservation, and education sectors. Proven track record with millions raised for nonprofits across Canada. Recognized for designing high-impact donor engagement strategies, cultivating major gifts, and aligning philanthropic efforts with organizational goals. Currently advancing business leadership skills through graduate-level studies and preparing for CFRE certification.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Development Manager, Global Health Initiatives
BC Women's Health Foundation
Vancouver, British Columbia
01.2025 - Current
- Working in collaboration with the Global Control of HPV-Related Diseases and Cancers team, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Gina Ogilvie.
- Developed a case for support, a prospect pipeline, and a fundraising strategy for the ASPIRE REACH initiative to eliminate cervical cancer in Uganda.
- Responsible for securing major gifts ($100,000+) to support innovative mobile HPV self-screening and treatment units.
Development Manager
International Conservation Fund of Canada
Chester, Nova Scotia
10.2024 - 12.2024
- Spearheaded planning and execution of ICFC's fund development strategy and event management initiatives.
- Conducted comprehensive five-year revenue analysis with monthly, donor segment, and fund designation insights.
- Developed financial model to project net new fundraising revenue for upcoming fiscal year.
- Presented growth opportunities to Board and founders, emphasizing donor engagement and retention improvements.
- Created 18-month strategic fund development plan, including donor journey map and stewardship matrix.
- Designed and executed "Joy to the Wild" annual giving campaign, surpassing $50,000 goal within first week.
- Achieved $100,000 in new online revenue through effective campaign strategies and 200+ gifts received.
- Contributed to website redesign to enhance UX, implementing fundraising tools and tactics.
Philanthropy Officer, Partnerships
Variety - the Children's Charity of BC
Burnaby, British Columbia
09.2021 - 09.2024
- Ideated and launched the "Variety Schools" grant and service-learning programs, engaging over 40,000 individuals and raising $245,000 in two years.
- Promoted inclusive education by partnering with districts to fund specialized equipment for schools.
- Developed a preferred vendors cause-marketing program to ensure quality services while supporting corporate partners.
- Managed major gift donors and corporate sponsors for annual campaigns like "Variety Week" and "Show of Hearts Telethon."
- Forged partnership with artist and former NHL star, Richard Brodeur, resulting in a custom painting that raised over $70,000 for mental wellness.
- Redesigned and implemented third-party fundraising events to enhance community engagement.
- Revamped family ambassadorship program to strengthen donor relationships and community involvement.
- Executed strategic planning for community fundraising initiatives, optimizing overall contributions.
Coordinator, Community Fundraising
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Vancouver, British Columbia
12.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed Jump Rope for Heart program in elementary schools across Coastal Vancouver.
- Recruited over 1,500 registrations within first quarter through strategic prospecting efforts.
- Delivered engaging school assemblies to mobilize communities and initiate fundraising activities.
- Educated students on importance of giving back and collecting donations to fund research.
- Instructed youth on recognizing life-saving signs of heart attack and stroke.
- Achieved 89% participant commitment to fundraising through effective engagement strategy.
- Served as keynote speaker at 2019 Gala Launch, sharing personal stroke survival story to inspire major gifts.
- Supported organization’s mission despite program’s early termination due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Fundraising and Program Manager
WE Charity
Calgary, AB
11.2017 - 10.2019
- Managed a high-touch portfolio of school partnerships across BC and Alberta, raising over $200,000 per market, and achieving 114% of annual giving targets.
- Led outreach efforts by creating proposals, presentations, and promotional materials to engage stakeholders.
- Delivered workshops and speeches to mobilize fundraising initiatives, while producing quarterly board reports.
- Coordinated the Youth Leadership Conference in 2018, supported by corporate sponsorships, and engaging over 40 schools in fundraising efforts for WE Charity.
- Facilitated professional development seminars at the Youth Leadership Conference, providing skill-building opportunities to student attendees.
- Supported the launch of WE Day in Edmonton, managing logistics for over 16,000 attendees at Rogers Arena.
- Handled crisis response related to the relocation of WE Day from Calgary to Edmonton in 2018.
- We represented as hosts of the inaugural Educator Summit in 2019, presenting at various district-wide conferences.
Marketing Promotions Coordinator
Bell Media
Vancouver, British Columbia
03.2014 - 05.2016
- Executed integrated marketing campaigns for local radio and television brands, enhancing community relations and talent publicity.
- Served as primary contact for nonprofit organizations, facilitating story pitches and promotional requests for major brands.
- Managed brand social media channels and websites, delivering strategic marketing direction and creative cross-platform content.
- Coordinated high-profile marketing campaigns with partners like Disneyland and the Venetian Las Vegas.
- Led CTV Vancouver's 'Hope Starts Here' campaign, securing over $850,000 for BC Women’s NICU.
- Organized 'Block Party for Babies' event at Rocky Point Park, engaging hundreds in community support.
- Oversaw a 15-person street-level marketing team, ensuring effective brand activations in the community.
- Provided comprehensive event coordination and logistics support for radio and television promotions.
Education
Certificate - Non-Profit Management
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC04-2024
Diploma - Public Relations
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Richmond07-2013
Graduate Diploma - Business Administration
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BCSkills
- Fundraising strategy and major gift solicitation
- Financial analysis and data management
- Grant writing and event management
- Donor engagement and stakeholder collaboration
- Strategic planning and campaign execution
- Public speaking and community outreach
- Project management and brand marketing
- Program development
Certification
- San'Yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, 2025
- safeTALK Suicide Alterness Training, 2018
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Limited
Volunteer Experience
Partnerships Committee Member
Association of Fundraising Professionals - Greater Vancouver Chapter
July 2024 - Present
Volunteer Driver, Navigator, Dispatcher
Operation Red Nose, Chilliwack, BC
2016 - 2019
International Volunteer
- Elephant-Human Relations Aid, Namibia, 2017
- Fikelela Children's Home, Khayelitsha, South Africa, 2017-2019
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Development Manager, Global Health Initiatives
BC Women's Health Foundation
01.2025 - Current
Development Manager
International Conservation Fund of Canada
10.2024 - 12.2024
Philanthropy Officer, Partnerships
Variety - the Children's Charity of BC
09.2021 - 09.2024
Coordinator, Community Fundraising
Heart and Stroke Foundation
12.2019 - 08.2020
Fundraising and Program Manager
WE Charity
11.2017 - 10.2019
Marketing Promotions Coordinator
Bell Media
03.2014 - 05.2016
Certificate - Non-Profit Management
Simon Fraser University
Diploma - Public Relations
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Graduate Diploma - Business Administration
Simon Fraser University
Similar Profiles
AMRIT PALAMRIT PAL
Environmental Services Supervisor at BC Children's & Women's Hospital - Provincial Health Services AuthorityEnvironmental Services Supervisor at BC Children's & Women's Hospital - Provincial Health Services Authority
Angel TompkinsAngel Tompkins
Business Office Associate at Self Regional Healthcare Foundation Women's Health ClassicBusiness Office Associate at Self Regional Healthcare Foundation Women's Health Classic
Brandi StricklandBrandi Strickland
Director of Nursing Services at Self Regional Healthcare Foundation Women's Health ClassicDirector of Nursing Services at Self Regional Healthcare Foundation Women's Health Classic
Nana MiyakeNana Miyake
Volunteer at Leo's ClubVolunteer at Leo's Club
Connor StaffordConnor Stafford
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Category M Student at BCITAircraft Maintenance Engineer Category M Student at BCIT