The Aga Khan Museum (AKM) connects cultures and communities through art. The Museum’s mission is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the contributions that Muslim civilizations have made and continue to make to world heritage.

A Toronto-based Museum, we promote pluralism through art, stories, and enlightened encounters, across cultures. Using visual and performing arts as a force for good in the world, the Museum’s ambitious vision is to promote peaceful co-existence and positive intercultural dialogue. As a global learning hub, uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in creating connections among people and communities locally, nationally, and around the world.

AKM is seeking an individual with exceptional communications, relationship-building, and organizational skills to join our team as the inaugural Stewardship Manager. In this role you will lead a donor and member care program designed deepen and enhance supporter engagement in the Museum’s Mission.

Purpose of Position

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Stewardship Manager will be responsible for developing a comprehensive stewardship and donor communications strategy in consultation with the CDO and other members of the Development team. They will manage the process of gift accountability in order to sustain and deepen the interest and commitment of the Museum’s members and donors. They will also develop and manage systems and processes to provide enhanced tracking and delivery of member and donor stewardship.

Key Result Areas

• Stewardship Management:  Develop and manage stewardship programs and activities designed to build enduring relationships with supporters, communicate the impact and value of their giving and provide incentive for future giving. This includes fulfillment of membership benefits, donor agreements, acknowledgements, recognition, and ongoing comprehensive customized stewardship reports for assigned donors and groups of donors and members.
• Donor Agreements & Stewardship: This includes the management of financial review meetings to ensure proper designation and use of donor funds, and liaising with Development and Finance on donor funds. Establishing strategies to administer pledge reminders for annual gifts greater than $25,000.
• Recognition Programs:  Design and implement member and donor recognition strategies. Develop in conjunction with gift officers personalized stewardship plans for Major Gift donors. Review member and donor recognition strategies to ensure they are meeting the needs of supporters and are consistent with recognition policies and standards, including annual donor listings and physical donor recognition at the Museum.
• Event Management:  Plan and manage all member and donor related special events including, but not limited to, donor recognition such as gift announcements, onsite and virtual events, meetings with the Director and CEO or other Museum dignitaries. Plan and manage annual signature fundraising events, including the Lapis Benefit.
• Donor Communications:  Develop and manage an annual communications strategy for all supporter segments and key Museum constituencies that includes high and low touch tactics. This includes writing comprehensive stewardship reports for Major Gift Donors and collaborating with the members of the Development team to design informative newsletters and multi-channel communications to Friends and Patrons. Act as Development’s point person in the production of the Year in Review in collaboration with Marketing and Communications.

Regular Responsibilities

• Develop strategies and work with Museum colleagues to ensure effective member and donor relations are implemented across all tiers of giving for the purpose of maximizing a supporter’s likelihood of renewal and increasing their long-term loyalty to the Museum.
• Manage the Donor Recognition Program which includes recommending and developing new strategies and policies when appropriate.
• Establish and execute standards and formats for gift acknowledgment. This includes message, tone, style, and policies to determine when acknowledgements are required and writing customized acknowledgement letters from Museum leadership.
• Develop, maintain and improve upon reporting systems to ensure key donors and constituents are engaged on the status of their investment, the use of their gift, and the state of the Museum.
• Manage the planning and execution of special events and programs designed to steward members and donors.
• Assess current priorities, workloads, and resources, and establish an action plan that ensures immediate needs are met while longer-term strategies, plans and actions are developed.
• Work with program leads to ensure integration and coordination of their programs to maximize supporter engagement and fundraising results.
• Any other tasks as assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications & Experience

• University degree.
• Minimum of five years related work experience; experience in a fundraising environment preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and professional presence necessary to interact with donors, members, senior staff and volunteers and other stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills, attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Capable of exercising independent judgment and flexibility.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to write effectively and persuasively and to converse easily with donors and members.
• Demonstrated knowledge in direct marketing, branding and storytelling and experience in building relationships between a brand and its customers through a variety of channels.
• Experience in event planning and production.
• Ability to work in teams or independently with minimal administrative support.
• Ability to understand and interpret information concerning financial returns on donor investments.
• A public relations orientation; tact, diplomacy, a well-developed sense of style and a strong instinct for social protocol.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and experience using a CRM database (ideally Tessitura).
• Knowledge of Canadian tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets and estates.
• Experience in the arts and culture sector is considered an asset.
• CFRE designation or equivalent an asset.
• Expressed interest in the mandate of the Museum.

Please note that the hiring salary range for this position is $75,000 – $85,000, based on experience.

To Apply
Please send your cover letter and resume to akm.hr@akdn.org on or before January 7, 2022.

Employment with Aga Khan Museum will be conditional upon the successful candidate having received a COVID-19 vaccine series approved by Health Canada, at least 14 days prior to their start date. This requirement is subject to exemptions pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The Museum thanks all those who apply, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please note that the Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices.  Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act for applicants invited to an interview.