Senior Development Associate

Company Overview

As one of the world’s leading theatre companies and Niagara’s 20 largest employers, The Shaw is dedicated to an
ongoing process of increasing diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs, and in all of our hiring for staff,
artists, and in the recruiting of board members. The Shaw is committed to a future when our theatres joyously draw
on and include all peoples, fully reflective of the world around us. As such, the Shaw Festival is an equal opportunity
employer committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We encourage and invite applications from
applicants who identify as Indigenous, Black or as persons of colour (IBPOC), the LGBTQ2+ communities and those
identifying as gender female. In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and in
keeping with our wish to ensure a fully inclusive environment, please advise Human Resources if you require an
accommodation throughout the recruitment process. We will be happy to assist.
We acknowledge and honour the land upon which we gather as the historic and traditional territory of First Nations
peoples. In particular, we recognize and thank the Neutral Nation, the Mississauga and the Haudenosaunee for their
stewardship of these lands over millennia.

Job Description

Position: Senior Development Associate (Full-time on location (Niagara-on-the-Lake) with some opportunity for
hybrid working.)

Salary: $50,000 – $65,000 (We offer a competitive Health & Benefit package, and matching Group RRSP plan to the
successful candidate.)

Who are you and what will you be doing?

You’re the kind of person who wakes up each morning excited to support a dynamic team at a time of significant
growth and transformation.
As the Senior Development Associate to the Director of Advancement, you’ll be at the heart of The Shaw’s major
fundraising efforts, ensuring that essential details—especially the tiniest ones—never slip through the cracks. You’ll be
an expert at triaging and keeping things moving, will thrive on bringing order to a fast-paced environment, and
understand that the relationships and human connections that are at the heart of fundraising depend on highly
effective systems and processes. At the same time, you understand that personalization is paramount: those
thoughtful, intentional gestures can and do make all the difference.

You will know exactly how to store a particular email so that it can be retrieved at a moment’s notice. You’ll care about
asking that extra little question that will make people feel genuinely seen and heard and you’ll naturally look for ways

to go above and beyond. And you will recognize that “above and beyond” also applies to processes – if a donor needs
a special thank you note or another exception to our usual routine, you’ll make sure it happens rather than letting it
get lost because it doesn’t fit the standard flow.
You’ll be a true ally to the Director: respectful but never timid, proactive without becoming a “human reminder
machine.” You’ll triage tasks and anticipate needs, always with an eye to strengthening relationships and building
community. You won’t hesitate to speak up or take initiative, and you’re eager to do whatever it takes—big or small—to
help the Director, the team, and our donors feel supported.

A Day in the Life…

Picture starting your day by reviewing the previous day’s emails. You’ll flag anything that needs personal attention or
follow-up, organizing them into actionable folders so the Director of Advancement can focus on what truly matters.
You might then transcribe and save meeting notes—live, if needed—from donor visits, immediately identifying next
steps and ensuring they’re assigned to the right people.
Throughout the day, you’ll be a “bottleneck remover”: drafting emails for the Director’s approval, updating donor
records and spreadsheets, proofing donor communications, and more. You’ll set up and support internal and external
meetings—everything from campaign committees to donor visits—making sure technology, food and beverage, and any
other logistics are handled without a hitch.
Below are some key responsibilities that will fill your days:
1. Supporting the Director’s donor portfolio: managing moves in Tessitura, saving important communication steps,
and ensuring donor information is always current.
2. Acting as the team’s eyes and ears: making sure the tasks people have promised get done, sending reminders when
needed, and helping support a space of accountability.
3. Scheduling and logistics: setting up or maintaining regular meetings, campaign committees, and donor visits
(including any tech or catering requirements).
4. Tailored donor service: ensuring top-level donor needs are handled with the special attention they deserve.
5. Proofing donor communications: knowing each donor’s unique preferences so that messages are accurate,
personalized, and ready for the Director’s sign-off.
6. Expense management: preparing monthly corporate visa expenses and supporting budget work, including invoices.
7. Calendar management: updating schedules with donor visits, running weekly reports on who’s coming and when,
and involving other senior leaders as needed.
8. Committee and board support: drafting agendas and reports, preparing gift agreements and pledge forms, and
tracking them through all the right channels.
9. Oversight of timely donor communications: making sure thank-you letters, calls, and receipts are consistently
personalized, promptly sent, and properly archived.
During the peak season (May to September), you’ll adapt to working flexible hours and occasional weekends, and you’ll
also travel within southern Ontario and north-eastern United States, ensuring The Shaw’s donors and supporters
receive the stellar experience they deserve.

What will make you successful?

First and foremost, you’ll have a genuine love of the arts—and be energized by working in a place where creativity and
magic happen every day. You’ll radiate approachability and warmth, combining emotional intelligence with a flair for
organization, systems, and spreadsheets. You’ll understand that personalization isn’t just a nice extra—it’s how people
truly feel seen and valued.
You naturally hold yourself to a high standard of excellence, going above and beyond what most people consider
“good enough.” You thrive on being part of a team while remaining a self-starter—ready to jump in and “just get on
with it.” You’re comfortable navigating an ever-evolving environment, where trust is paramount and collaboration
fuels success.

Above all, you’ll take pride in making sure the Director, donors, and the entire Shaw community feel well taken care of,
knowing your efforts help bring our charitable purpose to life.

Summary

The Senior Development Associate to the Director of Advancement is a detail-oriented, proactive professional who
thrives on creating structure in a fast-paced environment, naturally going above and beyond to ensure that no detail—
big or small—slips through the cracks. They understand the power of personalization and the importance of making
people feel seen and cared for. Skilled at triaging, coordinating, and safeguarding important information, they excel at
keeping all the moving parts in motion. Above all, they act as a trusted ally to the Director, always ready to do
whatever it takes to keep the team and donors fully supported.

Reporting to...This position reports to the Director of Advancement, and works closely with all members of the Development team.

Qualifications

1. Relevant Education and Experience: A post-secondary degree or diploma in business administration,
communications, or a related field is beneficial. Previous experience as an Executive Assistant or in a similar
administrative/project management role is highly desirable, especially in a fast-paced, deadline-driven
environment.
2. Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint),
and familiarity with donor management or CRM systems (e.g., Tessitura) are key. Comfort with digital collaboration
tools (Teams, Zoom, Slack, etc.) is also a plus.
3. Organizational and Project Management Skills: A proven track record of juggling multiple priorities, setting up and
maintaining efficient processes, and ensuring follow-through on important tasks and timelines.
4. Strong Communication Abilities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft donor
correspondence, meeting notes, and reports. The person should also excel at building positive relationships both
internally and externally.
5. High Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Skills: A friendly, approachable demeanor and the capacity to
collaborate seamlessly with diverse teams and stakeholders. Sensitivity to donor relationships and confidence in
handling confidential or sensitive information.
6. Attention to Detail and Quality: An innate commitment to accuracy and thoroughness, including the ability to spot
small inconsistencies, tailor communications for different donors, and adapt processes when necessary.
7. Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends during the peak season, and to
travel within southern Ontario and the northeastern United States when required. Experience or enthusiasm for the
arts and theatre environment is a strong asset.