Associate, Strategic Giving & Donor Stewardship

With a passionate commitment to excellence, The National Ballet of Canada is among the finest dance companies in the world and has been recognized as one of Canada’s top employers. The company raises over $13 million annually towards Artistic Director Hope Muir’s bold vision for artistic excellence, new production, international touring, and education while also building one of the largest dance endowments in North America.  At the heart of this growth is our generous community of donors and a dedicated staff and volunteer team.

The Associate, Strategic Giving and Donor Stewardship plays an integral role in achieving the Development department’s ambitious goals during an exciting time as the National Ballet collaborates with world-renowned artists on new projects. Reporting to the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts, and working closely with the Director of Development, position will coordinate rehearsal viewings, face to face meetings between staff, volunteers and donors, and act as liaison with internal event, box office, artistic and production teams.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to;

• Preparing fundraising materials, including briefing notes, proposals, information packages, letters, presentations and customized reports
• Managing gift acknowledgement and donor recognition, including gift confirmations, agreements, thank you letters and recognition in National Ballet communications and signage
• Ensuring internal procedures and standards for timely and accurate acknowledgement of major gift donors are met for every gift
• Updating the Major Gift team’s customer relationship database; Tessitura, and liaising with Development Operations on database management
• Coordinating internal team and cross-departmental solicitor meetings, schedules and special projects
• Managing major gift donor renewal and pledge payment process
• Providing superior customer service for major gift donors including fielding inquiries and requests, correspondence, etc.
• Supporting major gift program chairs including meeting preparation and follow-up
• Coordinating the major gift ticketing process; monitor major gift holds, assign and distribute tickets, coordinating the major gift subscription renewals process
• Hosting donors at National Ballet performances and events
• Additional duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• University degree or equivalent.
• At least three years of fundraising experience
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work, handling multiple projects at one time with a high degree of efficiency, poise and patience.
• Ability to take initiative and demonstrate a flexible approach in responding to needs as they arise.
• Ability to exercise 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 and a willingness to work evening and weekends, as required.
• Conduct that demonstrates adherence to the AFP Standards of Professional Practice.

Work Requirements:

• Primarily work out of our main office, The 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
• Standard office environment with operational hours between Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 5:00 pm
• Occasional evening and weekend work required
• Staff are currently working in a hybrid model of office and remote work.

This position includes a competitive compensation, comprehensive Health Benefits package, employee assistant program, and complimentary performance tickets.

Qualified candidates are to forward their resume and cover letter as a single PDF document to [email protected] with the subject heading: “Associate, Strategic Giving and Donor Stewardship”. 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.

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.