Open To Work
Wayne Steer
CMHA - Calgary Region
Calgary,AB
Work Preference
Desired Job Title
Director of Engagement & ImpactStrategic Career Pause - Cross-Cultural Leadership & Language ImmersionSenior Fund Development ConsultantSenior Capital Campaign Consultant (Contract)Director of Fund Development
Work Type
Full Time
Location Preference
Hybrid
Location:
Calgary, AB
Open to relocation:
No
Important To Me
Company CulturePersonal development programsCareer advancement
2
Languages
21
Years of experience
Strategic fundraising executive with over 20 years of experience leading capital campaigns and diverse giving programs. Awarded the 2020 Association of Fundraising Professionals - Calgary Chapter Outstanding Fundraising Professional. Expertise in building high-performing teams and enhancing board engagement drives mission advancement through disciplined strategies and donor-centered stewardship. Bilingual in English and French, with a strong understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, delivering measurable impact across various initiatives.
Work History
11 Months
03.2025 - 02.2026
11 Months
Director of Engagement & Impact
CMHA - Calgary Region | Calgary, AB
03.2025 - 02.2026
- Led a seven-member team across fundraising, communications, marketing, grants, and outcomes reporting, aligning engagement strategy with long-term financial sustainability and organizational impact objectives.
- Designed and implemented an integrated fundraising strategy spanning individual giving (monthly, annual and major gifts), corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and planned giving to strengthen revenue diversification and bolster donor engagement.
- Directed annual fundraising budget planning and compliance oversight, ensuring alignment with charitable regulations and internal governance standards to maintain organizational integrity.
- Prepared and presented fundraising and engagement reports to Board of Directors, enabling transparent performance tracking and facilitating informed strategic decisions.
3 Years
11.2021 - 11.2024
3 Years
Sabbatical
Self Directed Personal and Professional Growth | Mont-Tremblant, QC
11.2021 - 11.2024
- Immersed in Québecois culture through full-time residency and community engagement to strengthen cross-cultural leadership capabilities.
- Engaged in intensive French language training through Cours de Francisation, advancing toward greater professional bilingual fluency.
- Secured consulting contracts with KCI Philanthropy and Fondation La Traversée to strengthen connections within the philanthropic sector.
- Engaged in frontline and operational community roles to develop a grassroots understanding of regional economic and social dynamics.
- Demonstrated resilience and adaptability through intentional leadership development, reinforcing commitment to continuous professional growth.
6 Months
11.2023 - 05.2024
6 Months
Senior Fund Development Consultant
Fondation La Traversée | Mont-Tremblant, QC
11.2023 - 05.2024
- Advised nonprofit leadership and board on rebuilding structured fundraising programs, strengthening governance alignment and development of accountability frameworks.
- Implemented donor-centered stewardship processes to formalize relationship management and enhance long-term supporter engagement.
- Introduced digital engagement strategies to modernize outreach and broaden donor participation channels.
- Strengthened internal development systems to support operational continuity and sustainable revenue growth.
6 Months
05.2023 - 11.2023
6 Months
Senior Capital Campaign Consultant (Contract)
KCI Philanthropy - Centaur Theatre | Montreal, QC
05.2023 - 11.2023
- Provided strategic counsel in preparation for a $19M capital campaign to preserve and modernize Centaur Theatre's 120-year-old facility, strengthening institutional readiness and fundraising infrastructure.
- Used campaign readiness study to assess governance alignment, donor pipeline strength, and case for support positioning.
- Developed campaign structure, timelines, gift range charts, and leadership gift strategies to support principal and major donor cultivation and solicitation phases.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to refine case for support to align campaign priorities with artistic vision and long-term vision.
- Delivered phased solicitation roadmap and volunteer leadership engagement strategy to position organization for a successful campaign.
11 Years 5 Months
02.2010 - 07.2021
11 Years 5 Months
Director of Fund Development
Fresh Start Recovery Centre | Calgary, AB
02.2010 - 07.2021
- Directed and completed a $13.4M capital campaign to construct a new treatment facility, partnering with volunteer campaign cabinet and senior leadership to achieve full campaign objectives.
- Achieved 17.22% average annual compound revenue growth over ten years by implementing structured major gift, annual giving and monthly giving programs including targeted and strategic donor stewardship practices and activities.
