The Position:
The Thousand Islands Playhouse (TIP) in seeking an experienced fund-raiser to fill the full-time position of Director of Development.
Working closely with Richard Van Dusen, the General Manager, and Ashlie Corcoran, the Artistic Director, The Director of Development helps to create and implement a dynamic plan for fund-raising to broaden the donor base and increase overall financial support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government. The Director of Development leads the development efforts to support the mission and vision of the Thousand Islands Playhouse.
The Director of Development reports directly to the General Manager. TIP’s annual operating budget is approximately $2.1 million with an annual season of 10 productions (214 performances). The annual fund-raising goal for contributed revenue is approximately $500,000. TIP uses ETapestry as its CRM software. A fund-raising assistant reports to the Director.
Duties and responsibilities include:
Financial Planning: Creating and implementing the annual fund-raising goals and expense budget, and the development of the strategies for achieving them, as well as providing budget updates and reports;
Research: Researching new prospects for individual, corporate, and foundation support;
Board Liaison: Working with the Board of Director to generate excitement and participation in development activities;
Donor Management and Relations: Serving as a liaison between TIP and its contributors; organizing and attending donor events and receptions; planning and executing annual fund appeals; working to improve TIP’s Patron program; stewarding corporate sponsors and individual donors; and enhancing the planning giving program.
Writing and Communications: Preparing grant applications, development packages, letters, and press releases.
Fund-raising Events: Working with the volunteer committee to plan and implement annual fund-raising events.
Background:
The Thousand Islands Playhouse operates two fully-renovated venues side by side on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in beautiful Gananoque: the 350-seat Springer Theatre and the 140-seat Firehall Theatre. Annually attracting more than 45,000 attenders, TIP is one of the top five summer festivals in Ontario and the most active theatre in Eastern Ontario. The Thousand Islands Playhouse Young Company provides training opportunities for aspiring professionals as well as bringing theatre to children throughout its region. TIP is a major supporter of Canadian content. TIP’s designers, directors, scenic artists, and performers come from across Canada.
TIP’s story has been developing for over thirty years. It is the story of hundreds of musicals, comedies, and dramas, and thousands of performers. The story includes its unique heritage performance spaces, the touring Young Company, and thousands upon thousands of unforgettable summer nights. As a not for profit theatre company, private support covers 29% of the annual operating costs, with 51% coming from ticket sales and 20% from government.
Required Professional Skills and Abilities:
We seek an individual with 8+ years of experience in fund-raising, preferably in a cultural organization; a bachelor’s or master’s degree; and a thorough grounding in all aspects of fund-raising including planned giving, capital campaigns, major gifts, corporate sponsorships; event coordination, and board development. A passion for Canadian theatre and Canadian artists would be important in working in this collaborative environment.
The position requires strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills and an entrepreneurial approach to development planning. Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills and the ability to work with committees, funders, sponsors, and individual donors are important.
Application Process:
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Deadline for applications: Friday, April 29, 2016. Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume with a list of references, and salary expectations to:
Margaret Genovese
gvasearch@gmail.com
Senior Partner
Genovese, Vanderhoof & Associates
77 Carlton Street, Suite 1103
Toronto, Ontario M5B 2J7
For additional information: www.1000islandsplayhouse.com; www.genovesevanderhoof.com.