Job Description

Are you passionate about dance and looking to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and collaborative environment? Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is excited to invite applications for the full-time, permanent position of a Major Gifts Associate. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dynamic team that supports the transformative power of dance across all ages and abilities.

About Us:
At NBS, you’ll be part of a welcoming community dedicated to the arts and education. We offer a supportive work environment where new ideas are valued, and professional development is encouraged. NBS has 300+ employees supporting programs ranging from professional ballet training, community engagement, and groundbreaking health initiatives. Our collaborative work culture thrives on creativity, passion, and continuous growth. NBS is committed to the goal of being an equity-informed school. We invest heavily in work and practices that foster positive change internally while driving a progressive evolution in the wider sector. We recognize our responsibility as Canada's largest arts training organization and one of its oldest, to address anti-Black racism, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and systemic oppression in Canadian society.

Your Role:
This position plays an important role in supporting the Advancement Department’s fundraising priorities for Canada’s National Ballet School and Canada’s National Ballet School Foundation and Friends of Canada’s National Ballet School. As a member of NBS’ 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. As part of NBS’ plan to grow Major Gifts as part of a long-term comprehensive fundraising plan, this role is important to introducing, implementing and improving tools and resources that will help direct seamless and coordinated attention to major gifts. The role will also support annual fundraising with a particular 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!

We are committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. Should you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, we ask you to please make your needs/requirements known.

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.

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Canada's National Ballet School

Open Positions

Major Gifts Associate