Development Officer

Company Overview

a Company of Fools is a professional theatre company based in Ottawa, Ontario decided to performing the works of William Shakespeare (with a Foolish twist) in parks across the city all summer long. Our mandate is to engage with the community through works inspired by William Shakespeare. Our mission is to inspire connection by bringing accessible professional theatre to Ottawa and beyond. We don’t sell tickets to our shows: our performances are by donation to increase access to the arts and encourage inclusivity. Our company values are: Belonging, Accessibility, Professionalism, Learning, and Joy.

a Company of Fools encourages submissions from artists of all backgrounds regardless of culture, race, colour, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Job Description

a Company of Fools is seeking a passionate and dedicated Development Officer to join our growing team! This role is crucial in supporting a Company of Fools’ strategic plan and fundraising efforts for our upcoming 35th season. 

The Development Officer’s main areas of responsibility include (but are not limited to) donor relations, donor event management, and sponsorship initiatives. If you’re a motivated professional with a strong understanding of donor engagement and the non-profit arts sector, we’d love to hear from you!
As the Development Officer, you will work to secure funding and sponsorships for the Fools. You will assist senior staff in developing fundraising plans, maintaining donor relationships and securing new ones, and advancing the company's initiatives through actively seeking out partnerships. Additionally, you will coordinate with various business partners and organize fundraising and sponsorship events. We are looking for someone who is able to cultivate partnerships connected to tourism and hospitality for our 35th anniversary season.

You will also work with marketing to plan ways to increase brand awareness and funding avenues, and will create a tailored long-term development plan for sponsorship models, as well as create a detailed list of recommendations regarding the company's existing development activities and make suggestions to ensure a healthy financial future.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Fostering positive relationships with current and potential business and community partners

• Working closely with the Marketing Manager to promote marketing events, programs, and fundraising events using advertisements and digital marketing outreach

• Analyzing fundraising outcomes to determine effectiveness for future initiatives

• Researching and identifying prospective new donors and proactively initiating sponsorship and funding opportunities

Administrative support

• Managing donation processing and maintaining accurate donor records in our database

• Collaborating with Marketing to ensure donor recognition across all platforms

• Assisting with grant applications and corporate sponsor applications as necessary

• Processing accounts receivable and generating tax receipts in collaboration with the General Manager as it pertains to development and fundraising

Event management

• Planning and coordinating development events

• Handling event logistics, including staffing, catering, décor, and guest communications, etc.

• Managing RSVPs and liaising with relevant partners to ensure seamless event execution

Collaboration and Reporting

• Coordinating the production and distribution of development materials, including brochures and promotional items

• Providing regular updates on fundraising activities and collaborating with other staff to ensure cohesive strategies

• Serving as a key point of contact for donors, ensuring consistent and professional communication

Qualifications

• Education: A post-secondary degree/diploma or the equivalent combination of education and work experience

• Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience in fund development including donor management, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

• Proficient in English (written and spoken)

• Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills

• Outstanding interpersonal skills including effective communication with a diverse set of stakeholders through written, verbal, and in-person communication

• Ability to think strategically, work independently, and work collaboratively in driving new initiatives or enhancing existing programs

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel) and experience with databases is an asset

• Familiarity with Canva and Adobe software is a plus

• Experience in a nonprofit or arts organization is an advantage