Manager, Donor Relations

Company Overview

Soulpepper Theatre Company’s (Soulpepper) vision is to share vital stories that connect us all. Soulpepper delivers on that mission by producing a year-round season of over 500 events, including plays, concerts, musicals, festivals and presentations. programs such as our Soulpepper Academy, City Youth Academy, Summer Mixtape and Curtain Led by Executive Director, Gideon Arthurs and Artistic Director, Weyni Mengesha, Soulpepper’s home is the Young Centre for the Performing Arts situated in the historic Distillery District in Corktown in downtown Toronto. 

Job Description

Soulpepper Theatre is searching for a highly collaborative new colleague to join our Development Team. The ideal candidate is a natural relationship builder, who thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is passionate about the role the arts can play in community-building and social good. 

Working closely with the Director of Partnerships and Development, the Manager, Donor Relations is an integral part of the Development Team, which is jointly responsible for securing over $10 million annually from a variety of funding sources. Highly motivated and creative, this role interfaces with the larger Soulpepper artistic and administrative teams to grow and deepen the culture of philanthropy at the organization.  Soulpepper is seeking an entrepreneurial-minded individual with fresh insights who will drive revenue growth by strategically leading the development of a donor pipeline and lifecycle by strengthening existing relationships and welcoming new ones. If you are interested in being part of the transformative growth opportunities underway at Soulpepper, we invite you to submit your application.

RESPONSIBILITES

In this full-time permanent position, the Manager, Development & Donor Relations will work closely with the Director of Partnerships & Development to execute all aspects of Individual Giving campaigns and strategies including donor identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. The Manager will lead and oversee the Department’s operational objectives which support and promote fundraising in the areas of donor database, donations processing, fundraising reporting and analysis, donor relations, and donor events. Mentoring one direct report, the Development Coordinator, this role also interfaces with the Board Development Committee and the Board at large, as well as the Executive and Artistic Director to achieve the Department’s annual and long-term goals.

Specific responsibilities of the Manager, Donor Relations include but are not limited to:

1.     Actively manage a portfolio of individual donors at the $10,000 giving level and below to ensure a high rate of annual gift growth, renewal and stewardship;

2.     Manage stewardship and cultivation of Soulpepper’s Women Centre Stage program, Soul Mates monthly giving program, and execution against new campaign strategies;

3.     Actively manage a portfolio of individual donors at the $10,000 giving level and below to ensure a high rate of annual gift growth, renewal and stewardship;

4.     Collaborate with the Director of Partnerships and Development in the cultivation and stewardship of Major Gift donors;

5.     Work with the Director of Partnerships and Development to create an annual fundraising critical path, including renewal projections, goal setting, timing of communications, solicitations and events, and ensures the implementation of these activities;

6.     Mentor, train and supervise direct report within Development Team;

7.     Ensure tracking, reporting and documentation of donor and prospect activities in Tessitura database in accordance with established procedures and CRA requirements, and coordinate with the Finance Department to reconcile revenue recognition and expense budgets;

8.     Manage preparation and execution of Soulpepper Gala event and opening night events;

9.     Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications department on Annual Fund materials including appeals, special events, brochures, stewardship reports and other material;

10.  Mentor, train and supervise direct report within Development Team;

11.  Attend select Soulpepper performances, receptions and events as required to develop relationships with donors and patrons;

12.  Other duties as required

CANDIDATE KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

The successful candidate should have the following knowledge and skills:

·         5+ years of broad-based experience in philanthropy sector of fundraising including special event management;

·         Proven record in managing the end-to-end donor lifecycle, including leadership and annual giving program growth, development and maintenance;

·         Experience with Board relations and working with executive volunteers;

·         Highly motivated creative and strategic thinker with superior interpersonal and presentation skills;

·         Exceptional writer and editor;

·         Experience working with cross-functional, collaborative, and inclusive teams;

·         Superior organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to work independently, multi-task and manage tight deadlines;

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, PowerPoint and Excel software;

·         Understanding and familiarization with fundraising management software, ideally Tessitura;

·         Thorough knowledge of not-for-profit fundraising practices and principles, and CRA legislation regarding fundraising and charitable giving;

WORKING CONDITIONS

·         Performs most duties in a regular office environment with some flexibility for remote working.

·         Must be available to work regular office ours however, due to the nature of the performing arts environment, some work may occur outside of regular office hours including evenings and weekends. 

VACCINATION CONDITIONS

In light of the impact of COVID-19 and, in particular, the continuing concerns with variants of COVID-19, Public Health recommendations, and the ready availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, Soulpepper has a mandatory vaccination policy. Soulpepper is strictly mandating that all Employees and Third-Party Companies confirm they have been fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). New employees must provide proof of being fully vaccinated no later than 2-weeks prior to their first scheduled day on any Premises. The Company will consider any request for accommodation by an employee who is unable to be vaccinated for bona fide and certified medical reasons, in line with the Human Rights Code.

COMPENSATION

·         Salary of $60,000 - $65,000

·         15 vacation days, 5 paid sick days and 5 personal days 

·         Health and dental benefits