Dance reaches across histories and continents to move the spirit, transcend the limits of the body and inspire the imagination. With a passionate commitment to excellence, The National Ballet of Canada is among the elite tier of iconic dance companies in the world and recognized as one of Canada’s top employers in the performing arts.
The National Ballet’s Development Department raises over $13 million annually towards Artistic Director, Hope Muir’s ambitious vision for artistic excellence. As the Senior Manager, Major Gifts, you will play an integral role in achieving the Development Department’s goals as the National Ballet collaborates with world-renowned artists on ground-breaking projects, tours to major performing arts venues in the US and Europe and engages meaningfully with communities across Canada. At the heart of this is our generous community of donors and our dedicated team of staff and volunteers who help to grow and shape a more diverse, equitable and inclusive future for the art of ballet to thrive.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts, you will have direct revenue accountability for a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects (50K+), driving donor retention and program growth by ensuring effective donor cultivation and stewardship through excellent communications, engagement opportunities, recognition and reporting.
General Responsibilities:
- Managing a growing portfolio of 100+ donors and prospects at the major gift level through a broad range of strategies for effective identification, qualification, cultivation and solicitation
- Achieving annual revenue targets and contributing to multi-year campaign targets
- Acting as staff lead on key giving groups, from strategic planning to execution, on an annual basis
- Implementing best practices in donor stewardship, recognition and reporting
- Managing the development of materials such as proposals, presentations, brochures, customized and group reports
- Developing in-theatre and on-site activities for various giving groups, individual donors and prospects, including donor events, backstage visits and tours, rehearsal viewings, and face to face meetings between staff, volunteers and donors
- Working in close partnership with, and in support of, leadership volunteers to meet both annual and long-term objectives
- Providing exemplary service to major gift donors and hosting donors at National Ballet performances
- Developing excellent working relationships with colleagues across the organization including Communications, Events, Artistic, Production, and Audience and Donor Services teams
- Supporting the Director of Development and Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts with strategic projects and other activities that contribute to the overall success of the Major Gifts program.
Qualifications:
- University degree or equivalent.
- 5-10 years of fundraising experience in major gifts
- In-depth knowledge of fundraising techniques for annual fundraising, and high-end donor cultivation and acquisition
- A demonstrated track record of securing gifts of 100K+
- Exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work, handling multiple projects at one time with a high degree of efficiency, thorough attention to detail, poise and patience.
- Ability to take initiative and demonstrate a flexible approach in responding to needs as they arise.
- A high level of discretion and tact with sensitive and confidential situations.
- Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, with minimal supervision.
- Excellent computer skills and a proficiency in working with a database.
- A passion for the performing arts
- Conduct that demonstrates adherence to the AFP Standards of Professional Practice.
Work Requirements:
- Primarily work out of main office, Walter Carsen Centre, located at 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto
- Occasional work out of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, located at 145 Queen St West, Toronto
- Staff are currently working in a hybrid model of office and remote work
- Evening and Weekend work for donor events and performances, as required.
Qualified candidates are to forward their resume, cover letter and salary expectations to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading: "Senior Manager, Major Gifts" by no later than February 28, 2023. Resumes will be reviewed as soon as they are received. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check. The National Ballet of Canada recognizes its heightened duty to protect employees from health and safety risks during the current pandemic. As such, an offer of employment shall be conditional on proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with a vaccine series approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization.
The National Ballet of Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment where employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to reflect the diversity of our community, our city and our country. We strive to ensure our recruitment and selection processes are bias-free. We welcome and encourage submissions from Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, the Deaf and disabled as well as individuals of all genders, cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We are committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Human Resources department will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.
