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Canada's National Ballet School

Major Gifts Associate


Posted On: September 3, 2024
Closing On: September 27, 2024

Location: Toronto
Employment Type: fulltime
Level: beginner
Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000


Canada’s National Ballet School is currently inviting applications for the full-time, permanent position of a Major Gifts Associate.

We invite you to join the vibrant staff community of Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS). NBS has 300+ employees supporting programs ranging from professional ballet training, community dance programs, and groundbreaking health promoting initiatives.

We are looking for dynamic individuals with the talent, innovative-thinking and passion to help NBS continue to share the transformative power of dance with people of all ages, abilities, and aspirations. As an organization, NBS is continually evolving and we are looking for professionals with unique, new ideas to complement the School’s collaborative work culture.

The Role

Reporting to the Manager, Philanthrophy, The Major Gift Associate plays an important role in supporting the Advancement Department’s fundraising priorities for Canada’s National Ballet School, Canada’s National Ballet School Foundation and Friends of Canada’s National Ballet School. As a member of NBS’ Advancement Department, the Associate, Major Gifts will work closely with the Philanthropy team and Senior Management to support the strategy, planning and actions required to meet Major Gift ($50,000+) targets. As part of NBS’ plan to grow Major Gifts as part of a long-term comprehensive fundraising plan, this new role is important to introducing, implementing and improving tools and resources that will help direct seamless and coordinated attention to Major Gifts. The role will also support annual fundraising with a particular focus on Champion level ($10,000+) as well as legacy giving as needed.

Position requires attention to detail, focus and repetitive tasks. Regular movement required (i.e. bending, stretching, walking). Most duties are performed in a regular office environment. Required to work some evenings and/or weekends to work at NBS events and activities.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Building, tracking and maintaining the Major Gift donor pipeline, including database tracking (Raiser’s Edge) and generating reports and action lists as needed.
  • Researching prospective Major Gift and Champion level donors, and participating in prospect identification meetings.
  • Identifying and qualifying prospective donors.
  • Supporting in the creation of solicitation strategies, and compiling information to create individual solicitation plans for major gift donors and prospects.
  • Participating in internal and external meetings related to Major Gift and Champion level donor prospecting, renewals, solicitation, stewardship and gift planning.
  • Assisting Senior Management and Relationship Managers in executing solicitation plans for donors and prospects;
  • Opportunity to lead a portfolio of approximately 20 prospects within the first 18 months of employment ($5,000-$10,000).
  • Preparing internal prospect briefing packages for review by the Advancement Team and Senior Management.
  • Supporting the fundraising communications including letters of intent and proposals, assisting in information gathering for written materials.
  • Supporting the creation of solicitation presentations and materials.
  • Supporting in the cultivation and stewardship of Major and Champion level donors;

The Associate will also support the Chief of Advancement and the department’s donor stewardship activities as needed, including but not limited to

  • Researching prospective Future Steps Members (NBS’ Legacy Giving program)
  • Supporting the Future Steps solicitations and project goals.
  • Attending donor events (online and in person)
  • Researching and participating in special projects

Qualifications/Skills/Experience:

  • Post-secondary education; certificate or training in fundraising or arts management is an asset.
  • Minimum 3 years working in a charitable sector and/or fundraising environment and minimum 2 years in a role with direct fundraising (donor facing) responsibilities, ideally in a major gifts context.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Creative, flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented and efficient.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and goal-oriented environment.
  • Ability to handle information confidentially.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in building, nurturing, and leveraging strong relationships with donors.
  • Ability to adhere to organizational processes and deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently and creatively while at the same time functioning as a team member.
  • Calm under pressure and problem solving attitude.
  • Understand fundraising and best practices.
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Strong working capabilities in Raisers Edge.

Please email your resume and cover letter with salary expectations, to careers@nbs-enb.ca and indicate “Major Gifts Associate – 2024” in the subject line.