Major Gifts Associate

Canada's National Ballet School; Toronto; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent arts educational institution in Toronto is seeking a Major Gifts Associate to support fundraising efforts. This full-time role involves building donor relationships, maintaining a donor pipeline, and creating solicitation strategies for major gifts. Candidates should have experience in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and be able to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Health & Wellness Benefits

Pension Plan

Generous Paid Vacation Time

Discounted rates for Adult Ballet Classes

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in a charitable sector and fundraising environment.
• Minimum 2 years in a direct fundraising role.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in building relationships with donors.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain the Major Gift donor pipeline.
• Research prospective Major Gift donors.
• Support the crafting of solicitation strategies.

Skills

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

Highly organized and detail-oriented

Creative and adaptable

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Strong problem-solving attitude

Education

Post-Secondary education; certificate or training in fundraising or arts management

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) invites applications for the full-time, permanent position of Major Gifts Associate. This role supports the Advancement Department’s fundraising priorities for NBS and Canada’s National Ballet School Foundation and Friends of Canada’s National Ballet School. As a member of the Advancement Department, the Major Gifts Associate 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. The role is part of NBS’ plan to grow Major Gifts as part of a long-term comprehensive fundraising plan, introducing, implementing and improving tools and resources to direct seamless and coordinated attention to major gifts. The role also supports annual fundraising with a focus on Champion level ($10,000+) as well as legacy giving as needed. This role includes managing a portfolio of at least 20 donors.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Build, track and maintain the Major Gift donor pipeline, including database tracking (Raiser’s Edge) and generating reports and action lists as needed
• Research prospective Major Gift and Champion-level donors, and participate in prospect identification meetings
• Identify and qualify prospective donors
• Support in the creation of solicitation strategies and compiling information to create individual solicitation plans for major gift donors and prospects
• Participate in internal and external meetings related to Major Gift and Champion level donor prospecting, renewals, solicitation, stewardship and gift planning
• Assist Senior Management and Relationship Managers in executing solicitation plans for donors and prospects
• Lead a portfolio of approximately 20 prospects within the first 18 months of employment
• Prepare internal prospect briefing packages for review by the Advancement Team and Senior Management
• Support the fundraising communications, including letters of intent and proposals, assisting in information gathering for written materials
• Support the creation of solicitation presentations and materials
• Support the cultivation and stewardship of Major and Champion-level donors
• Research prospective Future Steps Members (NBS’ Legacy Giving program)
• Support the Future Steps solicitations and project goals
• Attend donor events (online and in person)
• Research and participate in special projects
• All other duties as assigned

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-Secondary education; certificate or training in fundraising or arts management is an asset
• Minimum 3 years working in a charitable sector and 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
• 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
• Knowledge and understanding of fundraising and best practices
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Strong working capabilities in Raisers Edge

Why work for NBS?

• Health & Wellness Benefits: Dental, Health, Paramedical, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program
• Financial Security Benefits: Pension Plan
• Generous Paid Vacation Time
• Commitment to Work-Life Balance
• Development & Learning Opportunities
• Discounted rates for Adult Ballet Classes at Canada’s National Ballet School
• Discounted rates for all programs and items at our retail outlet
• Subsidized lunch and snacks
• Collaborative and Inclusive work environment: Join our EDI Committee, Book Club or Social Committee and participate in our fun employee events

What We’re Looking For

We value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn just as much as experience. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. If you have strong interpersonal skills, a knack for problem-solving, and a passion for contributing to a creative and supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Successful candidates must supply Canada’s National Ballet School with a Police Reference Check in accordance with the School’s Child Abuse / Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy; this will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS.