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 discrimination 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 include: 

Donor and Sponsor Relations 

• Develop and implement a robust sponsorship program to support Drayton Entertainment’s annual theatre season. 
• Procure in-kind donations to support the theatre, as directed.  
• Manage the ongoing deployment of Drayton Entertainment’s Membership program as the organization’s annual giving campaign, including renewals, direct appeals, targeted campaigns, and key messaging. 
• Oversee ongoing seat naming campaigns and associated giving across all venues.  
• Identify internal and external prospects for future support. 
• Create tailored impact reports base on impact-driven metrics.  

Audience Development 

• Develop new opportunities for audience engagement such as backstage tours, talkbacks, etc.
• Support the organization’s presence at community events that will build, sustain, and engage audiences.
• 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.). 
• Coordinate partnerships for cross-promotional and revenue generation initiatives (e.g. dining & accommodation packages) to support ticket sales in conjunction with the marketing team. 
• Oversee fundraising raffles across performances at all venues as well as online.
• Secure and manage advertisements for House Programs and other marketing related opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities 

• Contribute to funding applications and legacy giving proposals.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with patrons, sponsors, donors, and volunteers. 
• Support the annual Development Plan and budget to achieve objectives for each fiscal year.
• 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 & QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for the performing arts and an intense desire to work with the public. 
• College or University Bachelor of Arts degree, live theatre / other artistic discipline industry experience, sales or fundraising experience, or other relevant experience appropriate to the role with correlating responsibility. 
• Demonstrable project management and donor relations experience.  
• Proven ability to cultivate relationships with a range of stakeholders. 
• Engaging personality, coupled with persistence and tenacity. 
• Superior verbal and written communication skills. 
• Self-starter with demonstrated time management skills and process for completing donations 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.