Director of Development
The Director of Development will provide leadership, strategic direction, management and coordination of Soundstreams’ fundraising efforts in alignment with the organization’s mission. The Director of Development will develop and implement robust fundraising campaigns that increase support from individuals, corporations, and foundations. S/He will play a key role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors for annual and multi-year gifts and strategic initiatives. S/he will work in close collaboration with the Executive Director, the Artistic Director, and the Board to achieve the fundraising goals of the organization. This position reports to the Executive Director.
The Director of Development will be:
- Enthusiastic about the arts, especially contemporary/Canadian music.
- Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful, flexible, a relentless “closer” with excellent business acumen.
- Straightforward, self-motivated and diplomatic–shares information in a team environment, listens and gives advice.
- Decidedly focused, energetic, and adept at planning, prioritizing, and stewarding multiple projects.
Responsibilities
- With the Executive Director, Artistic Director, and Board, set the strategic development goals for the organization
- Develop, manage, and implement annual fundraising programs, in collaboration with key staff.
- Develop and implement plans for qualifying prospects and soliciting major donors for both philanthropic and sponsorship opportunities. Research individual prospects, foundations, corporations and other financial resources.
- Solicit and close gifts and ensure appropriate cultivation and stewardship of donors and sponsors.
- Draft and edit correspondence, stewardship reports, proposals, and other communication pieces essential to achieving fundraising goals.
- Develop, implement, and supervise appropriate systems and procedures in support of fundraising goals.
- Advocate for Soundstreams’ mission in the funding community.
- Provide regular and detailed reports on meeting fundraising targets to the Executive Director.
- In cooperation with the Director of Marketing and External Relations, develop and implement communication strategies to support fundraising efforts.
- Coordinate donor patron receptions and special events in collaboration with key staff, the Board, and volunteers
Qualifications
- Minimum three to five years of proven experience raising funds through major gifts, corporate sponsorship, foundations, and grant writing in the performing arts sector.
- A proven ability to “close” deals and articulate the value proposition for sponsors and donors.
- A track record as an effective communicator with strong presentation skills.
- Significant exposure to the arts from professional and/or volunteer experience.
- Demonstrated experience in managing people and budgets
- Demonstrated experience in working with a board of directors
- Ability to work successfully in a hands-on entrepreneurial and collaborative environment.
- Computer literacy and previous experience with development databases is critical (Soundstreams currently uses SUMAC development software)
- CFRE designation a plus.
Compensation
A competitive compensation package will be offered including salary and benefits.
About Soundstreams
Soundstreams is one of the world’s leading contemporary music companies, and the biggest global presenter of new Canadian music. Under the direction of Artistic Director Lawrence Cherney, and Executive Director Susan Worthington, the company showcases the work of living Canadian and international composers, with a focus on innovative thematic and experiential programming that provides context and contributes to the rich legacy of Canadian music at home and around the world.
In collaboration with the finest Canadian and international artists, Soundstreams presents an annual concert series at Toronto venues such as Koerner Hall and Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, a free Salon 21 series at The Gardiner Museum, and national and international tours, in addition to a variety of composer training, education, and community outreach activities. We are also dedicated to engaging curious listeners through our digital performance space, including concert livestreams, SoundMakers website, and video content.
Soundstreams is well supported by the public and private sectors. The annual budget of $1.2 million is maintained through government support (49%), including the Department of Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council and others, private sector support (37%), including lead corporate sponsorships from TD Canada Trust and BMO, major gifts from our Premiere Circle Members, and earned revenue including box office (13%).
The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Soundstreams is an inclusive and equitable employer, encouraging applications from qualified women and men including persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and Aboriginal persons.
How to Apply
By September 18, 2015, please email a cover letter and resume, with salary expectations to:
Susan Worthington
Executive Director
Soundstreams
susanw@soundstreams.ca
No phone inquires please.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those proceeding through to next steps in the process will be contacted.
