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The National Ballet of Canada

Development Officer, Patrons’ Council


Posted On: May 8, 2024
Closing On: May 20, 2024

Location: Toronto
Effective: July 2, 2024
Employment Type: fulltime
Level: beginner
Salary Range: 60,000-65,000


About The National Ballet of Canada 

The National Ballet of Canada is one of the most exciting, innovative arts institutions in Canada, and among the top ballet companies in the world. Since its establishment in 1951, The National Ballet of Canada is celebrated for its remarkable dancers and diverse repertoire of traditional full-length classic ballets and cutting-edge contemporary work by world-renowned choreographers and designers. Our Education and Community Engagement programmes are designed to cultivate an interest in the arts and promote dance to youth and broader communities.

Executing world-class, unforgettable performances and challenging our audiences is at the core of what we do, none of which would be possible without a talented and passionate team of employees. We persist to create an environment that encourages our artists and employees to realize the fullest extent of their talents in an inclusive workplace.

The National Ballet’s Development Department raises over $13 million annually in support of Artistic Director Hope Muir’s ambitious vision for excellence and impact: to collaborate with world-renowned artists on ground-breaking projects, to tour to major dance centres around the world, and to engage meaningfully with communities in Toronto and across Canada.

About the Position

As a key member of the Individual Giving team, you’ll play a crucial role in driving the continued growth of our annual giving portfolio. Under the direction of the Manager, Patrons’ Council, the Officer, Patrons’ Council will implement the strategy for gifts between $1,200 – $4,999, directly managing a portfolio of up to 350 donors. You’ll initiate and implement – cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship touchpoints for existing and prospective donors. If you’re passionate about Ballet, the arts, and eager to be part of an exciting journey, we encourage you to apply and become an integral part of The National Ballet of Canada’s dynamic community.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising

  • Implement the Patrons’ Council program, overseeing upgrades, acquisition, reactivation, and retention strategies, driving increased engagement and support.
  • Manage a portfolio of up to 350 donors/prospects, employing tailored fundraising tactics to secure ongoing annual support, cultivate for higher giving, and identify legacy giving potential, ensuring sustained donor relationships and financial growth.
  • Develop concepts and ideas for donor activities and events, collaborating with the Manager, Patrons’ Council to bring them to fruition and enhance donor engagement and affinity with the organization.
  • Work closely with the Development department to ensure high-quality donor care and identification of donors ready for transition to Major Gifts and/or Legacy Giving, fostering a strategic approach to donor cultivation and stewardship.
  • Monitor, analyze, and report on the Patrons’ Council program results against established goals and objectives, providing actionable insights and recommendations for continuous improvement and growth.

Volunteer Coordination

  • Plan and coordinate Patrons’ Council committee meetings, ensuring effective organization.
  • Assume responsibility for minute-taking during Patrons’ Council committee meetings, capturing essential discussions, action items, and decisions accurately to facilitate follow-up actions.
  • Coordinate and schedule the Patrons’ Council Committee and Patrons’ Council Ambassadors for lounge hosting duties.
  • Coordinate the scheduling of Development volunteers for various general activities, such as mailings, event setup, and donor appreciation initiatives, optimizing their availability and skills to support fundraising efforts effectively.

Qualifications and Competencies

  • Post-secondary education in fundraising management or similar
  • 2+ years of related experience in fundraising and donor stewardship, preferably with mid-level giving.
  • Knowledge of direct response fundraising.
  • Motivated self-starter who can take initiative and effectively work with others.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a professional presence and manner; able to work well with donors, staff, volunteers, and external partners.
  • High level of attention to detail.
  • High proficiency using computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and CRM databases, preferably Tessitura.

Working Conditions

  • Primarily work out of main office, the Walter Carsen Centre, located at 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto, with key activities occurring at rehearsals. Special events held offsite, in donor homes, etc.
  • Evening and weekend work required during Performance Season (November, December, March, and June) out of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, located at 145 Queen St West, Toronto
  • Hybrid work environment; minimum three (3) days a week in office and remotely from home two (2) days a week, subject to change
  • Extended periods (more than one hour) of sitting and typing at desk and on screen.
  • Extended periods (more than one hour) of standing during events and intermissions during performances.

Compensation and Benefits

We strive to offer competitive, market-based compensation. During the interview process, we will work closely with you to determine a salary package that is commensurate with your experience and background. We understand the importance of work-life balance and are committed to supporting our employees’ overall wellbeing and productivity. We offer a range of benefits and perks to assist in maintaining this essential equilibrium:

  • Complimentary season tickets to performances at the Four Season Centre for the Performing Arts
  • Comprehensive Health & Dental and Paramedics Benefits package, including a Health Spending Account
  • Company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan
  • Counselling services and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program
  • Summer Fridays off in July

Application Process

Please submit one PDF document that includes your cover letter, resume and your salary expectations and updated resume to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading Officer, Patrons’ Council by no later than May 20, 2024.  We will be reviewing candidate submissions as they are received, and we may choose to move forward with interviews before the deadline. Early submission is encouraged.  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.

The National Ballet of Canada is committed to taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of health and safety for workers as required by the Occupational Health and Act (OHSA). We are also committed to compliance with all applicable public and occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy and other laws. We recommend that all employees follow the guidance regarding vaccinations and boosters provided by Health Canada.

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We will primarily be using your phone number listed or email to communicate with you. It is your responsibility to include an updated phone number and email address and accepts calls/emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your phone, voice messages and email regularly. If no response is received within a reasonable timeframe, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, we reserve the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.

Statement of Intention and Accommodation

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.