Development Officer, Communications and Prospect Research

The Aga Khan Museum connects cultures and communities through the arts. The Museum’s mission is to spark wonder, curiosity, and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures.

The Toronto-based Museum promotes pluralism through art, storytelling, and enlightened encounters, across cultures. Using traditional and contemporary art as well as performing arts as a force for positive change, the Museum’s vision is to impact lives and contribute to more inclusive and peaceful societies. The Museum acts as a global learning hub, playing a unique and pivotal role in building connections between people and communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

Purpose of Position

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Stewardship, the Development Officer, Communications and Prospect Research, will be responsible for conducting research on current and prospective Museum donors, developing and writing a wide range of communications, and supporting the solicitation, recognition, and stewardship of Museum supporters. They will conduct thorough research, utilizing fundraising best practices, as well as draft donor communications and create experiences that inspire, deepen, and increase philanthropic support locally and globally. They will collaborate with Museum colleagues to ensure that philanthropic opportunities and narratives are integrated throughout other communication materials, positioning the fundraising voice across all community engagement opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Regular Responsibilities

Communications

1. Lead the content development, writing, and editing of multi-channel member and donor communications, including regularly scheduled communications such as newsletters, invitations, and the Museum’s annual report.
2. Collaborate with front-line fundraisers to design, write, and edit customized pitch sheets, funding proposals, and related collateral for presentation to donors and prospective donors.
3. Collaborate with external suppliers and contractors for the design and production of communication materials.
4. Act as a key liaison with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure Development materials adhere to brand standards and messaging.
5. Work with the Senior Manager, Stewardship to develop the Annual Report in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team.
6. Assist with fulfilling donor acknowledgements, recognition, and comprehensive customized stewardship reports (including copy and design), as well as letters from Museum leadership for all supporter levels.
7. Update contact information and contact restrictions of constituents in the database and generate mailing lists or reports for communications.
8. Design all member and donor e-communications, editing and updating design templates as needed.

Research

1. Develop, implement, and oversee systems and procedures for conducting research to identify, contact, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors to the Museum.
2. Lead the identification of prospective donors through research and analysis and establish priorities and strategies for the successful solicitation of donors.
3. Prepare detailed and up-to-date research briefings for the Development team (staff and volunteers) and Museum leadership in advance of calls and events.
4. Liaise with external researchers and assign projects as needed.
5. Ensure the proper use of research tools including CharityCAN and iWave.
6. Develop and maintain a prospect research pipeline that supports the work of fundraisers in the Development team.
7. Recommend guidelines and policies for prospect research and pipeline management.
8. Any other tasks assigned by the line manager.

Donor Relations

1. Support the Development team in designing and executing cultivation and stewardship events at the Museum, across Canada, and abroad, including VIP exhibition openings, presentations, curated tours and travel programs, and fundraising events.

PERIODIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plan, implement, and evaluate supporter surveys, in collaboration with other Museum departments.

Qualifications & Experience

1. Minimum of a university degree, preferably a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent.
2. Minimum 3 years of experience in research and writing.
3. Demonstrated proficiency in information acquisition methods, including the use of various online and print research resources such as iWave and CharityCan.
4. Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize data from a wide variety of sources and present the resulting information in a clear, convincing, and concise manner.
5. Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a track record for producing high-quality, persuasive documents — particularly funding proposals, impact reports, and marketing and communications materials that have resulted in fundraising success.
6. Exceptional skills in planning, organization, project management, prioritization, and time management, with the ability to handle multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.
7. Ability to handle information ethically, accurately, and confidentially.
8. Exceptional skills in MS Office Suite with word-processing and spreadsheet applications, fundraising, prospect management databases, and internet skills.
9. Basic experience with design software including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is required.
10. Experience in move management is preferred.
11. Experience with MailChimp, Prospect2, or other email marketing platforms is preferred.
12. Demonstrating inclusivity and respect for diverse populations.
13. Ability and willingness to work on-site and online as required by the Museum.
14. Ability to occasionally work outside of regular business hours.
15. Expressed interest in the mandate of the Museum.

The salary range for this position is $60,000.00 - $68,000.00 commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Please send your resume to akm.hr@akdn.org by April 30, 2025.

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.