Director of Fund Development & Partnerships

Company Overview

About Vertigo Theatre 

Vertigo Theatre is a premiere cultural institution in Calgary and has entertained audiences for over 47 years with high-quality programming. It is the only theatre in North America that produces a season based entirely in the intrigue and mystery genre. Located at the base of the Calgary Tower, the Vertigo complex is home to our administration, ticket offices, and two performance venues. We cater to a diverse audience including young adults, students, urban professionals and seniors.

Job Description

The Ideal Candidate 

Vertigo Theatre is seeing an enthusiastic and motivated individual with superior administrative, research, events and hosting skills to join our team! The Director of Fund Development & Partnerships will act as first point of contact for the development activities of the organization under the guidance of Executive Director. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with an interest in the arts or non-profit sector who is committed to ensuring exemplary donations administration and donor service, as well as the coordination of successful annual giving activities.

Specific Accountabilities

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Artistic Director, Marketing Team, and Board of Directors to set short and long-term goals;
• Take the lead role in developing the strategic Fund Development and Partnerships Plan that will achieve financial goals, and once approved by leadership, communicate strategies and tactics to staff and board, ensuring all are knowledgeable as to their responsibilities.

Fund and/or Business Development

• Lead all prospect, donor, and sponsorship research, identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; in accordance with the Fund Development and Partnerships Plan;
• Lead researcher and writer of Vertigo Theatre’s case for support and other recognition materials;
• Conduct and lead face to face solicitations;
• Oversee the planning and execution of direct response programs and materials;
• Collaborate with the Executive Director with the identification, application, and reporting in relation to government and private foundation funding;
• Actively seek out community opportunities, attend presentations and events to enhance Vertigo’s brand and visibility with current and prospective donors and sponsors;
• Design, implement, and manage a recognition program to effectively communicate Vertigo Theatre’s appreciation to its individual gift donors and to provide the donors the appropriate degree of public recognition for their support. Daily execution to be managed by the Development Coordinator;
• Participate in Capital Campaign planning, implementation, and reporting, in partnership with the Fundraising Committee, Executive Director, and Capital Campaign Cabinet to develop and implement a multi-year capital campaign strategy;
• Lead and manage the Development team; provide training and development, performance feedback, coaching, guidance, and counselling.

Team Leadership

• Select and provide strong leadership and mentorship to all fund development team members and contractors, including conducting formal performance reviews with direct reports and compensation recommendations to the Executive Director;
• Oversee the appropriate records and reporting in relation to all donations, sponsorship, and gaming revenues in accordance with CRA and AGLC best practices and Vertigo’s policies and procedures;

Volunteer Recruitment and Support

• As an active member of the Fundraising Committee, work with the board to identify and recruit passionate volunteer leadership to serve on the Fundraising Committee and Special Events teams;
• Oversee, organize, and support all Development volunteer participation; and
• Ensure appropriate support and preparation, including orientation programs for new volunteers and Board members when applicable.

Measures of Success

• Increased levels of donor support and corporate partnerships;
• Financial goals for revenues and expenses achieved;
• Increased number of prospects researched and cultivated resulting in strengthened donor base and capacity building;
• Positive feedback from donors, patrons, and board members (in relation to donor cultivation/stewardship process)

Candidate Qualifications

Education

• Degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited post-secondary institution or equivalent experience preferred. CFRE Designation would be considered an asset.

Experience

• 5-10 years of fundraising leadership or business development experience, ideally with a not-for-profit or public sector organization; proven management and leadership capabilities;
• Demonstrated success closing major gift, sales, or corporate partnerships ranging from $25,000 to $100,000+;
• Understanding of Canada Revenue Agency guidelines for the acceptance of charitable gifts; 
• Experience with fund development databases (iWave) and Microsoft Office Suite;
• Experience in coaching and mentoring fundraising staff.

Vertigo Theatre has a responsibility to create work spaces where people feel respected and can be themselves and do their best work in every capacity. With this in mind, we encourage applications from qualified individuals who identify as Indigenous, Black, or POC as well as 2SLGBTQIA+, Disabled/People with Disabilities and/or Neuro-Divergent people.

*If there are any potential barriers (language, disability, or any other considerations) preventing you from applying, please reach out to us at admin@vertigotheatre.com and we will work with you to find a suitable application process.

Hours

40 hours per week with some evenings and weekends required

Compensation 

• Extended Health and Dental plan after successful completion of a 3-month probationary period with costs shared 50/50 between employee and employer
• 3 weeks of vacation time annually and other holidays as determined by leadership

Working Conditions

This position requires face-to-face and virtual discussions with individuals and teams, with a collaborative work style. The Director of Fund Development makes independent decisions, determines tasks, priorities, goals, and activities to achieve department goals. The position includes regular use of a computer and phone, writes letters and memos, prepare documents and participates in meetings internally and externally. Some local travel may be required.

Start Date

Early-mid April 2024.