About the Position
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Major Gifts, the Development Officer is responsible for managing a portfolio of prospects at the $25,000+ level, developing and executing cultivation and solicitation strategies, and supporting direct solicitations in collaboration with the Director of Development and other NBOC leaders and volunteers.
As the National Ballet enters the final planning stages of a comprehensive fundraising campaign, the Development Officer will manage key activities within the Major Gifts team in support of campaign objectives. This will include developing and implementing stewardship and recognition policies, supporting financial reporting for operating and campaign revenue budgets, and developing reports and dashboards from the Tessitura database to track major gift activity and performance.
Duties & Responsibilities
Portfolio Management and Solicitation Activity — 70%
- Personally develop and execute strategies to cultivate and solicit a portfolio of approximately 60 individual and foundation prospects ($25,000 and above) for whom the Development Officer is the assigned Relationship Manager, for gifts in support of the NBOC’s mission.
- Conduct 40–50 face-to-face meetings or calls annually, creating opportunities for meaningful donor engagement and cultivation, and prepare tailored materials, proposals and correspondence appropriate to each donor.
- Steward each prospect and donor through all stages of the donor cycle to deepen and strengthen their relationship with the Company, its leaders and staff.
- Provide strategic support to the Director of Development and other members of the team in preparing briefing notes, proposals, impact reports and other strategy documents as required.
- Confirm gift decisions that support the financial aspirations of the Company, as approved by senior NBOC leadership.
Major Gift / Campaign Operations — 20%
- Provide leadership, in collaboration with NBOC staff and the Tessitura team, in developing advanced financial reports, dashboards and other tools that support major gift and campaign fundraising.
- Ensure reporting appropriately reflects multi-year pledges and supports an understanding of annual operating and campaign revenue requirements.
- Develop donor- and volunteer-facing financial reports for individual solicitations and committee and Board meetings, in consultation with the Communications team.
- Implement best-practice guidelines for major gift solicitation and gift processing to support timely renewals, pledge installment collection and tax receipting.
- Ensure appropriate major gift stewardship and recognition for donors solicited by the Major Gifts team, providing support to team members as required.
Other Duties — 10%
- Provide support in developing donor communications as a subject matter expert in key areas.
- Provide support to volunteer meetings such as the Campaign Cabinet and others as required.
- Serve as an ambassador for the Company, consistently and convincingly demonstrating the importance of private-sector support.
Equipment Handled
- Personal computer, laptop, copier, printer, scanner, camera.
Contacts
- Frequent interaction with prospective donors, donors, volunteers, staff members and artists of the National Ballet of Canada. Close working relationships with members of the Development, Artistic, Communications and Finance departments.
Outcome / Consequence of Error
- This role involves significant interaction with donors and volunteers; errors in judgment or discretion may negatively affect the public perception of the Development department and the National Ballet of Canada.
- Failure to prioritize effectively and manage competing responsibilities could lead to missed deadlines and revenue shortfalls. Inaccurate financial recordkeeping may affect functions that rely on accurate donor information.
- Lapses in confidentiality could result in embarrassment and a potential loss of donor support.
- Errors in event planning or communications may negatively affect the Company’s image.
Qualifications and Experience
- University degree or equivalent.
- At least three years of fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record of securing major gifts and foundation grants of $25,000+.
- Exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
- Strong project management, organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and calmly.
- Self-motivated, with a flexible and proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Discreet and tactful in handling confidential information.
- Capable of working independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
- Proficient in using databases and general computer applications.
- Passion for the performing arts and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Conduct aligned with AFP Standards of Professional Practice.
Working Conditions
- Primary location: Walter Carsen Centre, 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto.
- Secondary location: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. West, Toronto, during performance months.
- Standard office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Occasional evening and weekend work required.
- Hybrid model of office and remote work currently in effect.
Compensation and Benefits
We strive to offer competitive, market-based compensation. During the interview process, we will work closely with you to determine a salary package that is commensurate with your experience and background. We understand the importance of work-life balance and are committed to supporting our employees’ overall wellbeing and productivity. We offer a range of benefits and perks to assist in maintaining this essential equilibrium:
- Salary range: $70,000-$80,000 per annum.
- Complimentary season tickets to performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
- Comprehensive Health & Dental and Paramedics Benefits package, including a Health Spending Account, company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan.
- Counselling services and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Discount to In Studio fitness classes and access to onsite fitness rooms.
Application Process
This posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization. Please use the link below to apply and upload one PDF document that includes a brief cover letter and current resume by no later than October 14, 2026.
Apply Now
We will be reviewing candidate submissions as they are received, and we may choose to move forward with interviews before the deadline. Early submission is encouraged. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The use of artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants. All hiring decisions are made by our managers and HR team.
The National Ballet of Canada is committed to taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of health and safety for workers as required by the Occupational Health and Act (OHSA). We are also committed to compliance with all applicable public and occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy and other laws. The successful candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.
All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We will primarily be using your phone number listed or email to communicate with you. It is your responsibility to include an updated phone number and email address and accept calls/emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your phone, voice messages and email regularly. If no response is received within a reasonable timeframe, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, we reserve the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.
Statement of Intention and Accommodation
The National Ballet of Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment where employees feel valued and respected. The organization is committed to reflecting the diversity of our community, our city, and our country, and strives to ensure its recruitment and selection processes are bias-free. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates of all cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. The recruiting team will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.
