Development Manager

Company Overview

Drayton Entertainment is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization and one of Canada's most successful professional theatre companies. We present the finest in live theatre for all ages at seven unique venues across Ontario: the Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Huron Country Playhouse

(Mainstage and South Huron Stage) in Grand Bend, King's Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs, and the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge. We also operate a Youth Academy in Waterloo. Drayton Entertainment is committed to inclusion and diversity in hiring, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply without regard to age, disability, ethno-cultural identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other historically underrepresented and marginalized identities.

Drayton Entertainment is committed to providing all workers with a barrier free work environment free of discriminiation and harassment. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the employment selection process, please reach out directly to Natasha Hopf, Director of Human Resources, at natasha@draytonentertainment.com or 519-621-5511 ext. 240 so that we may provide assistance. 

Job Description

Reports to: Director of Development 

Function: A trusted, community-minded professional responsible for the cultivation and execution of various development programs and fundraising initiatives, as well as development of new audiences.  

Duties and Responsibilities shall include but not be limited to: 

Donor and Sponsor Relations 

• Administer paperwork, payment plans, and benefits fulfillment for major gifts received via grants, foundations, planned giving and endowments. 
• Develop and design sponsorship programs, secure support, and administer all sponsor-related benefits for Drayton Entertainment’s annual theatre season. 
• Review current Membership benefits, develop new benefits, and ensure obligations are fulfilled (e.g. advance booking for all events, scheduled deployment of tax receipts, etc.) 
• Procurement of in-kind donations as required by various departments. 
• Administer grassroots capital campaign gifts at all theatres (seats, tiles, etc.) 
• Monitor status and donation patterns of current donors and identify prospects for new gifts. 
• Create tailored impact reports base on impact-driven metrics. 
• Establish, track and manage clear short-term and long-term sponsorship and partnership goals that support annual fund development targets. 

Audience Development 

• Lead the organization's monthly Membership renewal campaign through the creation of marketing materials (brochures, web pages, emails) and oversee the annual year-end membership renewal campaign through the creation of direct mail appeals, targeted emails, and public facing website messaging. 
• Develop new opportunities for Member engagement, including but not limited to, backstage tours, talkbacks, pre-show receptions. 
• Pursue new opportunities in the community that will build, sustain and engage audiences and new membership, while simultaneously enhancing the theatre’s image and visibility. 
• In conjunction with the Marketing department, develop and implement a strategic audience development plan to grow attendance and engagement from new and diverse demographics. 
• Devise and implement audience development campaigns and initiatives designed to encourage first- time attendees and engage with new and under-represented audiences. 
• Conduct appropriate market research and gather feedback to improve audience retention. 

Revenue Generation: 

• Create compelling, personalized proposals and special solicitation correspondence for presentation to donors and prospects from funding sources (philanthropic, corporate, etc). 
• Evaluate changing trends in philanthropy and develop new programs responsive to the fundraising needs of the organization. 
• Coordinate and secure partnerships for cross-promotional and revenue generation initiatives (e.g. dining, accommodation and attraction bundling/packages) and other partnership opportunities (e.g. Opening Night receptions), in conjunction with the marketing team. 
• Oversee the 50-50 raffles; administering paperwork for in-person and online sales, completing applications to the AGCO and municipal registrars for licenses, responding to patron and staff inquires, and providing support to front-of-house staff in response to technical concerns. 
• Coordinate program advertisements and administration of advertiser-related benefits. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Oversee Development Associates in the creation and execution of major sponsorship and advertising agreements, coupled by a thorough knowledge of the theatre's ability to deliver donor benefits. 
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with patrons, sponsors, donors, and volunteers. 
• Implement the annual Development Plan and budget to achieve objectives for each fiscal year. This includes the techniques of direct mail, personal contact and relationship building with corporate and individual donors to realize stated goals. 
• Represent the organization at community and special events, including public speaking engagements, pitches, presentations and theatre tours as needed. 
• In conjunction with Marketing, ensure a consistent image of Drayton Entertainment’s fundraising initiatives are communicated through literature, activities, and media. 
• Other related duties, as assigned. 

Required Skills: The successful candidate must have a definite passion for the performing arts and an intense desire to work with the public. Some evening and weekend work will be required. 

Additional qualifications include: 

• Post-secondary education; University Degree preferred. 
• 3 – 5 years' experience in the fundraising or marketing sector, or related experience, preferably in a leadership position. 
• Previous project management and donor relations experience. 
• Demonstrated strong organizational and leadership skills. 
• Proven ability to generate sales/gifts and cultivate relationships with potential stakeholders. 
• Engaging personality, coupled with persistence and tenacity. 
• Superior verbal and written communication skills. 
• A “selfstarter” with demonstrated time management skills and a process for completing the donor cycle
• Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook is essential, as well as aptitude for learning software programs (ticketing).

TERM:  Full-time; Immediate Start.

This position is based in-person and on site at Drayton Entertainment’s Head Office at 46 Grand Ave. S., Cambridge.

Due to the nature of the live theatre industry, some evening and weekend work will be required.