Annual Fund Development Manager

Company Overview

Founded in 1975, The Blyth Centre for the Arts includes the Blyth Festival – our professional, regional theatre – as well as a community orchestra and a curated art gallery.

Our stage productions at Blyth Festival are dedicated to sharing the unique stories and experiences of rural life in Ontario and across Canada.   Since 2016, through the dedication of our staff and company, the unwavering support from our community & donors, and under the leadership of Artistic Director, Gil Garratt, the Blyth Festival has tripled its budget, grown in scope and extended its season.

In 2021, we built the Outdoor Harvest Stage, growing our mainstage capacities and welcoming audiences to the magic of theatre under a Huron County sky.  

As we approach our 50th season, we remain focused and committed to showing how our innovative arts centre can transform not just rural economic development, but the very meaning of community and inclusion in 21st century rural towns in Canada. 

We are seeking an Annual Fund Development Manager to play a key role in generating fundraising revenue to support the theatre’s programs and operations.  This is a full-time position, based in Blyth, Ontario.  Some regional travel will be required.  Opportunities for a hybrid work schedule are available.

The successful candidate will have a proven record of experience fundraising, excellent communication and networking abilities, and a drive to make strong connections within the community.

Job Description

As the Annual Fund Development Manager, you will work closely with, and report to, our Director of Audience Development as you collaborate on and implement the fundraising strategy.

The position requires an enthusiastic, resourceful self-starter with excellent written, oral, and presentation skills, well-developed computer skills, and the ability to work as a collaborative, inclusive, and ‘hands-on’ team player. 

Specifically, the Annual Fund Development Manager manages the corporate partnerships portfolios, individual giving, and private foundations. Working directly with the Director of Audience Development this position is responsible for developing and managing all activities related to the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donations, ensuring our supporters are inspired by the Blyth Festival’s mission and mandate.

COMPENSATION:

• $60,000 - $65,000/yr, based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• 10-days vacation upon completion of a 3-month probationary period
• Flexible working environment

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• With Director of Audience Development, develop and activate an annual, integrated fund development plan that includes a solicitation strategy and plan to achieve fundraising revenue goals.
• Manage a portfolio of donors: cultivate, solicit, and close gifts to expand the donor base and meet revenue objectives.
• Prepare proposals, impact reports, letters of inquiry, briefings, etc.
• Lead the corporate engagement strategy and secure appropriate corporate partners based on the goals outlined.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, to identify fundraising opportunities and to manage and increase donor engagement.
• Liaise with the Festival’s fundraising consultant around campaign communications materials
• Work with the Director of Audience Development to develop and execute strategic donor stewardship and cultivation events.
• Stay current on industry best practices through participation in peer groups, and professional development. 
• Actively work to enhance and grow positive relationships with all departments within the organization.

 REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Post-secondary education in arts or business administration, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 3+ years of recent fundraising experience with a charity or non-profit organization.
• Proven record of building and delivering innovative and highly effective donor engagement vehicles, programs and events.
• Ability to communicate the Blyth Festival’s vision and key messages to potential supporters.
• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills and the ability to communicate effectively with donors, volunteers, and other community members.
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills, through various mediums.
• Strong financial acumen.
• Knowledge of CRM databases is considered an asset.
• Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Note: Candidates with relevant, transferable skills who do not exactly meet the above specifications are encouraged to apply.