- Developed national and international digital fundraising initiatives including GlobalGiving and GivingTuesday campaigns, significantly expanding donor reach across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Secured a $325,000 matching gift in collaboration with board leadership to bolster donor participation and campaign momentum.
- Authored annual impact reports highlighting measurable outcomes and Social Return on Investment above 7:1, contributing to repeated Charity Intelligence Canada Four-Star and Top 100 Agencies ratings and Donnor Canada Foundation Awards in 2010, 2013 and 2014.
7 Months
11.2008 - 06.2009
7 Months
Director of Fund Development
Volunteer Calgary | Calgary, AB
11.2008 - 06.2009
- Led fundraising strategy to support Calgary's volunteer engagement hub, aligning revenue development with community impact priorities.
- Strengthened corporate and donor relationships to support Leadership Awards, operational sustainability and expanded programming.
- Designed annual giving campaigns and stewardship communications to enhance donor retention and engagement.
- Implemented performance tracking processes to reinforce accountability and inform strategic fundraising decisions.
- Collaborated with community partners to expand referral networks and resources for clients.
2 Years 10 Months
01.2006 - 11.2008
2 Years 10 Months
Manager, Relationships & Legacy Giving
Canadian Red Cross | Canada
01.2006 - 11.2008
- Managed planned and legacy giving portfolio across Alberta and Northwest Territories, strengthening estate commitments and long-term donor relationships.
- Developed strategies encouraging volunteers and long-standing supporters to consider legacy gifts aligned with humanitarian mission.
- Co-authored national gift acceptance policy following May 2, 2006 federal legislation regarding donations of marketable securities.
- Delivered presentations to affinity groups and associations to deepen donor understanding and appreciation of organizational impact.
- Provided guidance and training to regional staff on legacy giving conversations and stewardship best practices.
- Alberta & Northwest Territories
1 Year 3 Months
10.2004 - 01.2006
1 Year 3 Months
Manager of Fund Development
ALS Society of Alberta | Calgary, AB
10.2004 - 01.2006
- Led fundraising initiatives supporting ALS research, advocacy and client services across Alberta.
- Strengthened donor stewardship and recognition programs to build sustained community engagement.
- Partnered with board members to identify funding opportunities and enhance organizational visibility.
- Engaged in community outreach and event-based fundraising initiatives, including Betty's Run for ALS.
- Developed and leveraged communications and social network presence for agency to generate greater awareness and interest.
- Improved internal tracking and reporting systems to support transparency and financial accountability.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance, Economics & Marketing
Gonzaga University | Spokane, WA, USA
Magna Cum Laude
3.85 GPA
Skills
Fundraising Strategic Leadership
Capital Campaign Leadership
Major Gift Development
Planned/Legacy Giving
Board Engagement
Donor Stewardship
Corporate Partnerships
Grant Development
Languages
EnglishC2
Bilingual or Proficient
FrenchB2
Upper intermediate
Volunteer Leadership Roles
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), AFP Calgary & Area Chapter - Held roles Including Past President, President, President Elect, Secretary, Director of Communications and Newsletter Editor., AFP Canadian Council - Member (2013-2017), AFP Canada - Member (2017-2020) Inaugural Board member holding positions of Secretary (2019) and Board Chair Elect (2020), AFP International/Global - Chaired Diversity & Inclusion Committee (2015-17) and International Development Committee (2013-2014), Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) - Member 2004 - 2009, Director of Communications - Southern Alberta Roundtable 2006 - 2009
Timeline
Director of Engagement & Impact
CMHA - Calgary Region
03.2025 - 02.2026Read more
Senior Fund Development Consultant
Fondation La Traversée
11.2023 - 05.2024Read more
Senior Capital Campaign Consultant (Contract)
KCI Philanthropy - Centaur Theatre
05.2023 - 11.2023Read more
Sabbatical
Self Directed Personal and Professional Growth
11.2021 - 11.2024Read more
Director of Fund Development
Fresh Start Recovery Centre
02.2010 - 07.2021Read more
Director of Fund Development
Volunteer Calgary
11.2008 - 06.2009Read more
Manager, Relationships & Legacy Giving
Canadian Red Cross
01.2006 - 11.2008Read more
Manager of Fund Development
ALS Society of Alberta
10.2004 - 01.2006Read more
Gonzaga University - Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, Economics & Marketing
Read more