Development Officer

Company Overview

Help us shape the future of Canadian theatre in Southern Ontario!

Rooted in humour and empathy, Lighthouse Festival delivers high-calibre live theatre
with an emphasis on distinctly Canadian stories.
We showcase the talents of established and emerging artists on our stages throughout
the region: at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover, Roselawn Theatre in Port Colborne and
the community stage at Simcoe Little Theatre. A long-standing charitable organization,
we contribute to the contemporary canon through our play development program for
Canadian playwrights and inspire the next generation of artists, technicians, donors and
patrons with our arts and youth programs. Our enduring promise is an exceptional
immersive theatre experience from beginning-to-end!
As a workplace, Lighthouse Festival strives to cultivate a culture of creativity, honesty,
and community leadership. Lighthouse’s talented individuals operate as a tight-knit
team committed to the theatre’s success across vibrant communities.

Job Description

At Lighthouse Festival, our Development Officer role is more than fundraising - it's
about building lasting relationships that bring professional theatre to life.
Our Development Officer is an anchor to lasting relationships in our communities.
We're looking for a theatre lover who can cultivate authentic connections that transform
the passion of our supporters into artistic possibility. If you are inspired by engaging
others in their philanthropy, excel at crafting compelling stories and turning shared
vision into community impact, we want to talk with you about joining our team during this
exciting period of growth and opportunity.
Development Officer Reports to: Executive Director
About the Role
We're seeking a dynamic Development Officer to help us increase Lighthouse Festival’s
growing impact as we engage with arts lovers across Southern Ontario. Working closely
with the Executive Director, this position plays a crucial role in driving organizational
growth through individual and corporate supporter relationships between Port Dover
and Port Colborne.
Note: The Development Officer role is currently a bridge for existing staff resources on parental leave until late 2026, and responsible for all Development activity in all our communities served. At the completion of the parental leave, this position will focus on opportunities in the Port Colborne specifically.
Primary Responsibilities
FUNDRAISING PLANNING AND ANALYSIS
• Collaborate in planning an annual program of revenue development focused on leveraging Lighthouse’s private sector fundraising potential of $300,000+
•
Manage and report on all program goals and outcomes and work with the Executive Director to leverage current trends for greater benefit
INDIVIDUAL PHILANTHROPY
Major Gifts
•
Support stewardship strategies and the Executive Director’s relationships with Major Gift donors and cultivate existing and new relationships towards the Major Gift level
Intermediate Giving
•
Work with the Executive Director to design an annual plan that engages mid-level donors across all Lighthouse communities
•
Personally manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects, leveraging Lighthouse’s offerings to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships by sharing the story of Lighthouse’s impact in inspiring and compelling ways
Broad-Based Direct Response Campaigns (Renewals, Lapsed & Acquisitions)
•
Design and execute a rigorous program of broad-based annual gift renewals and upgrades
•
With the support of Lighthouse’s marketing team, design and execute broad-based, thematic direct response campaigns to acquire new donors and re-engage lapsed supporters
•
Profile campaigns and onsite giving at local performances
Planned Giving / Legacy Society
•
Oversee planning, promotion and execution for Lighthouse’s new Legacy Giving Society to recognize supporters who have left a bequest in their will
Donor Stewardship & Communications
•
Maintain a best-in-class stewardship and recognition program with communication vehicles and behind-the-scenes experiences that demonstrate the value the organizational places on its donors as part of the Lighthouse family
•
Follow organizational best practices set by Lighthouse marketing team to ensure donor database (Tessitura) is accurate and up-to-date
Private Sector Grants Program
•
Work with the Executive Director to design and implement an annual plan that engages foundations aligned with Lighthouse’s mandate
•
Personally manage a portfolio of grantors and share the story of Lighthouse’s impact in inspiring and compelling ways
CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND SERVICE CLUB SUPPORTERS
•
Develop and execute comprehensive strategy that invites corporations, associations and service clubs at all levels to engage with Lighthouse on both a marketing and community benefit basis
•
Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers
•
With support of Lighthouse’s marketing team, create tailored marketing partnership opportunities as well as community support initiatives that share Lighthouse value proposition for support in compelling ways
•
Manage program reporting and timelines for deliverables, and oversee implementation
Qualifications & Skills
•
Strong interest in theatre and arts
•
3-5 years of proven experience in fundraising or related fields
•
Strong organizational, multi-tasking abilities and attention to detail
•
Self-starter with the ability to work independently
•
Strong relationship-building and networking abilities
•
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•
Strong analytic skills and the ability to find business development opportunities
•
Proficiency with CRM systems (Tessitura experience preferred, but not required)
•
Budget management experience
•
Access to vehicle and valid driver’s license