Director of Development

Darren Caddle; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local cultural institution in Kitchener is seeking a Development Manager to oversee fundraising activities and strengthen community engagement. The successful candidate will manage a team, develop strategies for donor acquisition, and ensure effective stewardship of current donors. A two-year college diploma in a related field is preferred, along with three years of relevant experience in fundraising and membership programs. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are crucial for this role.

Qualifications

• Preferred education in Arts & Culture, Management, Museum Studies or Public Relations.
• Experience securing individual gifts of $5000 or more.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development department's budget and staff.
• Manage community relationships for fundraising.
• Develop and execute donor stewardship plans.

Skills

Fundraising knowledge

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Experience with relational databases

Research skills

Education

Two-year community college diploma in Arts & Culture or related field

Post degree diploma in Arts Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB PURPOSE:

In a managerial capacity, the candidate will oversee the development department’s budget, strategy, and employees; participate as an active member of the Leadership Team; participate in Board meetings & committees, and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the company as set out by the CEO and Board of Directors. The successful candidate will actively seek out individuals in the community that have the interest and capacity to support THEMUSEUM through a transformational contribution(s) as donors and as members. The position will grow and maintain both the membership and the individual giving donor base through strategic acquisition, annual campaigns, and a strong stewardship plan.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

People Management:

• Delegate tasks and inform employees of new organizational and departmental processes, policies, equipment, etc.
• Provide orientation on processes, policies, software/equipment, etc. to new hires
• Manage employees’ time off, sick leave, lieu days, hours, etc.
• Balance employee interests and necessary/departmental work

Leadership & Decision-Making:

• Work with the leadership team on strategic decisions concerning overall organizational structure, brand, and activities.
• Determine goals and strategic plans for the development department, in consultation with development staff
• Provide oversight, strategy, and guidance for grant applications and sponsorship opportunities
• Make critical decisions regarding membership structure, pricing, communications, etc.

Development Department Management:

• Uphold CRA rules and guidelines
• Develop the annual fundraising schedule and coordinate an intra-departmental communications plan/calendar in consultation with the marketing and sales teams.

Constituent Relations and Individual Giving:

• Make presentations, negotiate partnerships, set meetings, and cultivate relationships with current donors, prospects, corporate sponsors, government representatives, project officers, foundation staff, donors, etc.
• Record findings, meetings, and communications in databases. Brief the CEO and Board on pertinent information and involve them when necessary.
• Develop a comprehensive plan for Major Gift and individual donor campaigns
• Compose donor appeals, submit design requests for marketing materials, and prepare/order accompanying materials: donation forms, business return envelopes, etc.
• Carry out donor stewardship through regular communications, site visit invitations, thank you cards, award ceremony attendance, etc.
• Organize and execute recognition for events, marketing materials, documentation, etc.

Membership

• Work with the Marketing team to develop strategies & execute programs and events to recruit, sustain and enhance corporate and individual membership
• Support the marketing, group sales, evaluation, and reporting activities related to memberships
• Liaise with THEMUSEUM’s members, answering queries and providing information on membership levels and associated benefits, and maintaining membership records
• Work across departments to determine deliverable member benefits and collaborate with the marketing team on compelling membership cultivation, solicitation, renewal, and stewardship materials
• Strategize for implementing a crossover between members and donors.

Other Duties:

• Attendance at special events and business meetings outside of regular office hours may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

Two-year community college diploma in Arts & Culture, Management/Business, Museum Studies, and Public Relations/Communications is preferred.

The following are assets to the position:

• Post degree diploma in Arts Management, Not-for-Profit Management, Fundraising
• Experience developing a membership program for a cultural institution

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Three years of related experience, including:

• Knowledge of fundraising practices and CRA guidelines
• Experience in securing gifts of $5000 or more from individual donors
• Experience in planning and executing Individual Giving campaigns: direct mail, e-appeals, etc.
• Extensive donor stewardship knowledge
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Well-developed research and presentation skills
• Experience with relational databases and/or CRM platforms
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to read, retain, and report on large amounts of information quickly and with accuracy
• Familiarity working with budgets and creating financial reports
• Experience working at multi-stakeholder, not-for-profit organizations is considered an asset

WORKING CONDITIONS – ENVIRONMENT

Normal Office Conditions – little exposure to foul language, poor lighting, noise, and travel.

EFFORT – PHYSICAL AND SENSORY

Substantial time spent keyboarding and sitting

Substantial time spent on report writing, proofing materials, and use of computer

Direct reports

Provide direct supervision to employees in the Development department.