Current Openings​

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Director, Fund Development, External Relations & Partnerships

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Location

 

Strong preference for Calgary, Alberta. Hybrid-based work, with regular in-person requirements in Calgary, and occasionally other locations in Alberta. 

 

Purpose

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Director, Fund Development, External Relations & Partnerships is responsible for leading the fundraising strategies of the Lab, overseeing partnerships and external relations, and supporting strategic objectives to ensure the Lab achieves its vision and goals.

 

About the Energy Futures Lab

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The Energy Futures Lab (EFL, the Lab) is an Alberta-based coalition of innovators and leading organizations working together to advance solutions aligned with our vision and mission for Canada's energy future. The Lab was created in 2015 as a response to polarization on energy issues, which landed Alberta’s energy system at the centre of a complex, fragmented and divisive debate. As a social innovation lab, we address these issues by collaborating across traditional, organizational and sectoral boundaries.

 

About the Position

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Are you a natural connector with a passion for shaping Alberta’s energy future? The Energy Futures Lab is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven leader to champion our fund development, partnerships, and external relations. This role offers the opportunity to promote the Lab as a trusted hub for collaboration, build meaningful relationships with funders and partners, and secure the resources needed to grow our impact. As part of the senior leadership team, you will play a key role in helping shape Lab strategy, amplify its voice, and ensure our work continues to inspire and mobilize across sectors.

 

Key Responsibilities

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Fund Development & Stewardship

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• Lead fundraising and revenue development to achieve budget goals, cultivating strong relationships with funders and donors.

• Design and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy to sustain and scale programs.

• Secure and steward support from foundations, corporations, governments, and individual donors.

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to funders.

• Strengthen funder engagement through compelling storytelling, clear impact reporting, and consistent stewardship.

 

Partnerships & External Relations

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• Serve as the Lab’s primary relationship holder (particularly for those in Calgary) with key partners, funders, government, industry, and media.

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships to advance the Lab’s mission.

• Represent the Lab at events, in the media, and in public forums to increase visibility and thought leadership.

• Drive external communications, brand, media, and digital presence, ensuring clear and consistent messaging with support of a seasoned communications team.

• Use networks and external opportunities to create excitement, expand influence, and open doors for collaboration.

 

Strategic and Team Leadership

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• Contribute to organizational strategy and positioning within Alberta’s energy transition landscape.

• Guide external sensing and evaluation to identify opportunities, risks, and emerging system needs.

• Oversee fundraising, partnerships, and impact reporting functions.

• Co-develop and provide oversight for communications strategy to be executed by the communications team.

• Ensure evaluation systems are in place for tracking and reporting results to stakeholders.

• Lead and mentor the external relations / communications team with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

• Support team development, culture, and HR needs for direct reports.

• Help to foster a positive and equitable organizational culture that prioritizes well-being and engagement.
   

The Ideal Candidate

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This role requires the ability to spot opportunities and effectively communicate the Lab’s value proposition to a variety of stakeholders in a continuously shifting funding environment. The ideal candidate has the ability to navigate complex funding environments and manage multiple priorities under strict deadlines.

 

Qualifications

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• Proven track record in fundraising, partnership building, and external relations, ideally in the non-profit or social innovation space.

• Strong network in Alberta’s and Canada’s business, government, and/or philanthropic communities an asset.

• Senior leadership experience in a non-profit organization.

• Skilled in preparing strong project funding proposals, budget development, project scoping, team and activity planning and execution.

• Experience developing fundraising strategies that result in long-term commitments and partnerships.

• Exceptional communication, relationship management, and strategic thinking skills.

• Ability to thrive in complexity, navigate diverse perspectives, and inspire collaboration.

 

Compensation

 

The Energy Futures Lab offers a comprehensive benefits package and paid time off. The full-time base salary range for this role is CAD $115,000-$140,000.

 

Process to Apply

 

We encourage interested applicants to familiarize themselves with the Energy Futures Lab Vision and Mission, Fellows & Ambassadors and initiatives. 

 

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to info@energyfutureslab.com. 

 

Anticipated start date for the successful candidate is in January 2026.

 

Closing Date: Applications close November 30, 2025

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