Major Gifts Associate

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 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 ground-breaking 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 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

Reporting to the Manager, Philanthropy, The Major Gift Associate plays an important role in supporting the Advancement Department’s fundraising priorities for Canada’s National Ballet School, Canada’s National Ballet School Foundation and Friends of Canada’s National Ballet School. As a member of NBS’ Advancement Department, the Associate, Major Gifts 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 new 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+) and legacy giving as needed.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Building, tracking and maintaining the Major Gift donor pipeline, including database tracking (Raiser’s Edge) and generating reports and action lists as needed.
• Researching prospective Major Gift and Champion level donors, and participating in prospect identification meetings.
• Identifying and qualifying prospective donors.
• Supporting in the creation of solicitation strategies, and compiling information to create individual solicitation plans for major gift donors and prospects.
• Participating in internal and external meetings related to Major Gift and Champion level donor prospecting, renewals, solicitation, stewardship and gift planning.
• Assisting Senior Management and Relationship Managers in executing solicitation plans for donors and prospects.
• Opportunity to lead a portfolio of approximately 20 prospects within the first 18 months of employment ($5,000-$10,000).
• Preparing internal prospect briefing packages for review by the Advancement Team and Senior Management.
• Supporting the fundraising communications including letters of intent and proposals, assisting in information gathering for written materials.
• Supporting the creation of solicitation presentations and materials.
• Supporting in the cultivation and stewardship of Major and Champion level donors.

The Associate will also support the Chief of Advancement and the department’s donor stewardship activities as needed, including but not limited to:

• Researching prospective Future Steps Members (NBS’ Legacy Giving program).
• Supporting the Future Steps solicitations and project goals.
• Attending donor events (online and in person).
• Researching and participating in special projects.

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!

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education; certificate or training in fundraising or arts management is an asset.
• Minimum 3 years working in a charitable sector and/or 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.
• Ability to handle information confidentially.
• 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.
• Understand fundraising and best practices.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Strong working capabilities in Raisers Edge.

We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process and employment. Please let us know if you require any specific accommodations.

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

Thank you for considering a career with Canada’s National Ballet School. We look forward to potentially welcoming you to our team!