Development Officer

Company Overview

Help us shape the future of Canadian theatre in Southern Ontario!Rooted in humour and empathy, Lighthouse Festival delivers high-calibre live theatre with an emphasis on distinctly Canadian stories. On mainstages in Port Dover, Port Colborne and at the community Simcoe Little Theatre, we showcase the talents of established and emerging artists. Through play development, we contribute creative comedic and dramatic content scripted by Canadian playwrights to the Canadian cultural landscape. With our arts and youth programs we reach into the community to inspire the next generation of artists, technicians, donors and patrons. Our enduring promise is an exceptional immersive theatre experience from beginning-to-end. Lighthouse is a place to be and to be part of! As a workplace, Lighthouse Festival strives to cultivate a culture of creativity, honesty, and community leadership. A long-standing charitable organization, Lighthouse operates as a tight knit team of talented individuals committed to the theatre’s success. At Lighthouse Festival, our Development Officer role is more than fundraising - it's about building lasting relationships that bring professional theatre to life across three vibrant communities. We're looking for a theatre lover who can transform donor passion into artistic possibility.If you excel at crafting compelling stories, building authentic connections, and turning shared vision into community impact, we want to talk with you about joining our team during this exciting period of growth and opportunity.

Job Description

Development Officer – Interim Full Time (Maternity Leave 12 months with potential for extension)

Reports to: Executive Director

About the Role

We're seeking a dynamic Development Officer to help us increase Lighthouse Festival’s growing impact as we engage with arts lovers across Southern Ontario. Working closely with the Executive Director, this position plays a crucial role in driving organizational growth through individual and corporate supporter relationships across our three locations (Port Dover, Port Colborne, Simcoe).

Primary ResponsibilitiesCollaborative Planning & Analysis·       Collaborate in planning an annual program of revenue development focused on leveraging Lighthouse’s fundraising potential with individuals and corporations

·       Track and report on all program goals and outcomes and work with the Executive Director to leverage current trends for greater benefit

Individual Philanthropy

·       Work with the Executive Director to design and implement an annual plan that engages individual donors at all-levels

·       Personally manage a portfolio of major and intermediate donors and prospects, leveraging Lighthouse’s offerings to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships

·       Match donor interests to elements of Lighthouse’s Case for Support and share the story of Lighthouse’s impact in inspiring and compelling ways

·       With the support of Lighthouse’s marketing team, design and execute broad-based, thematic direct response campaigns across multiple channels

·       Deliver a best-in-class stewardship and recognition program with communication vehicles and behind-the-scenes experiences that demonstrates the high value the organizational places on its donors as part of the Lighthouse family

·       Process donations, issue tax receipts and maintain donor database (Tessitura), with the support of team members

Corporate Supporter Engagement

·       Develop and execute comprehensive strategy that creatively engages corporations at all levels

·       Build and maintain relationships with key corporate decision-makers

·       Create tailored marketing partnership opportunities as well as community support initiatives to present to area businesses

·       Manage corporate supporter deliverables and timelines

Stewardship & Servicing Events

·       Lead stewardship, partner appreciation and corporate sponsored events

·       Manage event logistics, budgets, and coordination across departments, including opening nights