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The National Ballet of Canada

Senior Manager, Major Gifts


Posted On: March 1, 2024
Closing On: March 22, 2024

Location: Toronto
Effective: Immediately
Employment Type: fulltime
Level: senior
Salary Range: $90,000-110,000


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.

About the Position

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 performing arts venues in the US and Europe and to engage meaningfully with communities in Toronto and across Canada.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts, the Senior Manager, Major Gifts owns a substantial revenue goal and manages a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects (25K+). We are looking for a seasoned fundraiser with the knowledge and experience to confidently and strategically contribute to the success of Development Department’s short and long-term goals through Major Gifts.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage a growing portfolio of 100+ donors and prospects at the major gift level through a broad range of strategies for effective identification, qualification, cultivation and solicitation.
  • Achieve annual revenue goals and contribute to multi-year campaign targets.
  • Act as staff lead on key giving programs, from strategic planning to execution, on an annual basis.
  • Implement best practices in donor stewardship, recognition and reporting.
  • Manage the development of materials such as briefing notes, proposals, presentations, customized and group reports.
  • Develop in-theatre and on-site activities for various giving groups, individual donors and prospects, including donor events, backstage visits and tours, rehearsal viewings, and face to face meetings.
  • Work in close partnership with leadership volunteers to meet both annual and long-term objectives.
  • Provide exemplary service to major gift donors and host donors at National Ballet performances.
  • Develop excellent working relationships with colleagues across the organization: Communications, Events, Artistic, Production, and Audience and Donor Services teams.
  • Support the Director of Development and Associate Director, Strategic Philanthropy with strategic projects and other activities that contribute to the overall success of the Major Gifts program.
Qualifications and Competencies
  • University degree or relevant professional and life experience
  • A minimum of 5+ years of fundraising experience, specifically in major gifts.
  • Demonstrated track record of cultivating and securing 6-7 figure gifts.
  • In-depth knowledge of fundraising techniques for annual programs, multi-year campaigns and high-end donor identification, cultivation and acquisition.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to plan, organize and prioritize multiple projects with a high degree of efficiency.
  • Optimistic, attentive, exhibits poise and patience.
  • Adaptable, takes initiative and demonstrates a flexible approach in responding to needs as they arise.
  • A high level of discretion and tact with sensitive and confidential situations.
  • Collaborative, able to work independently, with minimal supervision, and as a member of a team.
  • Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office suite including a fundraising database (Tessitura or another donor database).
  • Conduct that demonstrates adherence to the AFP Standards of Professional Practice
  • Curious and passionate about the art form with an interest for the performing arts sector.
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
  • Staff are currently working in a hybrid model of in-office and remote work. As the NBOC continues to evaluate the situation, the balance of time in the office (3 days/week) and remote work (2 days) is guided by department and organizational needs.
  • Long periods (more than one hour) of sitting and typing at desk and on screen.
  • Long periods (more than one hour) of standing during events during Performance Seasons.

Application Process

Qualified candidates are requested to forward their resume, cover letter and salary expectations to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading: “Senior Manager, Major Gifts” by no later than March 11, 2024, ideally in a single PDF document. 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.